Who’s To Blame For Athletes’ Bad Behavior?


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Coaches at all levels are responsible for their athletes' behavior.
Coaches at all levels should be held accountable for their athletes’ behavior.

Athletes with bad tempers waste everybody’s time, emotions and enjoyment.

And those incapable of controlling their hot side create more disharmony than they could ever gain from letting off steam.

Losing it is not pretty, but it has become commonplace. At National Scouting Report, we see young athletes go off on other athletes or officials during almost every game. It has to stop.

How did we get to the place where bad tempers are tolerated? I put the blame squarely on the shoulders of three groups — parents, coaches and professional athletes.

Parents have an obligation to establish a model of good sportsmanship for their children at impressionable ages.  That said, it is a hard cycle to break when exposing one’s temper is a hereditary trait passed on from generation to generation.

In some cases, interventions are sorely needed because parents can damage their athlete’s chances of being recruited. College coaches will not recruit athletes whose parents exhibit unruly tempers that can distract the team and often predict the reactions of their children when things don’t go their way.

Youth, high school and club coaches have a double responsibility. It is widely acknowledged that teams usually reflect the attitude of their coaches. So when coaches have trouble keeping their emotions under control, there is a danger their players will follow. They often display similar behavior which can result in ejections or penalties that can put their team at a distinct disadvantage.

Professional athletes may be the biggest sinners. When was the last time you watched a pro game  when some athlete didn’t lose control?

Young athletes watch these tantrums and take cues from the people who should be setting the best examples.  I think it is because they feel privileged and know that the consequences will be minimal, especially when the fines levied against them are tantamount to pocket change.

What do you think? What can be done?

We look forward to your opinions, suggestions or comments.


National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.

If you are ready to take your recruiting to the next level, click the Get Scouted button below to be evaluated by an NSR College Scout.

Get Scouted  Scouting Careers

One thought on “Who’s To Blame For Athletes’ Bad Behavior?

  1. Shame and ridicule. It must come from within. Shame has to be brought by the team. One for all and all for one. One player blows it the whole team does pushups. This has to come from the leaders on the team. I have this down to a science. Coaches in the past like Phil Parcells have the tone set needed to make examples. It has to be fun.
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