During a recent Chicago Cubs game, Shota Imanaga’s attempt at a no-hitter was governed by several of baseball’s silent codes. Players from Imanaga’s team practiced the age-old superstition of not touching him while he was in the dugout, due to the no-hit bid in progress. Interestingly, none of the players from the opposing team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, broke the silent agreement by attempting to get a hit via bunt, a tactic often frowned upon as it is deemed a cheap method to break the no-hitter. But it was the surprising decision of Cubs manager Craig Counsell to pull Imanaga out after the seventh inning, despite the no-hitter still being achievable, that brought another unwritten rule into light. Counsell’s choice was driven by concern for Imanaga’s physical well-being, bringing health ahead of the game.
In any sport, particularly youth sports, unwritten rules are often protected by parents and coaches alike. These include not exploiting a less competent opponent by scoring too many runs, not expressing joy when the opponent makes a blunder, not stealing bases when leading by a significant margin, and not letting a young pitcher continue in the game after having thrown 95 pitches – the number that Imanaga had dispatched. Despite these unspoken guidelines, violations occur regularly.
Based on discussions with a multitude of coaches from across the nation and a medical expert, below are ten important yet generally unwritten norms that everyone associated with youth sports should abide by. These rules, while not officially documented, serve the purpose of ensuring fairness, integrity, and respect for all players, coaches, and spectators.
One of the recommended unwritten rules is to be aware of your child’s playing extent. This especially applies to how long they’ve been pitching or playing on the field. Over-exertion can lead to injuries or dips in performance, which is why it is crucial for parents as well as coaches to monitor and maintain the right balance.
A very significant unwritten rule is the 24-hour rule, which prohibits any postgame analysis during the journey back home. This rule helps prevent emotional responses and lets both parents and children process the game on their own terms. Emotional feedback immediately after a game can often do more harm than good.
Parents are also encouraged not to instruct their children during games. This is because it might lead to confusion, or it may undermine the instructions already given by the coach. It’s best to let the coach do their job and allow the child to focus on their role.
Another variation of the 24-hour rule stipulates that should you, as a parent, disagree with a coaching decision, it’s vital to take a ‘cooling off’ period before raising the issue. Often, this can help prevent any heat-of-the-moment disagreements or arguments that could adversely impact your child.
One strong recommendation is to refrain from critiquing umpires publicly. Although there might be some decisions that spark disagreement, undermining the authority of the umpire, especially in front of young players, may send the wrong message about respect and sportsmanship.
Coaches also have an unwritten obligation to set the appropriate precedent when it comes to disputing calls. Their behavior will significantly influence the impressionable young athletes in their team. Coaches should reasonably and respectfully express their disagreements or clarifications, modeling good sportsmanship.
Always have a definitive playing time rule when attending tournaments. This ensures that all players get a chance to participate and avoids overuse of some players while underplaying others. Such a rule fosters a level playing field and promotes teamwork.
Steer away from strategies that won’t come in handy when moving up a level, referred to as ‘bush league’ tactics. Such maneuvers may work in lower leagues but aren’t transferable skills. Instead, focus on improving core abilities and tactics that will be beneficial at higher competitive levels.
Lopsided games, where one team is significantly stronger than the other, provide an excellent opportunity for learning and improvement. Instead of showing off or taking a break, use these instances to fine-tune strengths and work on weaknesses.
Lastly, but most importantly, always remember there are not just kids but also humans participating in the game. Therefore, treat everyone with kindness, respect, and empathy – from your teammates, to opponents, to coaches, and even onlookers. It’s vital to maintain the spirit of the game, the joy of competition, and the thrill of improving, all while keeping sportsmanship at its core.
In essence, these unwritten rules serve as the backbone of youth sports. While they’re not reinforced by law or regulations, they are nevertheless significant for fostering an atmosphere of fairness, respect, and passion. Not merely for the children on the field, but for everyone involved – from the coaches on the sidelines to the parents in the stands.
It’s important to remember the primary goal of youth sports: to introduce kids to the love of the game, to teach them how to work as a team, and to foster mental and physical growth. Breaking these unwritten rules might lead to temporary success on the field, but it’s the lessons learned while adhering to them that are the true success of sports.