The GCCSA Rec. tournament concluded this weekend. I had the opportunity to watch some really good youth soccer.
I witnessed one particularly thrilling game that ended in a shoot out. The emotion and intensity from the fans and kids rivaled that of any major sporting event. The game ended as you would predict, with one team the winner and another team the loser.
Both teams had nothing to be ashamed of with their play on the field, they all gave it their best effort and played with a spirit and passion for the game - both things necessary to advance the sport in our country.
The ones who should be ashamed are the ones on the sidelines who did not behave, the ones with the age and experience to know better, but didn't act better. The ones who are responsible for passing on the traits of fair play, sportmanship, humility in victory and honor in defeat, but chose to blame and curse others. You know who you are. If you feel guilty right now, then I'm probably talking about you.
I certainly do not live in a glass house and I am not one to cast stones. I could have done better in my game as well.
My team lost in the first round of the tournament. After the third questionable call to go against my team I threw off my sunglasses in disgust, shattering the lenses. At the end of the game one of my players handed me the broken glasses and lenses and asked Mr. Goss, why did you throw those? I told him that I behaved badly and I should not have done that. I went on to tell him and all the other members of the team, as I promised before the game - win or lose, I am proud of you.
Here's hoping we can all remember to behave on the sidelines. It is our children who are watching us.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
ARON
Well said. We as parents and grandparents must set the example for our youth. They repeat what they see or hear. It is our responsibility as adults, coaches and referees to show them how to be good sports and enjoy the game, win or lose.
I am reminded often that it is just a game. Some kids play hard to win and some kids just play to have fun. Watch their faces and you can tell how much fun they are having. It is great exercise and lots of fellowship with their teammates. Let's encourage them to have fun.
For the Love of the Game.
Glenn Davenport
Hopefully all of us will learn to be more respectful of how soccer is meant to be played AND watched as it grows to be more popular in our area. Referees, coaches and players should always be treated fairly and with respect. Just as important....our children should be allowed to have fun and play the game without having to hear from us on the sidelines. Reminds me of a story:
A Soccer Tale...
A mother was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her daughter.
Suddenly the girl burst into the kitchen, and began screaming at the mother:
"Careful! CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh my goodness! You're cooking too many at once! TOO MANY!!! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh my! WHERE are we going to ge MORE BUTTER?
They're going to STICK! Careful... CAREFUL! I said BE CAREFUL! You NEVER listen to me when you're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY? Have you LOST your mind? Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT! - LISTEN TO ME!!!!!!"
The mother stared at her. "What's wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?"
The daughter calmly replied, "I just wanted to show you what it feels like when Im trying to play soccer."
Post a Comment