Thursday, March 02, 2006

Competitive Softball

I had my first official parent's meeting for Munchkin's softball team. This is his first time playing, but he is only in kindergarten, so that is normal. The purpose for the meeting tonight was to discuss whether they boys and girls from pre-k thru 1st grade would be on combined teams. It didn't matter to me either way since this is Munchkin's first time playing, but some of the parents had some rather strong opinions. One mother threatened to pull her 1st grade son out if he had to play with the girls. She said that it would be a step backwards for her son. I didn't agree with this especially after she started saying what the boys learned last year and another parent chimed in saying that the girls learned the same thing. Come on the kids are 6 and 7 years old, so it isn't like they are playing for a scholarship or anything. It is suppose to be all for fun or so that is what I thought. Another reason the church wanted them to mix boys with girls is because there would be enough teams to have all the games at home which meant more money through concessions which helps maintain Fields and equipment. This debate went on for about 45 minutes before they decided that they would take the 1st grade boys and put them in a league and then combine all the others in a home league only. Everyone agreed that this would work great until a mother chimed in and said she didn't want her 1st grade daughter playing with the boys. Oh come on. She would be 7 playing with 4 and 5 year olds. Like they are really gonna hurt her. They convinced her to agree, so it was finally all settled.

I didn't quit understand why some parents were getting in such a heated argument with the coaches, but I guess that could be because I am not a very competitive person. I did dance contests and choir contests and I tried out for all kinds of things that I got rejected for but it was never really a big deal to me. I have always had the idea that you should have fun while doing anything and if it gets to the point where it isn't fun then don't do it any more no matter how good you are. That is just my opinion.

I almost laughed when the mother was worried about her daughter getting hurt and I just wanted to stand up and say that she plays with boys all the time at recess and she has brothers and why can't she be the one hurting the boys. This opinion is probably based on years of playing goal for 2 older brothers who would kick the ball as hard as they could at me. In all fairness I enjoyed spending time with my brothers and still to this day I have just as many guy friends as girls. I am also not afraid to get rough with the boys.

I will keep ya updated with all the yelling from the competitive parents screaming form the stands. Don't worry I won't be one.

1 comment:

Lisa said...

I don't understand why parents get so up in arms too. I am amazed at how parents are so gung-ho about getting their 5 and 6 years olds in competitive leagues to "Bring their skills up to the next level." Wha?