08/17/2025
This was Letrond Hayslett , and Myself for the last 6 years. For the most part it was fun, a few down moments as well.
Don’t complain about the lineup if you weren’t at practice.
Don’t gripe about playing time if you’ve never shown up with a clipboard and a whistle.
Don’t criticize the coach from the stands if you’ve never once raised your hand to help.
Because here’s the truth:
Youth sports run on volunteers.
The early mornings, the missed dinners, the late-night field prep, the emotional investment
That’s all done by someone who’s not getting paid a dime.
So when you're sitting in the bleachers, arms crossed, muttering about how your kid “should’ve played shortstop”
Remember that coach is out there in the heat, the rain, the chaos…
for YOUR kid.
They didn’t sign up for your attitude.
They signed up to teach fundamentals, to build character, to help kids fall in love with the game.
They give up their free time to pour into our children.
They go home replaying mistakes in their head, wondering if they made the right calls.
They’re not perfect. But they’re trying.
And unless you’re willing to step up,
to fill out the background check,
to show up with a lineup and a lesson plan…
Sit down, clap louder, and say thank you.
Because youth sports don’t need more critics.
They need more helpers.
More encouragers.
More grownups who remember it’s just a game, for kids.
Not written by me. But is worthy of sharing!
