During the recent LHSAA convention, I received an email that included a short editorial co-authored by LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine and Karissa Niehoff, the CEO of the National Federation of State High School Associations.
“Simmer down or sit down” addressed the behavior of adult fans at high school sports events with some pointed questions.
As I read it, the first thing that came to mind was a series of public service announcements from the NFHS that used to play on a continuous loop at the Prep Classic football championships at least a decade ago.
The one I remember most featured an actor in a classroom setting who was hurling insults at students and teachers you did not see.
The message was simple … be a fan, not a fanatic.
It also raised perhaps the biggest question of all — would you act the same way in another setting — your place of employment, a family gathering, a church or a restaurant — that you do at a high school sports event? Do you think it’s OK to lose control in one setting but not the other?
Indoor sports such as basketball can become contentious quickly. Friday night two adults entered a court in north Louisiana after a player ejection during a girls basketball game. Video is out there. One grabbed the basketball from an official and appeared to make physical contact with another.
Thankfully, security defused the situation. There was video from a middle school game in Baton Rouge last week that showed an adult rush onto the floor and an altercation with a coach ensued. An arrest was made, according to media reports.
“Simmer down or sit down” stresses the importance of adults being role models and modeling positive behavior. Sometimes we forget that as adults we’re being watched by the children and teens around us. They see what we do and how we respond to things ranging from joy to adversity.
Do as I say, not as I do sounds great. My toddler grandson repeating a certain curse word is a reminder it is not necessarily reality.
High school athletics are wonderful. They teach important life lessons, build confidence and physical development.
And they can offer an escape from the stress of everyday life. Spending a couple of hours cheering for your favorite team and players is a fabulous way to blow off steam. It’s fun.
I covered the Catholic-Liberty boys basketball game Friday night, and the feel was electric with fans from both sides imploring their team to win.
Earlier last week, Catholic coach Derrick Jones posted a picture of himself wearing a referee shirt. He called a youth game and said he had added respect for officials. Jones said coaches and fans should lay off officials, noting “No one is trying to cheat your child.”
Yes, as a society, we do seem to take all things personally these days. Here’s an idea — take being a fan, rather than a fanatic, personally.
Simmer down or sit down.