The only time I feel that I lose my cool is when it comes to sportsmanship. If my son throws a raging fit because he lost and he is making a scene, you will see me remove my son from the situation until he regains control of his emotions. I do not agree with yelling at children for losing or making a mistake, but I also do not agree with being a bad sport. Throwing headgear, screaming at thier coaches or parents or the winning opponent are not acceptable behaviors. My son wrestles because he chooses to, I introduced him to the sport yet it is his choice to participate. Therefore if he chooses to show bad sportsmanship, that is where I will draw the line. And believe me folks, as we all know with kids, their fits can feel like a white-hot spotlight is beaming down upon you as the entire gymnasium stares in silent awe while they thrash and scream in an unmatched fury of tantrum. I only expect good sportsmanship, not 1st place, that is my only requirement for my wrestlers.

I do agree with you Nix, and there is a huge difference between trying to get control of you child's emotions and punishing the child because they didn't wrestle up to the parents expectations and I have witnessed both. The parents that are dealing with emotional children, I empathize with them, the parents or coaches that are furious over mistakes or losses, I sympathize for the wrestler.