Just a request

Deuce wrote:Wonder if Nicole has been alerted to this game to take a closer look...

She's on it.

I have officially given up the fight. This discussions seem to go nowhere. I did see the ref brandish a card late today. So they do occur. The big hope is can the refs get the game in control earlier. I think they have the power to control it but the response is let them play is still occuring. Just keep the game safe, there are enough injuries in the sport already. I'd like to see an informal pool of how many kids were injured due to lack of game control. Maybe that's why this is so important to me. (We have 17 on our roster and played most of today with 10 not all injuries due to ref control but I would say 3 got hurt on my side as a result of game control so I guess I take it personal) Can't blame the girls because you play based on what they allow you to play. Too many times this topic is out there but I don't know when it will change. To show that I will complain and compliment. We had a ref on Thursday, that spoke to the girls before the game let them know how he would call the game. Stated if he hears one cuss word he would give a card. If he heard it from the parents in English, French or Spanish he would give a warning then send the coach to remove the parent. I said hey we understand and so did the parents. Unfortunately a player on my team had a bad touch that resulted in the S word under her breath. Instant Yellow. On my side it was an instant pull of said player from the game. ( Wanted to get a bar of soap because she knows better) But again set the rule explain the rule then follow the rule. Ref gets star in my book controlled the game girls learned early what was allowed and what wasn't. Maybe sending the refs to meet this fellow might be a step in the right direction.

Hi, I totally agree that refs should help set the tone. So should players and parents. We all know the rules and should ensure that we help reinforce them. But bottom line is that if coaches, players and parents won't support good sportsmanship then unfortunately the Ref stands alone in that endeavor. If the ref fails to control the game then it becomes anything goes. I have seen refs berated and brow beaten so I know it is a thankless job. Sometimes so is parenting. But, both positions must try and direct our children toward the appropriate steps in life and soccer. Would we condone our children cheating in school? Would we look the other way if they bullied another student? Would we reprimand them for being rude to an adult? If you want your DD to grow up with a respect for others and fair play and the knowledge of making the right decisions, then shouldn't you ensure that these values carry through everywhere?

Do we expect our refs, coaches, teachers, etc., to take on that job? Do we encourage them to win at all costs? Do we yell at them to "take her out?"

We are the final arbiter of our children's behavior. Regardless, we should push for the best in sportsmanship. Report bad, dangerous behavior to the league. Provide feedback on Refs (good and bad) to the league. You can't just complain about bad behavior, you need to praise good too both with your dd, the coach and the refs.

Sorry, but truthfully, if we want something to change we should do our  part too.

Brilliant post, InaB.

Deuce wrote:Or at least that play like that is expected from boys but the girls are not "supposed" to be at all physical back.

Funny, since we've all watched games with two girls teams that got physically out of hand too.

Wonder if Nicole has been alerted to this game to take a closer look...

Nicole has just learned of this incident. I can't fix what I don't know is broken. Please email me the game information so I can look into this issue.