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Imagine the perfect summer day. The sun is out, the birds are chirping. And a bunch of 7-year-olds are scurrying about a ball field, trying to hit, run, throw, and catch, all the while smiling and giggling and doing what 7-year-olds do. But then the game gets tense. Parents and coaches started chirping at each other, at the players, and at the umpire. A call is missed. Then another. The situation worsens.

The umpire, a 13-year-old, warns both coaches and their fans. Yet, the tension escalates. Parents are dropping curse words, and pointing fingers trying to get others thrown out. Finally, it all breaks loose. Coaches argue. Parents get into it with one another. And it ends in a fight that goes viral. Five people are arrested. Two are suspended from their jobs. And Cordova, when interviewed after the game, said the following: “I was scared not only for me but the 7-year-olds who happened to be on the field at the time. We never thought anyone would fight at a [youth] baseball game. I thought maybe by issuing a warning, everyone would just chill, take a step back, and realize how stupid they were acting … but [I] guess not.”    Read more....

The concept of "Silent Saturdays" is an annual focus on my kids' youth soccer calendar. It's typically a day on the schedule that is highly promoted to parents and coaches. The idea is for parents to sit on the sidelines and watch the game. And to let the children playing on the field participate free of commentary. No cheers, no encouragement, and, most importantly, no coaching.

It's an incredibly simplistic idea, but I've always been amazed at the change in the emotional atmosphere of the game experience. During that one game, you see the kids more clearly because you can truly hear them and only them. Read More ...