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WEEKLY NEWS 1: Youth Sports: A Personal Competition

When it comes to kids, sports are fun. They are a way to keep busy, get involved, meet new people and do something enjoyable. While competition is important, it should not be the focus of the game.

Over the years, there has been a rise in parental involvement through sports. Parents take the games very seriously because they want to see their kids win and do well. However, there is a line that should not be crossed and this weekend, in California, Cory Petero crossed this line.

Cory Petero was an assistant coach for his son’s football team in Stockton California, and took the game too personally. A player on the opposing team made an inappropriate late play against his son, so Cory tackled the boy on the other team. Luckily, the boy was wearing his equipment and was not hurt. Mr. Petero then left the stadium and later turned himself into the police. He could face Child Abuse charges, which is a felony.

It is obvious that parents are putting more pressure on their children to perform, but many youth sports programs are requiring that referees enforce the code of conduct for the parents as well as the athletes. Both athletes and parents need to realize the importance of the rules. If the athletes play fair, the parents have no need to interfere. If they don’t play fair, parents need to put their anger aside and let them handle the situation on their own.



--Written by Katie Prisco

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