If you hear a parent scream curse words from the stands,
it could be because their child is in danger, or just that their 8U team is losing.
Always leave the game knowing right where you are going next;
the left is for getting followed to your car while receiving death threats.
You suck! is rarely useful.
It actually means my kid is just bad at the sport.
Silence and respect is effective.
It means you recognize that I too am just a child like your own.
You will hear the parents stampeding behind you.
Not the resentment because of one questionable call.
There are fists flying in the crowd,
in the parking lot, in the school hallway, on the court.
The black and white striped uniform and authoritative whistle
nowhere near worth the paycheck.
Small children eager to play a new sport,
mothers who share an endearing smile, and fathers who offer a fist pump –
And any one of them
may chase you out of the gym once the final buzzer expires.
WILDsound Writing Festival 