Occasionally, a situation arises which provides an opportunity for teaching the team about respecting the game. Earlier in the season, we had our blowout game, where we had a chance to talk about sportsmanship and respecting the other team.
We now have another opportunity to learn and grow as a team. I have noticed a tendency by team members to be overly critical of one another, both in practice and in games. Whenever I have actually heard the comments, I immediately address the issue, telling the kids that they should be supportive of one another, and try to help each other, rather than criticize or insult one another. I have noticed that I have had to do this more and more, and I'm sure that it happens when I'm not there to hear it.
It's possible that this is happening because our team, as a whole, is improving, and the boys are able to discern the various skill levels of each other. This is a good thing. But taking a negative approach to dealing with one another is not a good thing and this is what I plan to address in the next couple of weeks.
Over the next few practices and games, I will be stressing how we need to help and support one another with positive comments, attaboys and high fives. I have always talked about "respecting the game" and that means playing fairly, not arguing with the referee, and not
trash talking the other team. It also means not trash talking with ourselves.
Hopefully, my words of encouragement will nip this in the bud. But I am prepared to sit players down who continue to engage in this behavior because it is unacceptable and disruptive. I hope that you also take a moment to talk with your child about this issue and
encourage them to keep a positive attitude on and off the pitch.
1 comment:
As a mom, I'd like to challenge the boys to find a positive thing to say. We all make mistakes, we all miss shots, we all sometimes do not play to our potential. The player is aware of his mistake. Criticizing another team member ("that was a lousy shot") does not help that player do better, and may make him play worse by making him self-conscious, sad, or angry. That hurts the player and the rest of the team.
How about choosing to say something to support the team, like, "No problem--we'll get it next time!" or "Good try!" or "Wow, that was close!"
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