I’ve been in the middle of watching one of my son’s hockey games when a parent from the opposing team decided to act like a total crazy person and berate one of the players on our team. What’s more is that this are 16 year old boys is has happened multiple times. What is wrong with parents that makes them think it’s ok? What can or should I as a female parent spectator do in this situation?
I should add, this hasn’t only happened at hockey games, where the intensity and level of aggressive play can be a tad higher than many sports… I’ve watched this same scenario play out at soccer games too. So please don’t respond by telling me it’s because my kids play hockey… it’s not.
I’m certainly not an expert at this but it seems that these people screaming at the opposing team are trying to live out their own dreams through their kids and that this behavior is tied to their ego.
So back to the question of what to do as a parent. I think it’s probably wise to avoid the crazy parent and set a good example.
I will add that watching a parent from the opposing team berate a kid on my son’s team is awful, but I’ve also watched a parent chastise their own son for sloppy play and that’s just as awful to witness. To me, if a parent can say awful things to their child in public, I can’t imagine what they do or say in private. I have commented to a parent who once did this near me that it’s just a game and not to stress.
Sports are great and I absolutely love watching my boys play any sport (especially hockey) but it’s just not worth getting your feathers all ruffled up. I was at a rink outside Detroit a few weeks ago and noticed this sign. I was glad to see it, I’m not sure if anyone else paid much attention to it, but it was a nice reminder. Enjoy these moments, even when they lose the game.
