Let children play sports without the pressure

As someone who has been around sports my whole life as a player, coach and official, I am appalled at the lack of sportsmanship shown by many parents and coaches in area youth sports.

Not everyone's little Johnny or little Suzy Q is going to be the next Tim Dwight. Work hard, aspire to dreams, and yes, they may come true. But be a spectator and coach to the tune of teaching work ethic, building character, making new friends and acquaintances and overcoming adversity.

Nobody wants to lose. But please, let the kids play, the coaches coach and the officials officiate. The players' behavior and sportsmanship, outside of rare occurrences, has been outstanding. The game is for them anyway. Don't live through your kids.

I have made my fair share of mistakes in this arena. But things have seemingly climbed to new heights.

Fewer than 10 percent of all kids participating will ever play at any level of collegiate athletics. Even fewer will go pro.

When I see parents and coaches berating their kids, calling the officials names or disputing every single call, it is bothersome. When I see kids crying because they are under so much pressure, as young as second grade, it is intolerable.

Kevin Bruegge

North Liberty