Pine wood derby's etc.

Some of the WORST sportsmanship I have ever observed was between
PARENTS at a PINE WOOD derby. In fact the pact committee decided
NOT to hold any more derby's until those parents had left the pack.

The CUB's of course will most likely learn sportmanship and values
from parents, and/or other cubs.

MY pack, when I was CUBmaster and/or comittee chair, had many many
prizes and awards, so that there was first, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the
PACK and each DEN, plus DESIGN awards, Originality awards, Future
Concepts awards, and some we made up on the day of the event, to make
sure EACH CUB got something.

I think the idea that some one posted about COMPETING with HONOR is
very valid. You also have to learn to lose with pride that you did
your best. My own son was a winner at pine woods and also in sports
like soccer and hockey when he was younger. HE GOT USED TO WINNING!
As he has gotten older and the competition has gotten better, he has
started to be on some loosing teams. FOR ME I AM GLAD!!! He has
1) learned what it is like to be on the other side and 2) NOW he has
started to work HARDER on off season training and conditioning etc.

So to cover a point out of these wanderings. . . As they say in the
OLYMPICS, just being there to be a part of the competion is a very
wonderful experience. I also learned that as a part of the WORLD
University Games here in Buffalo! Compettion is part of LIFE.
Some times you might win, and more times you will lose. Youth will
need to learn to deal with BOTH sides. . . A gracious winner and
a loser that can shake hands with the winner, because, on that DAY
they were better. We should also we trying to encourage the YOUTH
that they can do better, and they need to WORK hard to get better.
Often, winners get lazy, and if the losers work harder to get ready
for the NEXT time, there is NOTHING BETTER that a revenge VICTORY!
Don't get mad, get even? But at the same time, maybe it is time
to look at a different sport or program.

Part of CUBS and SCOUTS is the help to prepare our youth to be
the leaders of the future. Competion will be part of that future.
There will be winners and loosers, and we all should work to help
to keep the competions going! Without any competetion, we could
all get lazy! You can't always win, but you can always try, and
you should always DO YOUR BEST!

Is that a point? I am not sure, but PINE WOOD derbys have always
been a HOT bed of competition ,for at least the 30 years or so that
I have observed them. And with that speach in my mind, I have to
fill in as HEAD COACH tonite for a little league baseball game!
The players are great, if only the parents would STAY HOME!!

I think some one else already had that observation earlier !

I just hope I don't get thrown out of the game myself :) Now that
would be embarassing. 2 other coaches out out of town!!

don I,
scouter

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