Kid's sports - The Sequel

[lookout123]

jealous? maybe, but probably just frustrated, embarrassed, and angry at the way things were handled. No one (except coaches with inferiority issues) want to see a team completely and totally played off the field like that. It isn't good for the winning or losing team. It leads young players who just got crushed to say "this game sucks" and walk away.

Even as an adult, I've played tournaments that are way above my skill level and it can be disheartening to say the least. Now insert a 6 or 7 year old's developing self image into the mix. Ouch.

The lady was 220% wrong for even speaking to LL, but I can appreciate her anger. D should have coached the game differently to make sure it didn't get out of hand.

***
As I was typing I got a phone call from the club director and he completely understands what happened out there. He had a couple parents complain and I'm relieved to hear that he defused the situation a bit. Apparently he overheard LL, C, C, and B on the field make an agreement amongst themselves that they weren't going to score anymore unless they used their left foot. So I'm glad to hear that even if the 20 something fill in coach doesn't get it, my 6 and 7 year old players understand the concept of sportsmanship. They understand that the game can be played with respect for the other team.

[LabRat]

Originally Posted by lookout123

. . . even if the 20 something fill in coach doesn't get it, my 6 and 7 year old players understand the concept of sportsmanship. They understand that the game can be played with respect for the other team.

And that sir, is why you are an outstanding couch, regardless of your record.

[lookout123]

I think we are in a much different league than you . . .

They all start the same. Enjoy it. When LL started playing U6 (just before his 4th birthday) most of the kids couldn't even look at the ball without crying or falling over. Just make sure you are always in a league that is consistent with her desire and focus. If your coach looks like they don't have a clue, move teams next season. Or better yet, go help. You don't have to know anything about the game to help wrangle the kids. As a coach, I will say that was the biggest difference between me and the others - I always enlisted 1 or 2 parents to help keep the kids in line so I could keep ALL the kids busy ALL the time. Bored kids don't like the game much.

When LL started he played defense ONLY because he just didn't get what was supposed to happen next. He could run fast and kick hard, and loved being out there, but the moving it towards the goal part... not so much. 3 years later and pound for pound the kid is far more skilled than I could ever be.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by lookout123

snip~ If your coach looks like they don't have a clue, move teams next season. Or better yet, go help. ~snip

Even better, print this thread for them.

[Cicero]

Originally Posted by lookout123

jealous? maybe, but probably just frustrated, embarrassed, and angry at the way things were handled. No one (except coaches with inferiority issues) want to see a team completely and totally played off the field like that. It isn't good for the winning or losing team. It leads young players who just got crushed to say "this game sucks" and walk away.

Even as an adult, I've played tournaments that are way above my skill level and it can be disheartening to say the least. Now insert a 6 or 7 year old's developing self image into the mix. Ouch.

No, I wasn't talking about just that isolated incident....Overall it seems like some of the parents and coaches need to take "Good Sportsmanship 101".


When I get creamed I start taking notes. May be unfair circumstances, but I think it's useful sometimes. Of course I am an opportunist, who will find a way to win in the middle of failing. Oh no..I didn't lose, because you just showed me how to do it better. I win Thanks for the lesson have a nice day.

I wonder what you think about the philosophy- the only way to be a better player is to play against better players than you?

You are a great coach!! I just want people to be as fair to you and your son, as you are to them.

[lookout123]

I wonder what you think about the philosophy- the only way to be a better player is to play against better players than you?

It's half true. The problem is that some parents/coaches/players ONLY play with people better than them so they're always under pressure operating at the edge of their abilities. I disagree with that and that is why LL still plays in the rec league at his own age group. He has to bust his butt and use every ounce of skill he has at his competitive team so he doesn't have much chance to experiment and try new techniques and moves there. When he plays rec league he has more time on the ball to think and plan so he can try new things without the point for point pressure found in the higher skill levels. That and I want him to have fun with kids that don't live/eat/breathe soccer like he does. competitive soccer can be a pretty inbred fishbowl.

I just want people to be as fair to you and your son, as you are to them.

Thanks. That's unlikely, but it's ok. One of the most important things he can learn is that life isn't fair so you have to learn how to beat people using their own rules.

[Cicero]

Originally Posted by lookout123

One of the most important things he can learn is that life isn't fair so you have to learn how to beat people using their own rules.

Hopefully this method doesn't work against you when he becomes a teenager.

I don't know anything about having kids so I'm just going to hang out in these threads and try to learn something from (live vicariously through) you guys.

[lookout123]

Hopefully this method doesn't work against you when he becomes a teenager.

Actually I'm hoping it's a lesson he carries into his teen years. He can win even when forced to play by my rules, if he focuses on the challenge and not the unfairness (perceived or real) of life around him.

I'll let you know how that works in about 15 years.