The coach always tells us we should have fun and try to win.
Kick off!
Joe stops the ball. He kicks to Susan.
“Kick it to John!” I hear a scream.
“Kick it to Stephen,” another yells. “NO, Michelle!”
Susan is confused and kicks in the wrong direction.
We rush to get back but it’s too late. Our opponents score.
Parents are yelling at us for our stupidity. Some blame Susan.
We line up for kick off. No one is smiling. This isn’t fun.
“Don’t worry, Susan. It wasn’t your fault,” I try to say.
She wipes away a tear.
Ross's Writing Blog 
Judie
November 15, 2011 at 04:58
Unfortunately, way too much emphasis is put on winning in children’s sports these days. The parents always seem to think they know more than the coach, and aren’t shy about criticizing when they really just be more supportive of their children’s efforts. A lot of children are being hurt by their attitude.
Ross Mannell
November 15, 2011 at 21:57
Thanks for the comment.
As the prompt asked us to continue the story from last week but from the perspective of the circled player, I continued with the bad parent theme. As I really can look from my window and see children playing sport, I am pleased to say I have been seeing less and less of these parents over the years. Some who try, have found themselves banned from attending games.
Children’s sport should emphasise fun and fitness. Winning is a bonus.
Nonna Beach
November 15, 2011 at 11:04
Very good take on the prompt, realistic and timely !
Winning is part of life and so is losing. I just wish more parents would remain spectators and supporters and let their children handle the disappointments and flack in sports/team play dishes up !
Ross Mannell
November 15, 2011 at 22:00
Thanks for the comment.
Winning and losing is part of life. When asked advice on how to prepare a child for school, one tip was always to make sure your child understands they won’t always win but should have fun trying anyway. It’s not the win or lose in children’s sport, it’s the journey along the way. 🙂
grannysueo3Sue
November 15, 2011 at 13:41
Sadly, this is quite true to life these days. I wish that the coaches and parents would just relax a bit and let the kids play!
=)
Ross Mannell
November 15, 2011 at 22:02
Thanks for the comment.
Over recent years here in Australia, there has been a move to ban such parents from children’s sport until they can demonstrate self-control. That’s part of the reason I have seen a decline in aggressively fanatic parents.
Jenny Matlock
December 4, 2011 at 11:41
I’m fascinating that the Australian culture recognizes this and is trying to do something about it!
Bravo for that!
Self control is such an understated term for the viciousness so many of these parents embody.
Wonderful take on the second ‘view’ of the picture prompt.
Ross Mannell
December 4, 2011 at 20:39
Thanks for the comment.
I’ve seen parents so wrapped up in their ‘lost chance’ to be a porting star they project their desires on to their child, unfortunately not only in sport.
drews13
December 16, 2011 at 23:21
Hi Ross thanks for commenting on my blog!
P.s can I add a link of your blog to my blog
Ross Mannell
December 18, 2011 at 22:10
Hi,
Add a link if you like. There’s no problem. 🙂
Sorry about taking a couple days to respond but I’ve been very busy with filming and network problems.