Parents and sports

When I was in high school I played basketball and ran track. I liked basketball and my teammates. I'm not going to say that I was the greatest player on the team. Sometimes I didn't get off of the bench to play. Sure that made me mad, but there was a reason for that. I wasn't as good as other players. I never once told my dad to talk to the coach to get me more playing time. I never asked my dad to go to the Athletic Director to complain about the coach. That is how I was and still am.

Today, I'm a photographer at a newspaper and I mostly photograph sports. Almost 10 years out of high school (10 year reunion next year - Class of 1997) and I don't play basketball anymore, but I still run. Anyhoo, I'll get back to the topic. I shoot high school/college and even some professional sports for a newspaper. I swear this year is the worst ever for parents!
For the last month, I have heard about more and more parents bitching about a high school coach. Their biggest complaint is their daughter(s) aren't playing. They've had meeting with the coach and the AD. After the talk with the coach the girl in question has the opening lead in a story. Um, how did that happen? This girl went from never playing to the lead in a fucking story? I just want to say, "I hate parents." If your little girl is terrible, she shouldn't be playing. Parents need to back off. If the girl in question isn't getting much playing time, why doesn't she ask the coach in person is to why? Or practice over the summer, go to a team camp? Do something to improve in the off season. These people go home and complain to their parents and then they yell at the coach, and most of the time, get their way.

Parents need to be seen and not heard. If the coach is abusing the players, then the parents should get involved. But if lil Susie isn't playing then telling the coach that she is the most terrible coach won't help either. If you said that to me, I wouldn't want to play your kid. If they sit on the bench during most of the game, there must be a reason. If the players are younger there is still time to improve. Do something to help yourself, without your parents help.