Column: Sports parent berates young official … until discovering the replacement
TO THE COACH’S BOX READERS: This is my weekly Sports Fan Coach column for the Cincinnati Enquirer and Cincinnati.com. Thanks to sports editor Jason Hoffman and the Enquirer for agreeing to share this here.
By Mike Bass @SportsFanCoach1
Editor's note: This is a weekly column from former sports reporter and editor Mike Bass. Bass will be contributing to The Enquirer by offering advice for sports fans, athletes and youth sports parents and coaches through a weekly Q&A. To ask a question of Bass for potential publication, email him at mikebass3838@gmail.com. And get the conversation going on Twitter @SportsFanCoach1.
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Let’s go straight to the email.
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The first comes from a prior email contributor, a self-described sports official for more than 40 years. He responded to my story about a youth sports mom losing control and kicking a soccer ball off an official’s shins:
Saw the comment about the ball being (kicked) at the young official. Had a parent berate a first year official for a whole half. When she (the official) came over at halftime, she was crying. I told both coaches what I was about to do, and they were all for it.
Walked over to the parent responsible and said he had caused my official to want to quit, so he will take her place. His comment, “I don't know how to do that.” Before I got the words to my mouth, several parents said he had to know how, since he was criticizing her.
Gave him the flag and told him, if he did not do it, he would never be allowed at a game at our complex again.
He took the flag then lined up on the wrong end of the field. I publicly berated him for 30 seconds. Whenever he hesitated to say whether the ball was over the touchline, I again berated him loudly. He said he was going to quit. So I said, “So you have the guts to criticize, but do not have the gonads to actually do the job."
Good news, after the game he came over and apologized to the young lady. I told him thank you and knew we would never have trouble with him or any other parent from that team again. At least when I was officiating.
Looking forward to more articles.
Rick, from Cincinnati
Rick, I laughed out loud when I read this. You allowed the parent to see what it was like on the other end. Talk about a powerful and imaginative way to deliver a message. Thanks for sharing this story with us.
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Last week, I highlighted an FC Cincinnati fan who found joy amid a rough season on the field (worst in MLS) and in the stands (closed to fans). Jeremy Lance’s #FCCBourbon hashtag invited others to virtually bond with him over a little bourbon and soccer viewing.
Which spawned this email response:
Don't like Bourbon, don't drink Bourbon. Couldn't care less!!
Vince, North Bend
When I was a sports writer or editor, I might not have appreciated getting this note. As a coach, I welcomed the start of an email conversation.
MB: “Completely understand. Not everyone cares about bourbon. What helps you deal with a rough game or season or ranking?”
Vince: “Maybe a tall glass of beer such as Rhinegeist Truth.”
MB: “Sounds like a winner for you. What is stressing you out most when it comes to sports or your favorite teams now?”
Vince: “Not being able to attend games. I would have been to all home UC football games in 2020.”
MB: “Missing games really got to a lot of people. Considering you would have attended all the 2020 home games for undefeated UC, it’s no wonder it’s stressful. What helps you deal with it?”
Vince: “The fact all games have been on tv except maybe one has been helpful. I’m beginning to enjoy watching everything at home.”
Which is a great beginning.
Many of us are growing more frustrated each week, tired of the COVID-19 restrictions, feeling stuck. It’s understandable. When we are ready to let go, we can begin to see choices amid the new reality.
Vince is starting to enjoy watching from home. He can build on that.
No bourbon is necessary.
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Remember to email Bass at mikebass3838@gmail.com or reach out to him @SportsFanCoach1 on Twitter if you want to be included next week. His website is MikeBassCoaching.com.