my child because he played great
and she thought her child was the
next Michael Jordan.
Over the years, I’ve become
more aware when attending sports
activities. Recently, I took my
daughter to a professional soccer
game and couldn’t believe what I
was sitting next to. A college student
with his mom and dad spent the
whole game calling the opponent’s
players inappropriate and explicit
names.There were a number of
children around, but that didn’t stop
them.They just seemed so angry
and I realized it was no longer
competitive banter; it had gotten to
the point of degrading harassment.
While this was happening, I
remember looking at my daughter.
She looked at me and said, “Mom
don’t say anything.” I didn’t, but I
think I should have.
It’s just not right. As parents, we
should be able to attend a sporting
event and enjoy it with our family.
We should be able to cheer them
on and validate the hard work the
athletes have put in towards getting
to where they are. We should be
able to enjoy watching our children
do something they love and enjoy
without all the dysfunction.
Youth sports are getting out
of bounds. As a society, bringing
back character, integrity and respect
needs to begin with the parents.
We need to allow sports to get back
to what it was when they taught
lifelong lessons that helped build our
children’s winning success.
Kimberly Cabral
Founder / Publisher
MASK
FALL 2017
maskmatters.org
11
A
t
MASKThe Magazine
,
our goal is to shed light on
the trends and behaviors
affecting today’s families and
youth. Knowing these issues
can help us all continue to learn, reflect
and adjust what we can do to help our
children grow into the best versions of
themselves. Most times, it requires us
as parents to look straight in the mirror
and acknowledge the change begins
with us.
When it comes to sportsmanship,
my view is from the bleachers, seats and
sidelines of every game, tournament
and competition my children have
participated in. Admittedly, I myself have
gotten caught up in the drama, in the
dysfunction of organized sports. Being
a protective parent, I’ve been upset at
referees, coaches and even other parents.
I’ve endured the frustration that comes
with competitive sports. I still, to this day,
can’t believe I witnessed a mom cursing at
OUT
OF BOUNDS
mask
+
Publisher’s Letter
“Most times, it requires us as parents to look straight in
the mirror and acknowledge the change begins with us.”
