sports fan stop for a second and ask your kid 1 question. how much fun is it to lose? how much fun is it to wrestle a head hunter? i agree with you 100% on fun, we played pick up games of baseball and football 365 days a year, and learned alot doing it. even though it was all in fun, we were still preparing ourselves. however when you are going to compete, you have to prepare for your competition. tell me you never told the pitcher in a pick up game to throw harder or slower depending on the kid you were facing that week? as a parent or coach is helping an athlete by scouting, and preparing to compete, they are TEACHING, they are starting good habits of PREPERATION that will affect everything that young person does in life. when you were in school, who did best? the kids who "just show up" or the kids who prepared? who is more successful at your job? the guys who just "come and go", or the people who plan, and schedule their day? it can still be fun, and must be made to be fun by the parent or coach. stop and look around, if it wasn't fun do you think so many kids would be doing it? lastly ask yourself if you are truly, for the kids, trying to better the sport? or are you just trying to belittle, and stir up some controversy? before you answer, prepare yourself, because it is sometimes very difficult to be honest. if you are truly trying to better the kids, sports don't stop here at the forums, don't skip practice, go with your kid and get involved, i promise you, both will benefit. just remember your own advice it's supposed to be FUN!