Never in my five years of managing and overseeing divisions within the Howard Palmetto Khoury League organization have I ever had to address an issue concerning the behavior of the kids. The issues have always involved the so-called "grown-ups." The coaches who sacrifice their own dignity for the sake of a possible "win" or a "questionable call;" parents who expect their own son or daughter -- or worse yet, someone else's -- to perform without a hitch or face being chastised and humiliated openly in front of their friends and teammates. Let's not forget those guys and gals that so bravely put on the "blues" and enter the battlefield of umpiring. They too face repetitive and ongoing abuse from the "grown-ups." I can't ever remember seeing a "kid" in an umpires face.

To know that the deplorable and inexcusable behavior described in Grant Miller's commentary on the part of both coaches and parents alike occurred at an Atom American game involving five and six-year-old kids is extremely disheartening. It's ugly and it's unwelcome!

GROW UP GROWN-UPS for the sake of our kids and for those like me, who volunteer countless hours trying to provide a positive, nurturing and fun environment for our players. It's about team work, sportsmanship and skill development.

For those coaches and parents that cannot keep these fundamental ideals in perspective, do us all a favor, either shape-up or ship-out! There is no room in our organization for "grown-ups" that set such a bad example!

To the "foul-mouthed" women, I suggest you take an extra hard look at the example you set. If the manner in which you express yourself is acceptable to you, then I suggest you stay away from the field all together!

Mary Pettit, is a Mom, Manager, Coach and HPKL Softball Division IV Vice President.