Winning shouldn’t be everything




Winning isn’t everything—or is it? Are parents losing sight of the importance of team sports and team work? Has winning become more important than ever or has it always been this intense? Yes and yes.

I remember being at a baseball game and was in line for a snack and had a perfect view of all the games being played. I saw an outstanding catch by an outfielder and shouted congratulations.

Some coaches standing next to me asked, “Was that your kid?” I told them, “No, and it’s not my team either.”

The look on their faces was shocking. They couldn’t believe I was cheering for another team, let alone a child I didn’t know. I reminded them that I was just appreciating a good play by a good athlete. One of my favorite things to do as a coach is ask the kids what was their favorite play of the game. Every child will immediately raise their hand and say, “When I caught the ball, when I hit the ball,” etc.

It is then that I ask, “Tell me your favorite play made by your teammate and share a good play made by the other team.”

While the hands don’t go up as quickly, it does help them appreciate and recognize a good play by someone else. It is an opportunity to take the focus off of them and acknowledge others.

Let us not forget, that while we may win a game, others have just lost a game. They may have practiced just as long; they may have played just as hard. They may have dropped the pop fly or missed the routine grounder that we all cheered about. They may have missed the last second basket, or they may have dropped the ball in the end zone to win the game. They tried, they practiced and they did their best, but it just wasn’t their day.

I don’t mind a game ending in a tie. It really makes everyone stop and think and have more encouraging words to say. You respect the other team and the players that much more. That sense of entitlement and pride subsides. The playing field is even until you meet again.

And therein lies the question: Winning isn’t everything—or is it?

Kerry Hirsch
West Hills



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