Teach young athletes to care about their audiences

To the editor:

It was a cross-country meet. A grandmother came to watch her high school student run. She mentions, “I don’t know why I make sure I attend all these events. My grandchild does not even seem to notice that I am here.”

Basketball season follows the fall sports season. A mother happens to note that she could leave following the game. “He doesn’t seem to care that I stay around until he comes out from the locker room.”

But isn’t that acknowledgment and care something that should be cultivated in our young athletes? Another related incident occurred after a recent game. An eighth-grade ball player waited for the varsity team to come back into the gym following the game. He looked for a friendly reaction when he wanted to say, “good game” to those older players.

Another question: Should the players pretend they care about the attention from onlookers if they really do not? Once again, what is the overarching purpose of school sports?  

True. It is an opportunity for players to hone their talents. True. The teamwork fosters a knowledge that the players are a group that works together and makes the most of each other’s abilities. True. The team learns thought processes to implement strategies that can be used throughout life. 

However, isn’t the development of care and appreciation more important than all the above?

We have all been teens. We can remember how adolescent shyness can make widespread friendliness a bit scary. But playing the game is scary. If one hurdle can be conquered, so can the other.

So, athletes, try to break out and show your friendliness, greet and thank those who came to watch you play. Yes, care! Perhaps learning to CARE is a vital value that needs to be fostered and should be right at the top of the goals of coaching – and of parenting.

Sincerely,
Nellda Friend
Leesburg