Today I watched a handful of first and second graders play a friendly game of basketball. I sat in the bleachers among a scattered group of supportive parents and grandparents while the little ones ran up and down the half-court, dribbling, double-dribbling, traveling, hogging the ball and committing all sorts of other minor infractions. It was all good.

Until, that is, I heard those ugly words, “take the ball” from the opposing coach. What? Did I really hear that? (more…)