I have a 6 year old son who is on a travel hockey team. (yes, travel ice hockey - i do realize this is ridiculous)  Anyhow, this time of year they have try-outs for next season. The hockey career of our son is basically my husbands responsibility. The 3 times a week practices and the one game a week or weekend tournaments are all his work. Of course my 3 year old daughter and I go to the tournaments and some games, but the drudgery of the practices - changing in and out of the equipment etc, are all his deal.

Anyhow, tonight we go to the try-outs. It's a 3 night long event and this was the 3rd night. There are approximately 40 kids trying out for 3 teams. Mostly all the children make a team, it simply depends on whether it's an A-B-or C team.

So I'm in the stands watching my son and internally beaming with pride. He is really good - come on - he's six! The other parents' pride and passion, NOT so internal.

'Shoot the puck'

'Jason, what are you doing?!'

'Take the body'

'Pass it'

'Go - Go - Go Eric, SKATE!'

I don't understand this. First off, it's a try-out - NOT a game. and secondly, my goodness, they are 6, 7, and 8 year old children on the ice. Let them play and have fun.

So this was not the only disturbing situation of the evening...