Bad behavior at all levels of youth sports - by players, parents and coaches - is a nationwide problem, one that a growing number of leagues and state and local governments are struggling to deal with. The coaches deny any misconduct, and their team of 11- to 13-year-olds, after a league hearing, was permitted to finish its season with different coaches. Jensen was playing across the street from where a Pop Warner football team had three of its coaches suspended last week for the remainder of the season for unsportsmanlike conduct including allegations of on-field profanity, the attempted assault of an opposing coach, and a threat of violence against a league official. ``It’s fun.’’ But not everyone looks at youth sports the same way. ``I’ve been playing since I was 3, he said. On a gorgeous fall afternoon this week, while other kids were playing with their Play Stations or watching DVDs, David was fielding ground balls hit by his dad, over and over again. He plays shortstop and pitches for his team, enjoys standing in the batter’s box and taking his swings against an opposing pitcher, and loves nothing better than the crack of the bat and the sweet trajectory of a long blast to the outfield. n In his Day-Glo orange New York Mets T-shirt and cap, 11-year-old David Jensen Jr.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |