boys and sports

[narwhalParticipant]

So I’m watching my son’s 7th grade football game last night. My son’s team is getting crushed to the tune of 42 to nothing. The other team is way bigger then ours and easily more skilled as well. Our offense line can’t block anybody and the defense can’t get past any blocks.

So the ignorant mom behind me says “Those boys need to stop being afraid”.

I said nothing, but I wanted to turn and tell her….

Do you have any idea what it’s like to be truly afraid? Do you know what’s go through their heads right now? The are still reeling from the previous play where they got ran over. They are thinking about the previous game where one of their teammates was carried off the field with a broken leg. They are thinking about getting yelled about the coach. They are thinking about letting their team down and losing the respect of their teammates. They are thinking about embarrassment. They are thinking about whether they have what it takes. They are thinking about the fact that they cannot be a victim here, the cannot quit, they cannot run, they cannot blame someone else, they must stand and face this.

Do you know anything about that? Have you ever experienced a moment where there was no way to run? Where the team was more important then you? Where you cannot play the victim, you cannot use your gender as an excuse? Where no white knight is going to save you? You cannot shame, bully, or manipulate your way out?

No? Then sit down and shut up.

Another reason why women cannot raise boys.

Ok. Then do it.

[TaxGuyParticipant]

I’ve watched my daughter get beat at soccer like that. And some of it physically, like elbows and getting cleated on purpose. But a 6-0, 7-0 soccer score where you can barely get the ball across mid field for 15 seconds of relief.

The only life lesson there is that you gave your best effort, and there will always be someone better than you. Even Michael Jordan is no longer the best basketball player in the world. Tiger Woods is no longer the best golfer.

What bothers me in those situations is if the teams have different leagues for different skill levels. Soccer in our areas have 3-4 different levels and certain clubs are known to sand bag down a level or two so they can win the league. I find that disgusting on the part of the parents. The other life lesson I’ve given to my daughter in that situation is that adults will often screw it up for the kids, and there’s really nothing you can do about it but see it for what it is.

But yeah, some of the parents can be so stupid. When I go to soccer games, I stand by myself. My daughter has teased me about it in the past. Then I asked her if she wanted me to stand in the middle of all of the parents that bitch about everything. I got a resounding no.

Order the good wine

[narwhalParticipant]

TaxGuy wrote:

The only life lesson there is that you gave your best effort, and there will always be someone better than you. Even Michael Jordan is no longer the best basketball player in the world. Tiger Woods is no longer the best golfer.

I think there is more there to it then that. Failure is an option, and you can survive it. You know what failure is like, so now you forward knowing you can deal with that if it happens. Not only is Michael Jordan no longer the best, but he didn’t start off that way. He did not make his 7th grade basketball team.

TaxGuy wrote:

What bothers me in those situations is if the teams have different leagues for different skill levels. Soccer in our areas have 3-4 different levels and certain clubs are known to sand bag down a level or two so they can win the league. I find that disgusting on the part of the parents

In our area, the school teams are broken down into an A & B team. Since the coaches decide who plays where, there are different philosophies. Some coaches put the best on A team, while others make them more even, so the best players get the most playing time. My son plays B team and isn’t that good (yet) to a team that could beat most A teams.

I understand what your saying, but playing against inferior opponents has it’s value to. If you constantly play in a league where you are average or inferior, it can kill your confidence. You’ll think you’re no good, when you are actually way better then average. Easy successes are good for you sometimes. My son wants to play in a flag football league this winter where he knows he can dominate. He needs that I think.

Tonight, when I talk to my son, I’m going to remind him how proud I am that he even puts on that uniform to play.

Ok. Then do it.

[thisistheguy123Participant 2063]

Unless people have actually done something, they shouldn’t really be allowed to comment.

I use to think basketball was a boring game, until I played my first real game and learned appreciation and open mindedness at a very young age when it comes to judging others.

[Author]

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