Sports fans should keep comments positive

I found it disturbing at a recent football playoff game that a player from a local high school team was ridden so much by a "supporter" of that team that, at game's end, the player got face-to-face with the spectator to ask just what the problem was. I'm refraining from naming the team in question because I don't wish to group all that school's fans into the same "class" as the one spectator.

First off, I in no way fault the player for taking exception to what he felt was undo criticism. He plays for a high school football team and had just played his heart out, only to find his team fall short on the scoreboard. I've said it before but apparently need to say it again — high school football players, or players on any other high school team — are not athletes, they are kids playing a game.

By the way the player approached the spectator and by his ensuing words, I'm guessing the spectator was in no way related to the player, yet felt the outcome was important enough to voice his displeasure at the kid's effort. Come on. Losing a high school football game in no way casts the school or town for which it plays in a negative light. People will not refuse to move to the town or to do business in the town simply because its high school football team did not capture a championship. The town will not be the subject of derision simply because its football team — made up entirely of teenagers — did not win a game.

As a parent I cannot fathom the notion of giving my own child anything but positive reinforcement for his or her efforts, and would never voice my opinion of another child's play loud enough to be heard by the player or by his parents. I would be supportive in a loss, and congratulatory no matter what the outcome of the contest. That's what a supporter does — they SUPPORT the effort put out by their child and his or her teammates. I've seen kids dressed down by parents in parking lots following games. I will never understand it, unless maybe the parent is hoping their child achieves a higher level of success than they did in their playing days.

But I'm guessing most kids who play on high school sports teams see participation for what it is — an extra-curricular activity they can share with their friends, until they graduate and need to begin focusing on things that are truly important.

Until that time comes, I strongly encourage all parents and fans to remain positive and to help all the players get the most enjoyment they can out of this special time of their lives.

Craig Purcell is sports editor of Tri-County Newspapers. Contact him at 824-1036 or sports@tcnpress.com.