Finished my first season as a youth sports dad: A few observations.

[RandySF]

1. Sports, put in the right context, can help some kids develop better classroom habits.
2. No school has one bad parent. They're either all nice or they're all assholes.
3. Kids learn to play dirty early.
4. Some referees love being the center of attention.
5. Kids don't mind strict coaches if they're being encouraged along the way.
6. Shuttling your athlete from one game to another can be just as tiring a playing.

*whew*

[bigwillq]

1. Good observations.

Did you kid enjoy it?

[RandySF]

2. For the most part.

I was most happy with the positive effect it had on my son's grades and the opportunity for him to spend more time with his friends. It also helps that we have a tight-knit group of parents. On the other hand, I was struck by the lack of warmth from most of the other school's parents (it's a parochial school league so I expected more). Either way, I'm happy to catch my breath.

[Populist_Prole]

3. I remember a funny/curious observation

A co-worker ( and a big sports nut ) was telling me about his experiences coaching baseball for his young son's team. Remarking about the kids on the team, he said, matter of factly: "Most of them don't want to be there".

I'll never forget that.

[RandySF]

4. Oh God I was one of those.

My dad made me play.

[Populist_Prole]

5. I was kinda' too

I didn't think it had anything to do with my parents wanting me to play sports as such. I think it was more a case of it just being something to do and/or forced socialization and that it would be "good for me" somehow. For every minute I was having a good time, there were several more of me just wanting to get out of there with my dignity intact.