I've been around sports for a long time. I played youth sports since I was old enough to sign up, I played multiple sports in high school, and I played four years of college ball on an athletic scholarship.

Once I had kids, I got to experience sports from a different perspective. Some of the the things I see are not pretty.

Each calendar year, I'm involved in at least five different youth sports leagues as a parent or volunteer coach. Since our youngest son is now old enough to play, that number will increase to eight.

I meet a lot of parents. I have a lot of conversations with other sports parents, and I overhear a lot of conversations with sports parents.

Politicking parents are everywhere

One thing I've noticed that is becoming a problem to me is the politicking parent. What makes it bad is I'm starting to see and hear them more and more.

Since youth sports has become big business with AAU and travel ball, the stakes seem to be higher. This seems to be bring out more politicking parents, who have great intentions but are somewhat misguided.

They desire to give their kids the best opportunities in youth sports and hope to create the best experience for their kids. The problem is this normally is based on their perspectives and what makes experiences good for them.

Good intentions, bad methods

This desire comes out in the form of jockeying for positions for their kids. When their kids aren't getting the experience they envisioned, these parent will switch teams, leagues and even school districts.

When they find new teams or leagues, they begin building relationships in hopes it'll give them influence on their kids' status, position or playing time.

Some will go a step further and volunteer to coach. When they do, they have a tendency to favor their kids or their friends' kids even though other kids more suited or just plain better at a particular position.

Other parents will even join the league board or volunteer for key organizational positions to give them a better chance to influence not just their kids' team but all teams. Yes, this happens.

Politicking parents need to stop it

Honestly, I have seen too much of it, and it has become a sore thumb in youth sports for me and youth sports biggest problem. It takes the focus off the kids, their enjoyment and their development. And it has to stop.

So, this is my call to all parents but especially the politicking parents. Please read the following and begin to place the focus on all the kids, not just our own. Let's make youth sports pure like it is suppose to be and enjoy it whether you win or lose.

To help you keep this in perspective here are 3 things to remember to keep from becoming the politicking parent:

The name of the game is youth sports

If no adults were present and you threw a ball out on an open field, most kids would gather and play a game. They don't need us to enjoy youth sports.

Adults may have organized and funded the leagues and teams, but the kids could care less. They just want to play. Remember the name of the game is youth sports, and just let them play.

Your greatest influence is being there

Switching leagues and teams, befriending coaches, team moms and other parents doesn't increase your influence. Your influence on your kid and his/her teammates is greatest when you are there. When you are present.

Be present as much as you can. Show up to practices, games and play with them at home. This will show them you are there for them, and playing with them away from games and practices will provide some of their greatest development.

Remember the big picture

The big picture is not making the NFL, getting a college scholarship or even playing for the best high school team. The big picture is their character development and fun from the experience of competing in a game they enjoy.

How good they become at the sport, how much they play and how many points they put on the board can add to the enjoyment. But it is not the big picture. The numbers show a large majority will "go pro" in something other than sports.

What will be gained from their involvement with youth sports that'll help them off the field as well? That is the big picture.

Free you and your kids to just have fun

When you keep the above in mind, you'll be less likely to engage in politicking parent activities, and you'll be free to just enjoy your kids participation in youth sports. And most importantly your kids will get to enjoy it.

Question: Have you experienced politicking parents in your kids youth sports?