[Smitty]

I worked 13 games this past weekend in a big 5th grade through 8th grade tourney. This is the same tourney Padgett mentioned in previous posts. I worked all different levels from prelim games to semis, and a couple championship games. The teams were from all over the country - some of them were the top teams at their age group in the country. Half of the players on the 8th grade team (14 years old) that won looked like they were high school seniors. There was some excellent basketball for their levels.

However...

The thing I noticed at the end was how no one seemed to be having any fun. From every single coach for every single team yelling at the top of their lungs at these kids from the tip till the end of the game (and beyond), to the parents yelling at the kids and officials during the games, I noticed not one kid smiling or appearing to have any fun whatsoever playing the game. There is so much pressure and stress put on these kids at such a young age to win at whatever cost - it is obvious that they are not having any fun at all playing the game. It's pretty sad.