Is Sportsmanship Suffering In Sports

I really think we need to look at and really begin to have some answers for just how out of hand sportsmanship is in all sports. The crazy thing is that I get daily messages and news stories about some type of scuffle, brawl, unhinged argument and just plain behavioral disrespect. I really think the way things are going, there are going to be way more deaths and not from random acts of shootings, or other criminal activity but from just the overall lack of respect people have for each other now.

So I see everyday another sportsmanship issue in sports. Players, parents, coaches, refs, umpires. This is the most ridiculous thing in youth sports that I see going on. Players not respecting the game, their opponents or the people in charge of calling and managing the game. This has gotten so out of hand. The fights between players. Parents fighting with the officials or coaches. Officials wanting to interact with parents, coaches and players. As a guy who has coached for 37 years, been an athletic director. I see so much wrong when I coach or attend games to see clients, prospects. Wew have to be better than this everyone. To see coaches foghting with parents, officials or between the coaches makes us look like absolute idiots. Especially when it is occurring in 10u, 11u, 12u games. It has gotten to HS games knowing parental, girlfriend, boyfriend, sibling information and using it during games to yell completely ignorant remarks towards opponents. It has gotten so bad that social media is now playing a big part in causing problems. If you watch the accounts of players and teams you will see players and team accounts talking some serious crap back and forth. This should never come into play. I told my teams and players the game will be decided on the field and not in the communications leading up to the game. The idea now of trying to get into the head of your opponent with comments about their famil or whatever just makes my blood boil. Parents, when you attend a game, cheer for your player and team. Do not get personal with the opponents or the officials. Players remember that this is a game and that showing respect for it and for the other team is professional. Umpires, remember that your job is to manage the game on the field, not handle the game in the stands. Communicate with the coaches to address any issues. Players, also remember that the guys officiating the game are trying to do their best. Mistakes happen. Handle it with class. Coaches remember that the game is for the players and your team will react as you do and you condone. Let's all be better in our approach to the game.