ALLENTOWN (TNS) — I saw my share of parental temper tantrums when I coached youth sports.

From the bleachers and by email, moms and dads whined about playing time, strategies and other injustices that were holding back their 9-year-old star from getting a scholarship and going pro.

None of those meltdowns was as horrific as what happened earlier this month at Easton Area Middle School.

So many spectators at a youth cheerleading competition misbehaved that the school district shut down the event.

These spectators, presumably mostly parents, refused to wear a mask in the gym.

What horrible parents.

They couldn’t put aside their political beliefs for a few hours so their children, in eighth grade and younger, could participate in a competition they had trained hard for.

These knucklehead moms and dads let down all of the kids and coaches who prepared for that big day. They also wasted the money of their children’s cheerleading clubs, which paid $100 to participate.

All because they wouldn’t wear a mask?

I feel sorry for the kids, and for the parents who followed the rules. But I’m glad Easton Area School District officials kicked everyone out. A message had to be sent, to these parents and to others who can learn from their stubbornness.

Easton Superintendent David Piperato addressed the matter during Tuesday night’s school board meeting.

“Although there were many reminders made to the adults in attendance, there were a pretty large number of adults who refused to comply,” he said.

“If it had been a small number, I think security would have felt comfortable escorting one or two individuals out. But because it was a larger number, we had to make a decision to shut down the event and that’s very unfortunate. We feel awful for the students who prepare and the coaches who prepare them to be able to participate.”

Piperato said the acting Pennsylvania health secretary’s order that masks be worn inside school buildings — during district and outside events — is clear. And it will be enforced.

“It still amazes me that individuals don’t understand that we can’t and won’t operate while allowing people to be indoors without masks on, for everybody’s safety and because it’s the law,” Piperato said.

Assistant Superintendent Josh Ziatyk called on parents to step up their game as the winter sports season begins and competitions move indoors.

“While many of us may have our own personal beliefs regarding mask wearing, they are exactly that, personal beliefs,” he said.

“Please be aware that for any spectator or outside organization not adhering to a clear and reasonable requirement, you will not be permitted to attend an event. Furthermore, should we have a critical mass not adhering to our clear and reasonable requirement, the district will either postpone the event and/or prevent spectators from attending that event.

“Again we all have our beliefs. However, we must also remember that we are here to support our students, and adult behavior should never negatively impact our student athletes and their participation in athletic contests and events,” Ziatyk said.

We all do have our beliefs.

I am among those who disagree with the state’s school masking policy. As I’ve said previously, I don’t believe students and staff who are vaccinated against COVID-19 should have to wear a mask.

But that’s the rule for now. So when my son’s swim meets begin in a few weeks, I will wear a mask because I want to be in the stands to cheer him on and support his team.

Parents are supposed to make sacrifices for their children. Don’t ruin their fun instead.

Ziatyk’s closing plea for parents to do the right thing should be broadcast statewide.

“Thank you to all of you for a strong fall season and we look forward to supporting our student athletes in the winter and upcoming spring seasons. Thank you to everyone here and everyone watching and all of our families in advance for all that you do as a role model for our students.”

Did you hear that, mom and dad?

Say it with me — ROLE MODEL.

That’s what you are as a parent. So act like one.

(Paul Muschick is a columnist for The Morning Call of Allentown.)