Games for children, not coaches, parents

Being from “away” (I have lived in Bangor for over seven years), I have witnessed the seriousness parents, coaches and officials place on athletics in this great state of Maine. It is both admirable and astonishing.

I know there are many reasons for this, too many to list. But let us not forget why these kids play games: To learn to work together as a team, get some exercise, PLAY and have FUN. It is also an opportunity for them to learn lessons, that doing your best and “losing” is far better than cheating to win. And I believe the kids here know that. But boy, is it a shame when the adults are the ones who need to learn.

Games are for and about the children. Not about Super-Coach, overly zealous parents, or Mr. Umpire.

After a baseball game in which the plate umpire made numerous questionable calls, I heard a parent say to his son, “that’s baseball.” That dad was right, but it also would have been appropriate to add “that’s life,” because no matter how hard these kids try, there is always some adult standing nearby questioning the outcome.

Parents: support, don’t criticize. Coaches: coach. And officials: call them fairly. It is not about you, it is about them. You are all teaching these kids more than you will ever realize.

As a resident of the east side, not a parent to any player, I want to thank the Bangor East Little League Team (ages 11-12) for many terrific games. It was fun for me to support you guys and to cheer you on.

I would also like to wish Bangor West the best of luck in their upcoming games.

Angela Landon

Bangor

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