Presidents Weekend Tourney - Does anyone have any fun anymore?
 

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.

You're right. All I witnessed was kids getting yelled at by coaches and parents and then showing their frustration and anger out on the court. Maybe that's why a lot of the games I worked had both teams in double bonus in both halves. That's one reason I like to work my local rec league. We absolutely do not allow any behavior like that by coaches or parents and it is strictly enforced.

BTW - I T'd a 7th grader for dunking during warmups! These kids really were big.

Some of these games were played at Concordia, right??? I worked Concordia's game Friday night...got there about 1 hour 45 min. before my game started. As I was walking in, the AD from Concordia was escorting two dads out and telling them that if their sons team played anymore games there over the weekend they were not welcome...I asked the AD what was going on and he said they were screaming and swearing from the stands - at the kids on their own team!! Pretty sad. I think he said that it was a 6th grade game...

The wonder of youth sports today! Parents living vicariously through their kids accomplishments............acting like jerks in the process and taking all the fun out of it for their kids. It's no wonder that more & more kids are deciding not to participate in sports once they reach high school.

Nope, the Concordia tourney was Lutheran MS teams from around the Northwest. It's called LEST -- Lutheran Elementary School Tournament. Overall the sportsmanship at LEST was MUCH MUCH better this year than I've seen in the past. I always enjoy that tourney, but there can be some problems. It's usually the coaches, although the parents to get pretty loud. I've never heard swearing, though!

Juulie - is there a Lutheran Upper School Tournament (LUST)? I'd like to work that - especially with you. :p

Absolutely concur! This post could be seen under baseball, soccer, football or on any other board - just change the sport. Unfortunately, basketball is in a smaller, indoor, more confined area which exacerbates the problem. Sad we have come to this.....but, it is what it is..... As parents and coaches we must lead by example and try to be part of the solution.

Couldn't this be construed as sexual harassment? Well, I guess not if she enjoys it. :D

Why do you think we wear fishnets? :rolleyes:

It's just the incoherent mutterings of the old coot from Laugh-In. Us real women sort of roll our eyes and put the ball into play, to avoid any more of it. Mark and his so-called "Hickory Farms" wouldn't harm a flea.