Saturday, November 10, 2012

Soccer Shenanigans - Update

Last week we creamed the competition, this week they creamed us and unfortunately the Little One was the goalie when they scored four (that's right!) goals. The final score was 7-2.


At this age level, there's something known as a "blow out" rule which goes something like this - if you're leading by x amount of goals, don't score any more and try to let the other team score.

This week the team that beat us did not observe the "blow out" rule - they were relentless and continued to score. We got creamed!!!

But it's all good...I can't speak for all, but I don't think any one's self esteem was scarred permanently.

When you lose it doesn't always feel good, but it's a part of life. If we didn't lose we wouldn't know what we are capable of.

I don't know how I feel about the "blow out" rule - but I'm glad for God's grace and mercy which I tried to extend to my daughter after their loss.

So hopefully, next week they will have a better outcome!

Update - they were on the wrong side of the 6-2 score again. On the upside it was not a blowout, the girls are having fun and getting fit.  The opposing team scored 4 goals on another goalie on our team this time. The parents, on the other hand, aren't doing so well.  Let's see what next week brings.

Today, we won 2-0.  Woohoo!  I'm sure these girls are learning perseverance.

10/13/12 - It was a tough game.  We were ahead 2-1 until the 4th quarter; then the opposing team tied it and at the last minute were able to score another goal.  We really tried to tie it, but we took a loss.  Final score 3-2.  Overall, the girls are playing well, running faster and harder and working on being more aggressive.  Even though they lost we can see improvement.

It's Wednesday - the day we have a 90 minute practice.  Today it became clear to me that some parents are unhappy with our game record and are being quite verbal and rude about how they feel. Perhaps I have bigger fish to fry, but I am of the notion that 9 year old soccer is for the girls to learn the fundamentals of the game while having a bit of fun.  Since it's a game they're literally going to win some and lose some.  There are no superstars on our team, so it's quite unfortunate that one parent is so verbal about his feelings. Yes, I'd like my child to be part of a winning team, but since life doesn't always go that way, I don't mind her being on this team. It's tough sometimes, but I try to keep everything in perspective.

They tied last week 2-2 and won today 4-3.  I think they're doing ok.

They won again today 4-1; but I think I may be too invested as a parent.  While intellectually I know that hardship is how we learn, sometimes I want my little one to be the star of the team and score all of the goals. She plays defense, and when she plays it well it's reflected in the score.  However the primary role of a defender is not to score a goal, but to prevent the other team from getting in to position to score.  I think the Little One handles it better than me.

They won today - 6-1.  I didn't go to the game but my husband said she played very well today.  She's been practicing her kicks at home, so I guess that made a difference I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 (NIV)

Have you heard of the "blow out" rule? Does it matter? Are your children on winning teams or losing teams? How do you feel when your children lose?

2 comments:

  1. I've never heard of the blow out rule. I do know that I don't enjoy losing but at least I'm not a sore loser. I think that being a sore loser is worse than losing since losing happens. It is how you handle losing that matters. That is what I hope to teach my future kids.

    But here's hoping that you all get to taste how good it is to win soon! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I dont know if I agree with the blow out rule...there should be natural consequences and sports is one of the things we can use to teach children....I think it builds character!

    ReplyDelete

I love reading your comments; but please be kind. Unkind comments will be removed.