As is the case in our other dealings, there is no guarantee that coaches, parents, or even players, will be of respectable character. In fact, given the attitudes of many people today, I think it's getting harder and harder to find people of respectable character. Where did "The Greatest Generation" go, you know, people like our grandparents and great-grandparents?
The parents, AND ONLY THE PARENTS, should be responsible to select who does or does not coach their children and how to deal with that coach's actions. It is about time parents start being parents and accept the responsibilities that go along with it and stop expecting others to do their job for them.
I find it absolutely astounding that every time something goes awry with a young person from shootings to overdoses, school grades to accidents, it is always someone else that "has to do something".
in my 10 years of coaching softball, I have never been thrown out of a game and I have never not shaken or tried to shake the other coaches' hands. No matter how idiotic the other team or coaches act, I tell the girls that I always shake hands to set the proper example. Coaches who don't shake hands have no business coaching since all they care about is winning and not lessons in life
Your last statement is pretty bold and blanketed. I also have never been thrown out of a game, or even ever, been given a warning. It is common for me and my coaching staff to get compliments on our sportsmanship. It's even more common for my players to get compliments on their sportsmanship as well as their play. And guess what, we even get compliments from umps and parents about how well our parents carry themselves during games and tournaments.
Sunday was the first time I ever refused to shake the opposing coach's hand. I did shake the girls hands, and even gave extra congrats to their pitcher and a girl who hit a booming 2 run triple.
This is 12u TB. Twice in this game, they hit a ball down 1st base line, my 1st baseman charges the ball scoops it up and stands there to make the tag. Opposing coach is screaming "RUN HER OVER, RUN HER OVER". The first time it happened I was just thinking to myself, wow, really? I didn't really think much of it. Now, Later in the game, and they pretty much have the game in their hands at this point. The same situation comes up. Dribbler down 1st baseline, My 1st baseman fields it, and once again opposing coach is sreaming, even louder this time, "YOU BETTER RUN HER OVER, RUN HER OVER". At this point the ump actually went over and had a conversation with him, I don't know what was said, but I hope it was some kind of a warning.
So I guess I'm just an "idiot who only cares about winning" because I didn't feel that coach deserved my hand shake. I don't think I would have been to happy with myself if I HAD shaken his hand.
The hand shake after the game is a sign of sportsmanship and respect. The opposing coach had no sportsmanship and therefore didn't deserve my respect. But his players did deserve it, they played a great game.