Last week, I had the opportunity to cover a playoff basketball game at Varnado High School. My first job out of college was as a sports editor and I’ve always enjoyed writing about sports, so I was thrilled to be able to help out, since there were two games going on in the parish at the same time.

During the ball game, there were several times when I noticed young children running across the court to the other side of the gym. It didn’t seem like they were going anywhere, but just trying to let out some energy or chase each other.

Normally, I wouldn’t have a problem with that. We were all kids once, after all. But it was starting to become a problem, because there was a basketball game going on at the same time. I saw several instances where game officials had to tell kids to stay on the sidelines while the action was being played. I also saw several Varnado school administrators scolding youngsters for almost getting in the way.

I only have one question. Where were the parents of these children? I’m sure they were in the gym somewhere; why weren’t they watching their kids and making sure they stayed out of the way? It’s an issue of safety —not just the safety of the kids but also the players, officials and media members who had a job to do that night. The baselines at Varnado are very narrow and it would not have taken much for a collision.

I don’t think it’s too much to ask for parents to control their youngsters for a few hours to watch a basketball game. And if the kids can’t stay still, then they shouldn’t be at the game.

• I’m sure many of you saw photos from Tuesday’s two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Columbia Street and Highway 21. When I first saw them, I was shocked to learn that there were no life-threatening injuries.

I travel near that intersection all the time when I am going home, and we’re all well aware of the high speeds that motorists travel on that highway. It definitely could have been a lot worse.

Of course, it’s important to note that both drivers were wearing their seat belts. It cannot be stated enough just how important it is to be buckled up.

There are always some readers who question why the media reports whether crash victims were wearing seat belts. But I would respond that if that information convinces just one person to wear the seat belt and potentially save a life, then it’s the right thing to do.

Thanks for reading The Daily News!

Justin Schuver is the publisher and editor of The Daily News. You can email him at justin.schuver@bogalusadailynews.com.