I was thinking some about this topic last night. No question, it happens at all levels and its very hard to sit near it.
But here is what I was thinking about. Why are the parents the only ones we criticize for speaking their opinion openly in the stands? Are we the only ones not allowed to criticize?
No question I've heard fans all around me criticize the coaching staff of any school. I've definitely heard fans rip the players apart...including my own son. Should I have asked if they'd like me to deliver their message for them?
Just a couple of weeks ago a scout was sitting a few rows behind me before a game, talking to another scout, and I guess I can now tell you what he thinks is wrong with every nearly notable player and coaching staff in our area...and he knew who I am and where I was.
And I've sat in a hotel bar and heard coaches at the next table comment on virtually every aspect of a young kids life in a not-so-quiet way for anyone nearby to hear.
I guess I've learned to keep my own mouth shut (never know who's around?)...but I've also realized everyone is a "fan" (parents included) and part of the baseball fan culture to to 2nd-guess...pick apart decisions.
And part of a parent's job is to love their kids and have rose colored glasses. If we didn't, we wouldn't have enabled our kids to keep moving on when others said they could not.
Just some food for thought.