"Controlling the Game"

August 25, 2010

Each year as ‘’T’’ Ball and Little League draws to a close and a silence begins to hang over the A.D.S.L. office, I sit and think about the year and how well it turned out. New friends we meet each year and hope to see them again when the spring breezes begin to blow and screams of the children breaks the silence once more.

            You look for the old faces and glad to see them returning and looking for their friends from the passed year. I believe each year grows better and a much stronger closeness among parents and staff. I believe the strength of our ‘’T’’ Ball program prepares them for their advancement up to Little League play. Most of the ‘’T’’ Ball parents carry with them to Little League the meaning that it’s the children's game and let them play.

            There is nothing wrong in cheering for your child and living your own playing days through them. But we must remember it’s their childhood days and belongs to them. We must always learn to back off and control our emotions and leave the game in the hands of the officials. In doing this approach we are teaching our children to except the judgment of the officials in charge.

            A great learning for them comes out of this approach that will carry with them in their lifetime. Learn how to accept criticism of an issue when you’re wrong and enjoy the respect they receive when they are right. It’s up to you mom and dad don’t let them down.       

By: Jim Collyer