Youth and sports

A study has found that cheating and unsportsmanlike conduct are relatively typical of kids playing youth sports: Almost one in 10 acknowledged cheating; 13% tried to injure an opponent; 31% argued with an official; 13% made fun of a less-skilled teammate; and 27% admitted to acting like a “bad sport.” Parents, too, are often not the best role models. How could the atmosphere of youth sports be improved?

I think the rise in young people cheating is directly related to an over-emphasis on competition and winning. Though success should be measured in how you live your life as a good person, it is usually measured along the lines of how you survive, compete and get to the top. This secular hierarchy is one of status and position and is often encouraged by schools and organizations as a means of identifying what is commonly called the cream of the crop.

It is important to encourage the best in each child, but it should never be by comparison with children who are obviously better or worse. I know it probably sounds impossible to be able to encourage without comparing, but it can be done.

Consider it an art form that is all about communication, acknowledgment and listening. As a minister, I see people in every state imaginable, and in every case a person’s insecurity, doubt and fears are all directly related to a feeling of failure caused by comparing themselves to others.

From my point of view, God does not create failures, cheaters or losers. Only humanity can create these experiences by forcing people to believe in winning as the only measure of success.

Having said all this, I do not believe that cheating is epidemic or rampant in our society. I believe that most kids play fair and want to be on teams that play fair.

Fair play is not newsworthy, but cheating is.

I think the statistics are misleading. To say that one in 10 acknowledged cheating is different from saying that 90% of kids don’t cheat, the vast majority are good sports, and more than 85% of kids avoid making fun of less-skilled teammates.

But how can we influence the kids who do cheat? I think Gandhi said it best when he encouraged each person to be the change they want to see.

SENIOR PASTOR

JAMES TURRELL

Center for Spiritual Discovery

Costa Mesa

Example and attitude!

“Just win, baby!” mandates Al Davis, Raiders guru.

“Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing!” preached Vince Lombardi, Green Bay legend.

With such attitudes from premier and exemplary sports personalities, it’s a wonder the percentages in this question are as low as they are.

A great human being and basketball coach, John Wooden, teaches: “Success is doing your best and helping others be their best.”

A great human being and my dad lived as he taught, the apparently now old-fashioned, “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game” -- to which he added, “and what you learn along the way.”

Those indicted by the percentages in this question should thoughtfully consider adopting such exemplary attitudes and behave accordingly.

(THE VERY REV’D CANON)

PETER D. HAYNES