Warning - non parent opinion follows. Yes, it does change perspective.
That sounds like a good attitude, Griff, but I worry in turning the theory into practice there's a pitfall. Like the well intentioned legislation, interpreted by the school board, forming a zero tolerance policy, which plays out in bizarre scenarios. Either because the first line troops(teachers) have the discretion taken away or are hiding behind policy.
Some kids have shunned scouts, little league, and other organized activities, in favor of pick up games and activities with ad hoc rules, to avoid the preaching and bullshit. Also shit like monster's goalie suffered, I believe because it's too organized and competitive to worry about the kids.
It seems the kids who thrive in the organized stuff have involved parents who sometimes help out, are supportive and involved. So do the kids want it, or want to please their folks? Do they absorb the preaching, or tune out until the fun starts?
OK, the idea of striving to win, but losing gracefully, is in the eye of the beholder.
Is this acceptable or is it not?
Train, practice, sacrifice, do your very best, then lose. You'll be disappointed, angry, sad, a range of emotions well up. Now this is when you are expected to make a socially acceptable decision about what emotions to show and how much? WTF? That's an awful burden to put on any competitor, especially kids.
When Johnny strikes out and beats the pitcher or umpire with the bat, I think we can agree that's unacceptable behavior.
However when Johnny strikes out and stomps off the field furiously chewing his gum and muttering, is that bad sportsmanship? Should he have thanked the pitcher and catcher for their participation? Fuck no, Johnny's pissed, probably mostly at himself. It's a way to show everyone he's unhappy with striking out, in my opinion.
But whether you agree or not, you can see the danger of trying to promote truthjusticeamericanway with strict rules of conduct. Guess the crowd will have to thumbs up or down, to guide the Emperor in his decision.
