Kelly S. Croslis is a Freelance Writer and stay-at-home mom to 3 active teenage girls. She uses much of what she learned and experienced in her 20 years of military life and raising her girls. Kelly is a columnist for several Online magazines and Freelances for her local newspaper. She lives with her husband and 3 girls in Pennsylvania.

The Good Side of Youth Sports
by Kelly S. Croslis

I heard a saying not too long ago that unfortunately is true - for the most part. "I turn to the sports page first, because the front page of the newspaper reports all the negative stories." (Paraphrased) I say that is true for the most part because all too often the stories of our professional athletes become the not so news worthy stars.

These examples can be used to the advantage of parents and coaches, in turn making the experience of youth sports all that more important. In order to teach our children proper sportsmanship we must show by example. How often have you been to a youth sports event and hear a parent chastising their child because they were not the best, this is the opportunity to show the right way to act. Be the one who is there for the team, showing them the importance of working together. The parents who spend their weekends volunteering to help chauffer the team to away games, offering to be team parent, despite what seems an already overloaded schedule, or the one who stands on the sidelines to cheer on the athlete who is not so sure of themselves. These are the stories we do not hear quite so often - the ones who deserve the limelight and praise for working to bring a better name to sports, to teach our youth how to play an honest game and that cheating is not answer.

Next time you are at game, whether it is youth, high school or even college and pro games, you can be the example that speaks above all the negativity that surrounds you. Maybe what you do NOT do will lead others follow you example and begin a chain reaction of kindness, and new desire for sportsmanship.

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