What is protocal?

Stay there and don't get involved with the drama. It's better to be viewed as an outsider from the other parents than a trouble maker by the coaches

Dadof3 posted:

So son (13u) is on a new elite team this year.  After many cancellations and postponements due to weather, it looks like we are going to get the first game in tomorrow.  I like to sit by myself in the outfield somewhere but I don't want to appear rude or like I am not participating by supporting the team or what not.  Any thoughts or ideas?

Sit where you want after greeting teammates. 

Sit where you feel most comfortable and don't worry about the rest.

I sit away from other parents but will stop by and say hi before I take my seat along an outfield fence. If you are worried about appearing to be rude, etc., just take a few minutes to exchange pleasantries and then move on to your spot.

Will do, thanks!

Our parents tend to sit in clumps. Mine sits toward the outfield, so I have to walk through the whole set of parents to get to concession stands and restrooms. Often, I'll stop and visit or sit down for a few minutes with them and chat. I know which ones I want to avoid, and I do.

Sit where you like. Greet other parents when you pass. Enjoy the game and stay away from the drama. At that age the drama tends to ramp up. 

Also usually easier to decide you want to join the group in the stands later than suddenly move away from everyone. 

Hope the weather improves and your son gets some baseball in soon. 

Do whatever makes you the most comfortable. The thing about gossip and boards is you get overloaded with “worst of parents” stories. 

When I coached 13u to 16u the parents liked each other. When I left the dugout to be parent in 17u it was a whole new set of parents who got along. 

Agree with RJM... it's just not very interesting to talk about things that are just fine.  Most groups in the stands are just fine.  Beyond that, It usually gets entertaining more often than really problematic.  Everyone together shows more support for the team.  If you aren't wired for together then no problem sitting off somewhere.

I can think of in-law gathering stories that probably have some relevance... most of the time, I'll be part of the group ... shows support for the family.  But, sometimes, I just gotta get away    Just not that big a deal either way.  Enjoy your kid playing and enjoy the team, players and families he is with.

I believe  you should say 'Hi" and move along to the spot you enjoy watching the games from. I wouldn't think twice about that. I have a great group of parents this year. Most all sit together at games and seem to really get along and enjoy each other. But I never did that. I found a spot where I could focus on watching the game without being distracted by any conversation "period" good or bad. That's just how I am. I just want to watch baseball. Just do your own thing.

I don't know if there is a right way or a wrong way. I left the stands many years ago, tried to be friendly and supportive, but hated being around anyone or any group that coached from there, got on to umpires, tried to be funny, didn't understand productive outs or situations. Went to my spot, as far away with a good sightline. May appear anti-social, but anyone that comes out my way is welcome. People usually say, "sure is quiet out here", just the way I like it. Truth is I want to be as far away from my kids as possible, no parent induced pressure. I generally do not cheer. Never want to miss a spot where I should have, didn't and then people wonder why I didn't say something for their kid. Usually watch or listen to a college game on my phone while out there. I do make it a point to tell the coach "kids looked good tonight" or "tough one today" in passing to show my support. 

As an Umpire and a parent of a ballplayer, I used to sit with the main group until the game started.  I never supported the "in stands negative chatter" about Umpiring and Coaching.

Also as I was well known in my parent group as a working Umpire, being quizzed about every call, rule or mechanics issue affected my enjoyment of the game. I was there to watch and support my son and his team.   

Once the game started, I usually could be found down the 3rd base line..........at the end of the game I returned.........worked out well for me.

tanndonn posted:

...Truth is I want to be as far away from my kids as possible, no parent induced pressure. I generally do not cheer. 

My oldest still does take a peek on occasion and my younger 10 yo son is like a prison spotlight trying to catch my gaze.  I am also at fault to sometime holler back stop looking at me.