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Everybody has heard horror stories of screaming sports parents. But in Rocky River, when a mom or dad speaks up, it isn't to chide a kid or ride a ref. And it isn't harsh, unconstructive criticism. It's based on the realization that "there's nothing more important than children," says David Ford, manager of the town's Don Umerley Civic Center. "And we're in a community where people are vocal to say, 'Hey, you need to do this.' We don't take it personally. We just say, 'We'll take a look and try to improve it.'"

Not that the complaints are common, with Ford, Rocky River Recreation Department director Mike Patterson and the rest of a dedicated staff proactively seeking enhancements. In September, for instance, a summit pulled together coaches, recreation reps and school athletic directors, and for years Rocky River has given parents a video on youth sports violence and had coaches sign a code of ethics.

The community of 20,000 by Lake Erie is a bustling sports burgh, with the civic center, expanding hockey and lacrosse participation and thriving 30-plus-team dodgeball action. The rec department recently hosted a Football Frenzy event (above), and next summer it will incorporate SI Good Sports into its annual FunFest sports carnival. There's also a Family Game Night planned in which all city sporting events will cease so families can enjoy a night at home. "For a small community," Patterson says, "we take pride in being able to offer a lot of different activities. And surprisingly, they've all flourished."

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