Some Profound Words From A Pro Coach & Parent

The Matheny Manifesto: A Young Manager’s Old-School Views on Success in Sports and Life (Crown Archetype) By Mike Matheny with Jerry B. Jenkins.

The biggest problem in youth sports is the parents.” He said he would teach the players the game from its very roots, and they would play with sportsmanship and they would hustle and they would never, ever question an umpire. The parents would be quiet in the stands. No, “You can do it, Billy!” Just adds to the pressure the kids feel, Matheny wrote. “You need to be the silent, constant source of support,” he wrote. Every player would pitch; no young arm would be overused. While the players learned the game, the batting order would be meaningless; all players would bat the same number of times. Players would rotate keeping score, because Matheny wanted their heads in the game. Parents, stay away from your kids at all times after you’ve dropped them off for practice or games. Don’t question the coaches, or rather, question them in private but understand there will be no negotiation on playing time or positions played or where kids bat in the order. Let the coaches do their job, and even if you disagree, don’t tell your kids. “Give me the benefit of the doubt that I have [the player’s] best interest in mind, even if you’re convinced I’m wrong,

Complete interview (MMQB.SI.com)