Last weekend, LBS general secretary Kaspars Tsipruss said on the “X” website that an incident took place at the LJBL U-12 age group, in which the parents of the young basketball players were involved. The police were called to the scene, but did not arrest anyone.
Tsiprus stated that he would call an extraordinary meeting of the board to review and improve the regulations of the competition, ensuring that such incidents do not happen again.
Representatives of the Child Protection Center, the Ministry of Education and Science, as well as the State Service for the Quality of Education participated in the LBS board meeting held on Monday, with whom the relevant incident was examined.
At the board meeting, it was decided that the persons involved in the incidents will be prohibited from attending LJBL games and events until June 30, 2025, and LBS will contact the Center for the Protection of Children’s Rights, asking them to evaluate the specific case in accordance with legislative requirements and practice.
Also, LJBL director Elvijas Mičulis was instructed to develop and submit proposals for supplementing the LJBL regulations within a week, clarifying those responsible for the normal course of the competition and sanctions in case of violation of the rules.
In turn, the entire LJBL management, in cooperation with the LBS Youth Commission and other LBS structural units, will need to prepare guidelines for the behavior of coaches of teams participating in LJBL competitions in cases of conflict.
At the board meeting, it was also decided to instruct the management of LJBL in cooperation with children’s rights specialists, youth psychologists and other specialists to develop and implement educational measures for managers and coaches of sports schools participating in LJBL, which would help prepare for various challenges in the educational process of children and young people and to solve specific problems.
Also, LBS will invite all those involved in LJBL competitions to take action against persons who are under the influence of intoxicating substances or use them at the place of the games, as well as behave aggressively, insult the honor and respect of the participants of the competition or others present with their words or actions.
What role do parents play in shaping the culture of youth sports and preventing conflicts during games?
Time.news Interview: Addressing Conduct in Youth Sports
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we explore pressing issues affecting our communities. Today, we are joined by Dr. Lucia Hartman, a child psychologist specializing in youth sports and child protection issues. Dr. Hartman, thank you for being here.
Dr. Hartman: Thank you for having me. I’m glad to contribute to this important conversation.
Editor: Recently, an incident occurred at an LJBL U-12 basketball game, involving parents of young athletes. Can you provide us with insight into how such situations can escalate and what underlying issues might be at play?
Dr. Hartman: Absolutely. Youth sports can often heighten emotions, and while competition is a natural part of sports, parental pressure can amplify tensions. Parents may unintentionally project their aspirations onto their children, leading to conflicts when expectations don’t align with reality. This incident underscores how crucial it is for everyone involved—coaches, parents, and even referees—to maintain a supportive environment.
Editor: Following the incident, LBS General Secretary Kaspars Tsipruss indicated the need for improved regulations. What kind of regulations do you think could be impactful in preventing similar scenarios in the future?
Dr. Hartman: Effective regulations should focus on promoting a culture of respect within youth sports. This includes clear guidelines on parental conduct during games, mandatory training for coaches and parents about appropriate behaviors, and consequences for actions that undermine the spirit of sportsmanship. Additionally, creating channels for constructive feedback during competitions can help reduce frustrations and misunderstandings.
Editor: It’s noteworthy that the board recently mandated a ban on the individuals involved from attending LJBL events until 2025. What are your thoughts on such measures?
Dr. Hartman: It’s a necessary step to ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved. However, it’s equally important that such punitive measures are accompanied by educational opportunities for the individuals involved. Understanding the impact of their actions, both on their children and the broader community, can lead to meaningful change.
Editor: The LBS is also reaching out to the Center for the Protection of Children’s Rights for further evaluation. How important is this collaboration, and what role do such organizations play in addressing these types of incidents?
Dr. Hartman: Collaboration with organizations focused on child welfare is critical. They can provide insights rooted in best practices and legal standards, ensuring that responses to incidents are not just punitive but also rehabilitative. Their expertise can help foster a more comprehensive approach that prioritizes the interests of children, promoting their safety and development in all aspects of their lives, including sports.
Editor: LJBL Director Elvijas Mičulis has been tasked with developing proposals for improving regulations. What key elements should be included in these proposals?
Dr. Hartman: The proposals should incorporate educational components for parents and coaches about positive reinforcement and sportsmanship. There should also be mechanisms for reporting inappropriate behavior anonymously to create a safe space for athletes and parents alike. Lastly, establishing a clear escalation protocol for handling disputes will help maintain order during events.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hartman, for your insights into this critical topic. It’s clear that while incidents like these are unfortunate, they also present an opportunity for growth and improvement within youth sports.
Dr. Hartman: Thank you for discussing this issue. Ultimately, we all share the responsibility of creating a supportive environment for our young athletes.
Editor: Thank you for joining us today on Time.news. We look forward to seeing how the LJBL implements these necessary changes and how communities respond to ensure the sport remains fun and safe for every child involved.