America’s softest generation isn’t the kids — it’s their parents

An argument between a coach and referee at a girls’ flag football tournament in Revere, Massachusetts, prompts the article to question whether children or their parents struggle more with disappointment. The author argues that adults who berate officials and coaches while urging children to show good sportsmanship undermine the lessons youth sport can teach.

The article says some parents tie their children’s results to their own self-esteem, or feel entitled to success after spending money on travel teams and lessons. It argues that losing, being benched and receiving criticism are ordinary setbacks, and that children need room to learn how to handle them without adults intervening. Both men involved in the tournament fight later apologised.