SPORTSMANSHIP
As we get ready to start the 2013 season We at GPSP would like for you to take a moment and think what image you would like to project to the girls on your teams. Please keep in mind why you are coaching. We would like for you to sit down with your parents on the team and talk about SPORTSMANSHIP. Here is what our rulebook states. I quote from the USSSA rulebook, page 55, rule 11, sec 1 & 2: "All players and coaches will be expected to behave in a sportsman like manner at all times. Any player, coach or parent/fan whose conduct is unbecoming or abusive will at a minimum be warned and may be removed from the playing field or stands at the discretion of the tournament officials or umpires. Foul or abusive language will not be tolerated under any circumstances."
The rule goes on, grab a rulebook and read it, please. I wonder how we look in the eyes of the players, our daughters. A loss of control or abusive language from their coach, parent or a parent of a teammate is often a startling and upsetting event for a child. What lessons are they learning when they see parents or coaches screaming at officials, or worse, physically assaulting them?
The officials do the best they can, they're human just like the rest of us and capable of mistakes. If you wish to complain about an official, take it to the tournament director. I have instructed tournament officials to take each complaint seriously. At GPSP, we keep a log of each complaint. We do this for two reasons: one, maybe a certain team complains more than others and this might be because they don't understand the rules, or they might not realize that they question almost every call. The second reason is that maybe an umpire does not know the rules, or is not in the correct position, thus making a poor call. I then have a UIC watch this individual for a couple of games and work with the umpire to improve his skills.
Something is not working in youth sports right now. Coaches, players, parents, and fans, we need your help. No matter how bad the call, please do the right thing--keep your cool. Yes it may cost you the game, but it is just a game. Follow the appropriate path to get a resolution and let the tournament officials deal with the umpires. And don't think the tournament directors are not concerned--poor officiating can drive teams away and no tournament director wants an empty park. If we all work together, we can improve the game for our kids and make it an enjoyable event that's good for all.
Thank you,
Greg
Greg McNeese
USSSA Nebraska
Fastpitch State Director
Great Plains Sports Productions
13225 S. 219th St.
Gretna, NE 68028
402-416-2632
[email protected]
http://www.usssane.com
Twitter: @usssane
Twitter Hash: #usssane