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Sunday, November 22, 2009

Mom of Tweens: Three web sites for the sports parent

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Somebody's father was yelling at me. I was only seven, but I understood what his problem was: He didn't like that the only girl on the baseball field played better than his own son. He didn't say that, exactly. Rather, he told me that I didn't belong there. But I watched his son send another errant throw toward (or not toward) second base, and I thought, Yes, I do.

Thanks to Title IX, I was among the first girls to get to play Little League baseball in my hometown. It was my first experience with organized youth sports. Also, my first experience with parents who really ought to step away from the field and take a chill pill.

After Little League, I went on to play more sports, mostly soccer, through college and beyond. And now, I coach my son's soccer team. I belong there, too.

If you, too, find yourself along the sidelines at your kids' various sporting events, check out these great web sites:

Moms Team.com (http://www.momsteam.com/) "The trusted source for youth sport parents" is just that. Created by Brooke deLench, author of "Home Team Advantage: The Critical Role of Mothers in Youth Sports," MomsTeam is rich with information on parenting youth sports players. A team of experts offers articles and videos including "Nine Ways to Balance Sports and Family Life" and "Even Olympians Were Kids Once." In the Forums, parents tackle topics like favoritism for the coach's kid and "My son has had three concussions and I don't think the coach cares about it." Whether you're a parent or a coach - or both - this site is for you.

Vis4Victory.org (http://www.Vis4Victory.org) V is for Victory. So is IX.is a national campaign to increase the effectiveness of Title IX. Enacted in 1972, Title IX is a federal law addressing equality in education, academics and sports. The site is housed at the Women's Sports Foundation, which is among the many groups launching the campaign. Here, you'll find a definition of Title IX, its history and several compelling (and humorous) videos on inequalities in girls' sports. At sister site GoGirlWorld.org (http://www.gogirlworld.org/cgi-bin/iowa/ggw/ahq/equalplay/index.html), there's a spot to share your "Unbelievables," unbelievable true stories of girls fighting for their right to play.

Youth Sports Parentshttp://youthsportsparents.blogspot.com/Mark Hyman, sports journalist and author of the forthcoming book on the troubled state of youth sports, "Until It Hurts," blogs about kids' sports in the news. Recent posts include his take on People'sarticle about football and obesity and his view of a study in Pediatricsthat recommends helmets for baseball infielders. Wise and down-to-earth, Hyman provides common sense thinking about youth sports in the news.


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Related: youth sports, tween, title ix, parents, jen singer, good grief

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From the Community…

Comments 1-4 of 4
  • Habanero♥™'s Avatar
    Posted by Habanero♥™ Wed Nov 19, 2008 1:10am PST

    Jen: I checked out the recommended web sites. I am so frustrated with today's sports. Why is it that every parent thinks that their kid will be the next Hamm, or Namath, Pele or Roy White????? Back in the 60's-70's most parents didn't even get involved in the kids sport and it ran beautifully. Now every parent is involved be it fund raising, collecting money for the coach's gift, planning on who's bringing the cut up fruit (ridiculous), setting up the team last-game-party mess, putting up web sites and sending out news letters-----and the kids are 6 years old, From 6 years old, it only gets worse. My husband I just celebrated 22 years of coaching and organizing huge tournaments. We have seen it all on the fields and off and it involves parents. They have become so aggressive and involved that it makes one wonder why they aren't the coaches. Obviously at this stage of our lives we have no child involved in team sports other than college and over 20's leagues. All three of our boys landed scholarships to colleges on their sports abilities. They are just a speck in the universe of sports kids. As for sports injuries---why haven't parents realized that diet plays a huge role in the weakening of the bones. Any parent who still allows their children to put a soda to their lips just has no clue. The orthopedic surgeon who treats many of the high school injuries in the city we live in says he would be out of business if parents had even an inkling the amount of damage they are causing to their children by feeding them crap. Soda, donuts, McDonald's, Burger King, etc. The parents are so vigilant on the sidelines and yet they drop the ball when it comes to stepping up to the plate and feeding the kids home made meals. They contribute to the injuries of young athletes.

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  • Jen Singer's Avatar
    Posted by Jen Singer Sat Dec 6, 2008 5:07pm PST

    I just found this comment, Habanero. I, too, am frustrated with today's kids' sports. In fact, I wrote a chapter in my book "You're a Good Mom" called, "Don't Let the Youth Sports Cartel Run Your Life."

    We're dabbling with the idea of travel soccer next year, but only if it doesn't kill our joy for the sport. I'll report back here then. Meanwhile, make changes where you can and make sports fun!

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  • jhon's Avatar
    Posted by jhon Mon Apr 27, 2009 3:07am PDT

    I right open this comment, Habanero. I, too, am frustrated with today's kids' sports. In fact, I wrote a chapter character my go "You're a Good Mom" called, "Don't Let the Youth Sports Cartel Run Your Life."

    We're dabbling with the vie of tour soccer budgeted year, but odd if certain doesn't crush our happiness since the sport. I'll report shoulder here then. Meanwhile, cause changes longitude you answerability and create sports fun!. <a href="http://www.digiturf.com/">Virtual Sports</a>

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  • jhon's Avatar
    Posted by jhon Mon Apr 27, 2009 3:08am PDT

    <a href="http://www.asiatextileinspections.com/inspection-services-in-china.htm">Factory Audit China</a>

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