Kid stuff

Non-confrontational dialogue is always in the best interests of coaches, parents and youngsters in sports.

Cal Ripken Jr. is a baseball hall-of-famer who not only had a brilliant career in sports but who also is a topflight citizen with a lot to offer in the way of advice about youngsters. Ripken writes a popular Baltimore Sun column, labeled “Ask Cal,” and doles out level-headed advice to youths and adults in sports.

Many of the questions he gets focus on parental concerns about the coaching practices to which their children are exposed. Ripken, always a standup guy, says questions should be taken directly to the coaches. No need for whispering campaigns.

Writes Ripken: “If you have questions about how your son is progressing, you should speak to the coach directly. From my experiences, concerned parents are the kind that most coaches love. The good parents understand a commitment to a team, make sure the youngster arrives for practices and games on time and never are inclined to complain. But if a parent thinks a coach is taking a youngster for granted or shows behavior that is questionable, stop him after practice or give him a call. Tell the coach if you think he is going a good job, say your son loves playing and that you just want reasonable treatment for your son. Most coaches will appreciate such feedback and will be happy to discuss how a boy is doing and what lies ahead. Concern about a youngster’s play does not need to become confrontational to be productive, and good, calm, solid discussion can pay dividends for everyone.”

Coaches, parents and youngsters all can benefit from such advice.