As most of you know our son, Jonah, plays in competitive soccer. This weekend was the big PSI Tournament held by Pacesetter Soccer Club. It is always a great time and many teams attend. This year we heard 299 teams total. It was also the most intense year ever. I witnessed more in these last two days and completely embarrassed by some of it. As we sat on the sidelines for our last game and watched an 11-year-old boy yell at the refs as well as shove our players down, grab their arms, elbow them very forcefully all while the ref was looking and just getting warned and then yelling at the ref, I couldn’t help but think, what are we teaching our kids?  First of all, I can assure you if Jonah ever yelled at an adult including a ref, he would immediately be pulled from the game and definitely be apologizing to the adult as well as consequences at home. I didn’t see the coach once reprimand this player, nor did I see the other team and/or players affected by this child’s behavior.  It was like this team, coach, and parents had just become immune to his behavior. We have taught OUR kids that yes, they are representing the club they are playing for, but more importantly they are representing Christ on and off the field. To treat others like that, to play dirty, to yell at coaches and refs is unacceptable. If we are allowing our youth to do this, how do we expect them to grow up as respectable individuals. When we accept their behaviors and allow them to treat others that way, we are teaching them those behaviors are okay, BUT they are not. Everyone keeps saying that society is so messed up, but do we, as the parents and adults, not understand it starts with us. If we don’t want our kids acting that way, then we need to discipline them. We need to teach them right from wrong and how to respect individuals. I left the game with a pit in my stomach and prayed when I got home and decided to write the club that this player was from. First, I thought it important that they were made aware (the director) of the reflection this is on their club and second, so they knew others were watching the actions of their team, players, parents, and coaches. Maybe it will go on deaf ears, but for me to do nothing is doing exactly what they are doing. . . ignoring it.  I wrote the email in a very respectful manner, not pointing fingers or demeaning, but just made them aware of what I witnessed. My heart is saddened when I see our youth act this way. This is just a game, but during this game, we can teach our children so many life lessons. We can teach our children how to treat others, how to respect others, etc. I also witnessed parents on the sidelines yelling at each other. This game is just that a game and we are there to watch our children play. They are so young and so impressionable and they are watching our every move. We need to be the example we want to them to follow. How can we expect them to act any differently when they are seeing the adults act in this manner.   We, the adults, need to behave in a manner that is pleasing to God also. I am so disappointed that this is what organized sports have come to with many organized clubs and that is why I am so proud to say we are a part of Pacesetter Club. Our director takes great pride in his organization and wants the club represented in a positive manner; not only from the kids, but the parents, grandparents, and anyone else watching the games. Why are so many children being bullied, disrespecting individuals? Because adults are allowing it. Adults are seeing the behaviors of their children and doing nothing about it, justifying it as their child is just a “tough” player. Sorry, but when you shove players forcefully to throw them to the ground, elbow them forcefully, etc, you are not a “tough” player, rather you are a bully and should not be allowed to play the sport. We need to start holding our children accountable for their behaviors. Rather than worrying about making our children “better players”, we need to teach them to be “better people” and while doing that they will become “better players” in all facets of life. This game is hard, but the game of life is harder. When we teach our children how to treat others, life is a little bit easier. I also believe when we see other children acting in a negative manner, we need to address it with the coach, parents, club, etc.  Because by us saying nothing, we are also accepting this behavior.   Just something for all of us parents to think about when we see this behavior happening at any sporting event. Thanks for letting me share.