The Sideline Fix

Two weeks ago, a man died at a middle school basketball game. He was not the victim of a sudden onset of a health issue. But instead of a larger issue that plagues us. Violence. As the events were reported, a brawl broke out in the stands. A collection of adults, who should know better, came to blows for reasons that have not been disclosed. As a result, a 60 year-old man who very likely served as a support to one or more of the athletes on the court lost his life.

When I speak of sport-based youth development (SBYD), one of the key aspects that have to settled is an environment of safety. Physical safety. Mental safety. Young people need to feel like they are going to be okay in the space. Both types of safety were violated that day. The other key aspect is supportive adults.

If this event tells us anything, it’s that the responsibility for being a supportive adult doesn’t just rest in the hands of the coaches. All of the adults in the children’s lives need to be willing to provide the best situation possible. And that means they may need to learn some of the skills we hope to teach kids in SBYD programs. First and foremost, that mean they too need to learn self-control and emotional intelligence.

This story is troubling. A senseless act got out of hand and resulted in an irreversible consequence. A number of young people had to endure trauma. But there is hope. It is possible to come on the other side. By taking more seriously the ways they engage with the students, the examples they set, and the environments they create, these adults can turn this situation around for the better.

If you are interested in learning more about SBYD, stay tuned to this blog.