Hurrah, it’s springtime. The temperatures are warming. Spring breakers are returning to school, and the students and teachers are making the final push to summer break. In this part of Texas, it will be hot soon. The county fairs are finishing up. Our gardens and seasonal flowers are planted as we now sit back and watch them grow.
Little League baseball and other spring athletic leagues are starting up. Nothing like the smell of a baseball field this time of year. The cut grass, the smell of the concession stands, and the sound of the crack of the bats. The umpire shouting “play ball!”
Unfortunately, this time of year, the police department’s calls to the ballfields increase due to etiquette issues, most often related to parents’ interactions with coaches, their staff, the umpires, and sometimes due to their interactions with their own kids.
Let’s talk about a few things we can all do to enjoy the games and watch our children and grandchildren play their sport while not being interrupted by foul language and other hostilities. First, I fully understand the virtues sports teach our kids, and I understand most of us want to win. But at what cost? If you’re coaching from the stands, you’ve probably missed the mark. On game day we utilize the skills we have been taught and practiced. It’s time for the coaches to manage their teams and for the coach to make adjustments as the game progresses.
While at the ballfields, let’s try not to yell and criticize the umpires, even if the call is incorrect. That duty usually falls to the coach to argue the calls. Remember, that many umpires and coaches are often volunteering their time, usually for little or no pay. Direct your complaints appropriately to the coach or the league.
If your kiddo is not getting the playing time you believe they should be getting, address it with the coach or coaches to determine what can be done to increase playing time. If it’s the coaches’ kid getting all the playing time, good luck.
Shouting rarely helps the situation. Putting your hands on another person will result in the police being called. If we are having these conversations on game day, one rarely gets the result you are looking for.
Lastly, let’s set an example and be a positive role model and teach our kids to overcome bad calls rather than blaming others for the game’s outcome.
I look forward to seeing you at the ballfields. Opening ceremonies for the Trinity baseball youth league were held Saturday.
Call us if you need us.
Steven Jeter is Chief of Police in Trinity.
