Last week's game was terrific again. I don't know about you, but I just never tire of good exercise, fresh air, and happy kids.
But, of course, one reason things work so well is that we take the occasional opportunity to educate and direct.
Under what circumstances should we criticize the play of others? Because I'm acting as referee as well as player, I will sometimes enforce the rules. Other players will also sometimes stop the play for a "hand ball" or other appropriate reason. That's fine.
It is always appropriate to invite a player with less knowledge or skill to try something new. For example, you might invite a team-mate to run to a particular spot in order to receive a pass.
What about telling another player that he or she is playing badly? What about suggesting that the other player move to different position so the team won't be affected by his or her errors. These are perfectly acceptable behaviors in many venues for competitive sports. I grew up with these behaviors among the kids in my New York City neighborhood. Winning seemed very important, and someone who wasn't helping with the winning was to be ridiculed and demoted to a less-important position or to the bench.
Here at homeschool soccer in Howard Park we don't play that. The slower, younger or less-skilled player is valued as a human being, as a friend, as a child, and as a person with feelings and limitless potential. The faster, stronger, and more skilled player is of equal value, and is honored for his/her generousity and sensitivity in dealing with others.
There are amazing professional athletes whose skills I admire. They fall into three groups: despicable, admirable and neutral. I don't admire professional athletes who: (1) run dog fights, (2) take bribes, (3) take or sell illegal drugs, (4) abuse women or children, or (5) otherwise treat others badly. I don't want anyone at our games to feel that we support them when they belittle or ridicule other players regardless of their relative levels of skills or athleticism.
By the way, I particularly appreciate players who are willing to let the "tiny teamers" appear to dominate them.
Everyone is welcome at our games regardless of age or level of skill or fitness. Everyone will be appreciated. Everyone will be well treated.
Monday, May 20, 3-5 p.m. at Howard Park, at the corner of Jefferson and St. Louis Boulevards in South Bend.
Best,
Tom Borek
574-302-7865
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