"We have to promote positive attitudes for parents and players in the city," said Councilor at Large James M. Leahy, who proposed the new signs.
HOLYOKE — The signs won't say "Obnoxious parents, behave yourselves," but that was the intent of a City Council order approved Tuesday.
Signs will be posted at all city athletic fields and gyms encouraging people to remember that youth sports are played by children, that umpires and referees are human and that parents are role models.
"We have to promote positive attitudes for parents and players in the city," said Councilor at Large James M. Leahy, who proposed the new signs.
The proposal passed unanimously at City Hall, the 14-0 vote perhaps unsurprising given the hard-to-oppose message of encouraging sportsmanship and the fact several councilors are youth sports coaches who encounter a lot of parents.
Leahy's order envisions a five-point sign under the heading "Please remember." They continue: "1. These are kids. 2. This is a game. 3. Coaches are volunteers. 4. Umpires and referees are human. 5. Parents are role models."
The idea came to him because he travels with his son who is competing in youth basketball games and sees "negative effects" of some parents on children. Young people frequently heed their parents during games, he said.
"I'm sick of seeing parents yell at their children," Leahy said.
Holyoke Councilor James M. Leahy
Ward 4 Councilor Jason P. Ferreira, a youth sports coach, asked to be listed as a co-sponsor of the order.
"This is a very good message, Councilor Leahy," council President Kevin A. Jourdain said.
Youth sports are supposed to be where children learn not only how to play the games, but about teamwork and sportsmanship, Councilor at Large Peter R. Tallman said.
"It seems like a lot of that's gone today," Tallman said.
"Parents are role models," said Councilor at Large Joseph M. McGiverin, also a coach.
"It's a good message," said Councilor at Large Aaron M. Vega, who suggested the signs be placed in gyms as well as fields.
"There's some good lessons here for politicians, right, be nicer to each other?" Jourdain said.
"Put (such a sign) in City Hall?" Leahy said.