Monday, October 11, 2010

Off topic!

OK, I am going to illustrate a point that some seem to overlook, and it's way off the normal jive for me. It's the age old issue of over zealous soccer parents wanting their kids to be stars on the field, at whatever the cost.

This weekend, once again, we see the middle aged, portly coach pacing the sideline raising a voice at the player for not putting his full effort out. Said player looks dejected, returns to the sideline, where he slumps over himself while drizzle overtakes his body. Dripping wet, and appearing to feel as though he failed, he returns to the game where he misses a clear shot with a whiff. The coach again berates his ability, and the parent gasps at the error, thus reinforcing the negative input.

I am not against wanting to win, nor am I against encouraging full effort and participation in sport, but I vehemently oppose those who wish to live vicariously through their children on the soccer field. Seriously people, do you want to know your kid's chances of becoming a professional soccer player are? It ain't pretty - like 1 in 1.8 million in fact. Stop worrying about each missed kick or pass and just support them with positive reinforcement. Maybe they'll play harder, longer, and get more out of the experience, and eventually pass it down to their kids if they actually enjoy what they're doing.

Sorry for the rant, but it drove me nuts this past weekend and has been stewing ever since!

3 comments:

  1. Gawd dang-it. I noticed fragments and incomplete sentences! What do you have to say for yourself!? Don't you know that blog writing should still use proper grammar!? That is TERRIBLE. Rewrite it immediately or you're grounded! AAAARGH!

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