When I heard about Raptors fans cheering when they realized Kevin Durant was injured during game five I shuddered. Yes, I also heard that people cheered KD for him as he limped away, but that doesn't change people cheering when someone got hurt. As a frequent score checker during the series (often while binge watching The Handmaid's Tale), I am aware of the highlights (and in this case low lights) of what's going on. We tend to be more of a hockey and baseball family, but are obviously excited about the prospect of a home town win.
During skating lessons last winter, I noticed a prominent sign posted at the side of the rink. You know the one I'm talking about. The one that serves as a reminder to both parents and coaches that these are kids, this is supposed to be fun, and to calm the f$&#k down.
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Since my kids rarely play team sports and tend to favour swimming or even dance, this bad parental behaviour isn't something I've had to cringe through, yet. I've heard more than enough stories from other parents, and grew up with athletic siblings, so I get what goes on. Parents and coaches can act like every game is a life or death situation when in reality, isn't this supposed to be fun?
While professional athletes are paid well to endure being yelled at by a coach or heckled by a fan, cheering for someone who has been hurt, and potentially obtained a career ending, championship halting injury is complete and total bullshit.
So how do we go about teaching our kids about sportsmanship, even for kids like mine who are decidedly un-sportsy? Here are some ideas....
- Point out both good and bad sportsmanship of players, coaches, and fans at sporting events (like when the crowd cheers for a former player returning home or when <ahem> Tiger Woods throws a tantrum because he doesn't play well. Talk about it and brainstorm better solutions with your kids
- Encourage positive fandom, let them hold up signs, cheer, wear team jerseys, and chill with the mascots
- Teach them the nuances of trash talk (My kids LOVE wrestling, where you're encouraged to boo the bad guys) vs. being cheering on injuries, violent behaviour etc.
- Praise them for good sportsmanship, whether it's when playing a board game, or giving the other team high fives whether they win or lose and call your kids (and other family members out) when they behave in an unsportsmanlike way
- Lead by example in how you treat professional and recreational athletes, coaches, referees, etc.
- Call out other parents for bad behaviour and consider stepping up as a coach (whether it's in person or by writing a concerned letter to those in charge of the league)
Thoughts? Suggestions? I'm listening, and so are your kids.
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