Sore Losers Rules that punish teams for winning by large margins confuse sportsmanship with avoiding competition and deny children valuable lessons. This article is for Members only
Stand Up Youth-sports leaders must confront abusive spectators, enforce conduct standards, and protect coaches, officials, and children. This article is for Members only
Parental Timeouts Youth-sports programs can protect children and officials by setting clear fan-conduct rules and removing parents who repeatedly behave abusively. This article is for Members only
Dissecting Drafts Youth-sports evaluations can create balanced teams without humiliating children when coaches emphasize encouragement, fairness, and development. This article is for Members only
Trading Treasures For Turnovers The Cavaliers’ treatment of longtime center Zydrunas Ilgauskas offers a lesson in loyalty, appreciation, teamwork, and valuing every contributor. This article is for Members only
Sizing Up Scoring Youth-sports programs should match scorekeeping and competition to children’s age, development, enjoyment, and readiness for winning and losing. This article is for Members only
Good Sports? A winless youth basketball season highlights the difference between competing hard, managing mismatches, and showing genuine sportsmanship. This article is for Members only
The Mercy Rule Mercy rules can prevent humiliation but may also remove opportunities to teach resilience, effort, and respectful competition. This article is for Members only
Trophies Youth-sports leaders weigh participation awards against competitive recognition and what trophies teach children about effort and achievement. This article is for Members only
Pay Attention The fatal violence at a youth hockey practice remains a warning that adults must model restraint, sportsmanship, and perspective. This article is for Members only
Don’t Hide The Handshake Moving the handshake before a youth game makes respect and sportsmanship intentional, rather than a rushed ritual shaped by post-game emotions. This article is for Members only
Politics, Religion … And All-Star Games Parents and coaches debate whether youth All-Star games reward excellence or exclude children from meaningful opportunities to play. This article is for Members only
