Entitled to Tantrum Behavior

They were feeling entitled to tantrum behavior.  The game had become that important, or maybe because they had seen it on television they think the tantrum is an integral part of the game, and that placating them is what coaches and parents ought to do.  The placating has, of course, a reinforcing effect, and even though they are only kids playing a game it has taken on the appearance and intensity of even younger children frustrated by reason's intrusion on their self-absorbed way of life.  Throwing helmets or bats, pounding on the ground and crying suggest it has lost its "gameness" and the feeling that the yelling and slamming are important demonstrations of one's commitment to the contest suggests we may be a society too concerned with appearance, too focused on winning and pursuit of more foolishness than could ever be helpful.