OT: A Rod not the only cheater,,, Little League WS champs have title taken away

[bbcard1]

I am in the process of a slide into old farthood, however i will say that one of the worst things we do to kids is that we do not allow them to play sports without a uniform on and an adult present. There are so many organized leagues right now a kid never just learns the love of the game.

This is a big problem. Most of us do not become major leaguers, but in figuring out where we are going to play, agreeing on a set of rules, rallying the neighborhood kids and procuring equipment, we were developing management and leadership skills. Kids today mostly just do what adults tell them to. It's easier. They never have to worry about who has the bats and balls. And they get so much less out of learning the game than we did.

[tschock]

Originally Posted by bbcard1

I am in the process of a slide into old farthood, however i will say that one of the worst things we do to kids is that we do not allow them to play sports without a uniform on and an adult present. There are so many organized leagues right now a kid never just learns the love of the game.

This is a big problem. Most of us do not become major leaguers, but in figuring out where we are going to play, agreeing on a set of rules, rallying the neighborhood kids and procuring equipment, we were developing management and leadership skills. Kids today mostly just do what adults tell them to. It's easier. They never have to worry about who has the bats and balls. And they get so much less out of learning the game than we did.

Hmmmm... Might lawsuit concerns, over protective parents, and a nanny-state mentality that over protects those children of parents that are NOT overprotective have something to do with it?

[jp1216]

Originally Posted by bbcard1

I am in the process of a slide into old farthood, however i will say that one of the worst things we do to kids is that we do not allow them to play sports without a uniform on and an adult present. There are so many organized leagues right now a kid never just learns the love of the game.

I agree ^^. My town has set up a great program 2-3 days a week in the summer. 9am to noon. Parents drop off their kids at the field and leave. Or they can ride their bikes (with or without helmet ) One adult (an all time pitcher/umpire) facilitates. Wooden bats. Ages 7-16. Boys and girls. It's wonderful. Kids LOVE it. You can park about 100 yards away (to spy) and see it.
I also coach a 9 year-old travel team. Outside pressures can be great, but I'm very lucky to have a good group of parents. Set your goals and remember they are kids. Teaching/coaching is more important that trophies.
Good for Little League to strip that title. Too bad the research wasn't done sooner. Too bad they can't look at rosters and sniff out this stuff before Williamsport.