The bleachers at the games our kids play grow more toxic, the residual effects of which often end up on Facebook in some pathetic keyboard mud wrestling. And if you agree with the premise that sports are the great societal mirror, we’re left to conclude sports are becoming a more popular outlet for expressing suppressed anger. And not just for the participants.

The latest example came late last week. An incident at a youth game in Waterford triggered the two-step: Aggrieved person wants a pound of flesh and takes to Facebook. More than 200 comments later, the moderator gets tired of moderating and takes down the entire thread.

And if you wait a few more minutes, the next thread begins in the next town. More anger wrapped in moral outrage, using sports and kids’ games as the platform.

I can’t imagine why anybody would be maniacal enough to be a volunteer coach anymore. But instead of piling on here today, poking fun or lamenting the ferocity with which the youth sports culture is swirling the bowl, I’m going to try something different.

Thank you.

Thank you to all the youth coaches and volunteers. You make our places better places. You understand better than anybody else that no good deed goes unpunished. You see the worst of people, even the ones who appeared well meaning, until their kids didn’t get enough playing time. And yet you understand that after all the blathering, the kids need you.

Thank you.

I wish there were more than words here for you. But then, the harsh words you endure might get offset by this classic quote from songwriter Dave Glynn: “Don’t ever question the value of volunteers. Noah’s Ark was built by volunteers. The Titanic was built by professionals.”

This has been a landmark winter for me. For the first time in more than three decades, I’m watching sports through the lens of a parent, not the nosy reporter. My son is playing rec basketball. I’ve had to remind myself the prudent words of the great Tony D’Angelo, who watched all four of his kids play sports:

“Mikey,” Tony D said, “you go to the game, root for your kid and try not to be an (expletive).”

Mission accomplished thus far. Sonny is enjoying himself and learning the game one traveling violation at a time. He has two wonderful (volunteer) coaches, Adam and Isabel, who are positive and patient. I can’t imagine ever approaching them with anything other than a thank you. But then, I’ve also had a front row seat watching how NOT to act at kids’ games for many years.

I’m also amused as to why adults prefer using Facebook as a boxing ring in such situations. It’s one thing to be annoyed with the coach, umpire or league president. It’s another to make the whole thing public, as if the whims of every Tom, Dick and Harriet have some cosmic relevance.

I chimed in on the Waterford flap to remind the dramatis personae that Waterford sports, from youth to high school, are among the most successful in the region because volunteers remain, long after their kids are through playing. It’s a beautiful, inspiring epidemic in the 06385. And it’s why 200 comments and people sniping at each other accomplishes no other purpose than turning sports into something less desirable.

Is that what you really want?

You want your pound of flesh? Free country. Try having a respectful conversation. Otherwise, go to the game, root for your kid, try not to be an (expletive), buy him or her ice cream after and thank the coaches for volunteering their time.

It’s the backbone of a community.

One more thing: Instead of merely tolerating the codes of sportsmanship the kids read aloud before each game, try listening, too. Nobody outside of your own little bubble really cares whether your kid wins or loses. Make Sports Great Again.

This is the opinion of Day sports columnist Mike DiMauro