I just got home from my sons third and fourth grade flag football game for the City of Legacy Center. I am mildly extremely frustrated at what took place. The most frustration comes from the fact that four players, including my son sat out for all but the last two minutes of the second half. Even more frustrating is the reason, so the coach could preserve his undefeated record, in a development league that isn't supposed to even keep score. Now, I have to admit, I didn't completely understand his motive, I thought he was just playing favorites to his grandson and his two assistant coaches kids because it was the last game of the season. I came to my further understanding, when he had the kids sign his coaching shirt with their team record on it, which I will not disclose because, we don't keep score. Next, was the total lack of sportsmanship on the coaches part. He was actually yelling at the official for calling penalties against rushing early. The rule is that you have to wait three seconds and then the referee yells rush and your team can rush. Our coach didn't think the referee was doing a good enough job and started yelling rush, himself, for which the coach was flagged. I just think to myself this is third and fourth grade and it is being treated like it is some all important championship league. Now, I think I have heard every excuse in the book for why it is this way. From, "this is the real world," to, "we just teaching the kids to be the best." Hello, reality check coaches, none of these kids have reached their best. Actually, you are doing the kids that are still learning a disservice by not giving them the play time they need to improve and the kids who are more talented a disservice by telling them they can be cocky and arrogant because their team is stacked. Reality is a good coach, works with the team he has to teach teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. What about good old fashion class? Now, in no way am I saying that winning doesn't have its place in sports, obviously it does. But the nature of the beast is that there are winners and losers, how you handle one is just as important as how you handle the other. Are we teaching kids that you should win at any cost, even you character? I put my kids in sports so they can be active, develop motor skills, and learn teamwork. If they learn those things and appreciate the game, that's what I want. Where are the coaches that can teach them that! I think it's time I go back and pick up my whistle...
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