Am I to
believe that somehow genetically European soccer players have some sort of
genetic gift that inexplicably has a root in them being born in one part of the
world over another that allows them to play soccer better than here in the
United Sates? How would that be possible since we are talking about a micro
second in the history of the world to make this dramatic genetic change.
No one is entitled
to playing time based on what they have done in the past. When a player is not
playing well, other players should be given a chance to play, and if they play
well, they should have earned more playing time in the eyes of the coach,
regardless of their stats on the team.
Over and
over again, I see in youth and high school sports, one or two players getting
preferential treatment on a team based on their reputation, not their present
day performance. What I see, and others may not, is the detrimental effect this
philosophy has on the player being given that treatment, and the other players
suffering because of it.
There is a
mentality in sports, driven by the amount of money, which certain players, once
they have achieved a certain status, are entitled to play their way through any
problems they have. Even if there is a conflict with the coach, or a certain
“air” about the player, they should be allowed to play more than the other
layers because they are perceived to be more talented. NO
I have said
on many occasions in talks I have given and the workshops I do, that I would
bench my mother in the last five minutes of a game if she was playing poorly
and it wouldn’t faze me. And I want to go on the record as saying I am a HUGE momma’s
boy, and proud of it. I love that woman with my entire heart and soul. I could
never thank her enough for what she did for me growing up and I think about her
every day. I am so appreciative to what she and my father taught me.
If we truly
want to find out who the best is, there has to be repeated chances for those
who may not be at the top talent level to get to play. Their play and
enthusiasm are an essential part of any teams make up and for any business to
embrace. Too many times I see someone, based on reputation, being given special
preferential treatment, or demanding it, while others, who may not be as
talented, but bring other benefits to the table, sit around and “wait their
turn” like that is not just another form of entitlement, or the rules apply to
everyone but me.
Pre puberty
let them all play equally, and learn to play together with the freedom to
experiment with different sports and activities. Let them enjoy playing and
learning how to get along with others. Let them know that making mistakes is
okay, and that at the end of the day everyone involved should be having fun and
enjoying themselves, not worrying about status and the mythical D I
scholarship.
That is the
base needed to develop future champions and leaders. Even for those who just
want to play and have fun, let’s give them repeated chances to do so. We need
to encourage with positive reinforcement, a child’s innate ability and desire
to try new things, cope with failure, and adjust and grow at their pace not
ours. It takes all kinds to make this world go, and that involves inclusion,
not exclusion all the way up to age 13.
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