Because 2006 is looking to be another exciting year in youth sports, I'd like to ask each of the parents and fans that attend the games to join me in a special New Year's resolution.
Over the past year, I've witnessed many examples of how fans can affect players in a detrimental fashion.
At a recent girls high school soccer game, the home fans -- made up of parents and students -- were being particularly vocal, chastising the referees every time they made a call that went against their team.
One of the star players was fired up by the actions of the fans and decided to say some choice words to the referee following a penalty call.
The action resulted in the player being ejected from the game. Eventually, the team lost by one point.
Inappropriate fan behavior is not just limited to youth sports, as the supporters of college and professional sports teams who fill the stadiums have tried to become more involved at the games.
These fans think nothing of yelling personal insults at the players, fighting in the stands, throwing things onto the court or field and causing damage to the facilities.
The worst example occurred last year in the infamous National Basketball Association (NBA) game between the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers, when the fans were trading personal insults with the players, and several of the athletes from both teams charged into the stands and fought with the fans.
Injuries, suspensions and lawsuits resulted, and many of the fans will no longer bring their kids to the games.
I will never forget the image on the TV screen of young children crying from being frightened by the behavior of the adults on the court and in the stands.
I hope it never happens again, but I'm afraid that will probably not be the case. Some people feel that because they paid the price of admission, they can say or do whatever they please.
Perhaps that is one of the reasons why college and professional sports teams have had to increase the number of security staff at their games.
As a parent, you always want the best for your son or daughter, and it's easy to get worked up when you think someone like an official is making a bad call and affecting the outcome of the competition.
So, whether attending a game or playing in it, I ask that you examine your behavior, keeping in mind the importance of setting a good example.
We need to remember that the kids are watching us, and that we can influence them from the sidelines or in the bleachers when we cheer them on to do their best.
Whether it's high school sports or younger athletic contests like baseball or soccer, the kids really love to have the fans there supporting them.
Their eyes light up when they see people they know in the stands cheering for them, and they play that much harder.
Jim Konst is a local freelance writer. Send comments and story ideas to him at jkonst54@aol.com.
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