This past Sunday, I watched in disbelief as the 5th grade boys basketball coach for a Lima City Schools team walked out on his team in a game against Bluffton at Bath Middle School. He left his team on the floor watching him walk out of the gym after he was called for a technical foul. Rattled by a whistle happy referee and probably his first close game of the year, this coach showed his true colors. But worse, he set a poor example to his impressionable players and the Bluffton players of how to face adversity in life.
Youth sports is about so much more than the game. It’s about life lessons in sportsmanship, respect, character and integrity. What a shame to witness the coach of an opponent teach the kids on both teams that when the going gets tough, just quit. School work too hard? Just quit. Marriage or parenting too hard? Just quit. Job not going well? Just quit.
I hope this coach makes it right and sits down with each player to admit his mistake. To other youth coaches out there, remember, your players are looking at so much more than the scoreboard during their time with you!
Chris Jebsen, Bluffton
