Frank, you're not crazy, you're right, and what you said to your daughter was right. Maybe you could send the story to Dear Abby and then post her answer on the team bulletin board...

Another idea might be to do an informal poll of the other team parents and see what their feelings are. If they agree with you (which I hope they do), then bring it up at a team meeting. This kind of behavior is inexcusable, but it's also regrettably common, and many people think it's fine to abuse kids in this way. (I use the word "abuse" intentionally, because that's what it is.) I think this woman--and the coach, if he supports her behavior--need to be called on it, and stopped. But you're in a better position if you have the rest of the team parents on your side.

And Greg, I think your "perfectly simple" solution, while it makes some sense, is also simplistic. Sure, there are alternatives to organized sports, and they should be encouraged. But simply boycotting sports doesn't take into account the many benefits of sports participation for children. It's certainly true that there are lots of immature adults who act like this woman, or even worse. But the answer should be education, reorganizing the programs to encourage cooperation and participation over winning (the American Youth Soccer Organization does a creditable job of this, in my opinion), and setting a good example for both kids and parents--not throwing out the whole program because some people misuse it. That doesn't do the kids a service either.

Aloha,
Mark