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LEHI, Utah (AP) -- The city of Lehi is requiring good sportsmanship classes for parents and guardians who want their children to participate in the municipal recreation program.
The class is called SAGE, for Set a Good Example.
The courses, which last 30 to 45 minutes, began this month.
"Really, we're trying to be proactive here," said Dan Harrison, Lehi Legacy Center director. "Sometimes we as parents place too much of an importance on winning at too young of an age instead of focusing on teaching skills and having fun."
Out-of-control adults have been heard to make derogatory remarks, yell at game officials, taunt opposing teams and spectators, curse and call people names, Harrison said.
"Sometimes we have instances here, sometimes major instances," he said. "You'll see parents yelling derogatory comments to their own kids, as well as other kids, and they think they're being helpful to their kids."
Many children drop out of the sports program because of the negative experiences they have early on, said Harrison.
There is no cost for the class and no registration r equired. Parents who complete the class receive a card that must be renewed annually.
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Information from: The Daily Herald, http://www.heraldextra.com
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
