My last post was about some poor sportsmanship from a dad. This story about good sportsmanship more than makes up for the poor actions of a mis-guided dad.
In this story, a high school senior with some developmental issues scores a basket at the buzzer and the assist came from an unlikely player.
The Main Point
This blog is about the good, the bad and the ugly. This is the good side of youth sports.
Showing posts with label Sportsmanship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sportsmanship. Show all posts
Monday, February 25, 2013
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Youth Hockey: Dad Distracts Goalie With Laser Light
Crazy Youth Sports Parent Series
Yesterday, a crazy youth sports dad brought a green light laser pen to his daughter's high school hockey game and aimed the laser into the eyes of the opposing goalie. He was hoping to distract the goalie and thus create an advantage for his kid's team.
He humiliated himself and his daughter.
The Main Point
Participation in youth sports is so memorable for most kids. Some remember great games or great plays. And some just remember what an ass their dad or mom was during games.
Dad - Mom, Don't provide the memorable actions - let your kid do that during competition.
Just when you think that you have seen it all in youth sports.
Yesterday, a crazy youth sports dad brought a green light laser pen to his daughter's high school hockey game and aimed the laser into the eyes of the opposing goalie. He was hoping to distract the goalie and thus create an advantage for his kid's team.
He humiliated himself and his daughter.
The Main Point
Participation in youth sports is so memorable for most kids. Some remember great games or great plays. And some just remember what an ass their dad or mom was during games.
Dad - Mom, Don't provide the memorable actions - let your kid do that during competition.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Youth Basketball Routs: How Big a Win is too Big?
Last night, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Women's Basketball team beat Pitt 120 to 44. If you have never seen Skylar Diggins play ball you need to.
Last night in men's college hoops, the West Carolina Catamounts beat the Toccoa Falls Eagles of the National Christian College Athletic Association by 102 points (141-39).
Big wins like these on the youth sports scene really upset people. Big wins like these generate questions for me.
Question One:
What is the politically correct margin of victory when a far superior team plays an inferior team? Should the team stop when the point differential get to 10 points, 20 points, 30 points? I ask the question because I really do not know.
Question Two:
And when the team, that is in total control, gets to the politically correct point spread what should the team do? Should they play an embarrassing game of keep away? Has anyone asked the losing team why they didn't slow down the pace of play? Surely, the team getting blown-out could have dribbled uncontested at the half court-line for several minutes each possession to kill time.
Over the years, my kids have been on both sides of a blowout. I can tell you that it is no fun to be on the losing side, but it does not anger me unless the coach of the superior team is classless.
Here is an example: I was completely angered when my son's team was getting blowout in a league championship game. The league was sponsored by a local indoor facility were the rules are somewhat lax compared to sanctioned leagues. My son's team had beaten the other team in the regular season so his team was confident that they could win the championship trophy if they played their game. The opponent that showed up for the game wore the same uniforms as the team my son's team played earlier in the season, but several of the players in the uniforms were different. These new players were awesome and completely dominated the game. If that were not bad enough, the coach of the opposing team called timeout with 24 seconds left in the game, a game his team was winning by 43. He called timeout to set up a scoring play. The coach was a completely classless jackass.
Question Three:
So what is the coach of a far superior basketball team to do? Here are my thoughts:
1) Stop the full court press as soon as you realize that your team is going to win comfortably. (A 15 point lead is a typical time to consider calling off the dogs. Some leagues restrict full court presses after a team gets to a certain big lead.)
2) Play your non-starters more than normal to give them game time experience. You never know when you will need a reserve to cover for a starting player who becomes injured or who has fouled out at a key juncture in the game.
3) Make sure that your starters get some quality minutes too. They worked hard all week and deserve to play. This is especially important for the star players who
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Youth Basketball: Flagrant Foul on Social Media?
This blog covers the good, the bad and the ugly of youth sports and this week the ugly raised its head yet again.
A dad of a high school player took a video camera to a HS game to capture highlights of his kid. He also captured the attention of the tiny TriCityHerald and 5 million and counting YouTube viewers.
As you will see, the game was physical, very physical. The dad with the video camera took exception to the refereeing in the game and wanted to make a point that the league needed better officiating. So after the game, he edited the video to showcase six tough fouls committed by two senior players on the Connell (Wash.) High School team. He then uploaded the video onto Facebook and YouTube.
As you will see, the game was physical, very physical. The dad with the video camera took exception to the refereeing in the game and wanted to make a point that the league needed better officiating. So after the game, he edited the video to showcase six tough fouls committed by two senior players on the Connell (Wash.) High School team. He then uploaded the video onto Facebook and YouTube.
The Main Point
I am calling an unintentional foul on the dad with the video. He wanted Yakima, Washington to take notice, but the world was watching. This dad failed to realize was the power of social media.
I'm also calling one foul on the ref (not 5 fouls) and a foul on HS basketball rules.
Finally, I am calling a flagrant foul on the coach of the team for not controlling his players by taking them out of the game himself. Basketball is a rough and tough game but it is not a street fight. (I added this after reading the comment by Clarence Gains II below - Clarence was so right on this account)
Here is my take on the situation.
1) I think that the most difficult officiating job in youth sports is basketball refereeing. There are fouls on almost every single possession in basketball. The ref can't call every foul or the game will last too long. Conversely, the ref can't let every foul go or the game will get out of hand. So every play provides a coach or a fan the opportunity to complain. And because the ref is so close to the fans and coaches they hear an earful all game long (As you can hear in the video). I good ref just ignores the chatter and calls a balanced game.
2) I can only watch the edited clip, but from what I can see, the refs only made one judgement mistake. Remember the refs do not have the luxury of watching the play over and over again. They should have called a flagrant personal foul on the foul called #5. The player, who committed that foul, should have been ejected from the game and suspended for the next game as dictated by High School Rules. Otherwise the refs called all the fouls. Yes the other fouls highlighted in the video were tough fouls, but did they rise to the level of automatic ejection and one game suspension? I'm not so sure.
I'm also calling one foul on the ref (not 5 fouls) and a foul on HS basketball rules.
Finally, I am calling a flagrant foul on the coach of the team for not controlling his players by taking them out of the game himself. Basketball is a rough and tough game but it is not a street fight. (I added this after reading the comment by Clarence Gains II below - Clarence was so right on this account)
Here is my take on the situation.
1) I think that the most difficult officiating job in youth sports is basketball refereeing. There are fouls on almost every single possession in basketball. The ref can't call every foul or the game will last too long. Conversely, the ref can't let every foul go or the game will get out of hand. So every play provides a coach or a fan the opportunity to complain. And because the ref is so close to the fans and coaches they hear an earful all game long (As you can hear in the video). I good ref just ignores the chatter and calls a balanced game.
2) I can only watch the edited clip, but from what I can see, the refs only made one judgement mistake. Remember the refs do not have the luxury of watching the play over and over again. They should have called a flagrant personal foul on the foul called #5. The player, who committed that foul, should have been ejected from the game and suspended for the next game as dictated by High School Rules. Otherwise the refs called all the fouls. Yes the other fouls highlighted in the video were tough fouls, but did they rise to the level of automatic ejection and one game suspension? I'm not so sure.
NFHS (U.S. high school) rules define a flagrant foul as a personal or technical foul that is extreme or severe. A flagrant personal / intentional foul involves excessive or severe contact during a live ball. A flagrant technical foul involves unsportsmanlike conduct that is extreme in nature, or excessive or severe contact during a dead ball. Fighting is also considered a flagrant technical foul.
The penalty for a flagrant foul in high school is the immediate ejection of the offending player, plus two free throws and a throw-in for the opposing team. The ejected player is also suspended during the next game played by his or her team.
In the NBA there are two levels of flagrant fouls - level one and level two. NBA referees have discretion in determining which level to call. The penalty for a flagrant 1 foul is two free throws and the fouled team gets the ball back. A flagrant 2 call also results in two free throws and the ball back, but the offending player is immediately ejection too. A player who receives two flagrant 1 level fouls in a single game is also ejected upon the second foul. Just like in soccer where two yellow cards equals a red card.
I think that HS should have a similar rule to the NBA. This would give the refs another tool in their toolbox to control the game. A tough foul could result in a steep penalty (2 free throws and the ball back which could result in a 4 point swing) without ejecting / suspending a player who might have been playing out of control or overly aggressive but not mean spiritedly. Let's face it, a ref is going to hesitate making a judgement call that would result in an automatic ejection and suspension.
I think that HS should have a similar rule to the NBA. This would give the refs another tool in their toolbox to control the game. A tough foul could result in a steep penalty (2 free throws and the ball back which could result in a 4 point swing) without ejecting / suspending a player who might have been playing out of control or overly aggressive but not mean spiritedly. Let's face it, a ref is going to hesitate making a judgement call that would result in an automatic ejection and suspension.
3) The dad inadvertently demonized two players he does not know. Were the offending players mean spirited or simply football players who are not agile enough to play at the speed required for High School basketball? I do not know and neither does the dad with the video camera. One thing I do know is that you have to think long and hard about what you post online because once it is out there, it is out there.
CORRECTION
The video shooter and editor was an uncle not a dad. And apparently according to this newspaper account, the uncle distributed the video to ESPN and other news sources via twitter.
CORRECTION
The video shooter and editor was an uncle not a dad. And apparently according to this newspaper account, the uncle distributed the video to ESPN and other news sources via twitter.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Youth Sports: Remembering the Days After 9 - 11
It was September 16, 2001, the day after my birthday, a birthday that I was in no mood to celebrate.
It was a typical Sunday in September for me in many ways.
I got up around 6am.
I watched the news.
I made my game plan for the soccer game that would be played in the afternoon despite some calling for the league to postpone it like the NFL and MLB did.
I made scrambled eggs and bacon for my family.
We all went to church.
After Church, my son and I went to the hardware store and I bought 12 American Flags.
We then went to the field.
The players and parents starting assembling.
The kids changed into their cleats while parents set up their folding chairs on the sidelines.
The refs arrived.
We went through the normal warm up routine.
About 10 minutes before the game, I called the team together.
I handed each one of them a small American flag.
I told them that the ref was going to call them to the circle in the middle of the field and they were expected to assemble on the circle alternating every other spot with their opponent.
I informed them that we would all observe a moment of silence with heads down and flags held high and proud. I told them all to run across the field after the moment of silence is done and give their flag to their mom or dad.
One kid said, "Really coach, the other team doesn't have flags. I'm not doing that."
I told the malcontent kid, "you live in the greatest country in the world and the best thing about it is that you have the freedom to do basically what you want to do, so if you don't want to carry the flag that's ok. But, we all enjoy these freedoms and I have the freedom to sit your butt on the bench for the entire game and I will just that if you don't join your teammates at the center of the field."
The two teams assembled. My entire team held the flags high (some higher than others) and then the kids delivered the flags to their parents.
The whistle blew.
The parents waved their flags.
The game ended in a tie.
After the game, I realized that youth games were still going to be played, some kids were still going to be clueless punks and life, for the most part, was going to be normal again.
The Main Point
Thankfully God blessed us with sports in those days after the tragic events to unite us and to help us heal. We will never forget. God Bless America.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Youth Basketball: Blowout Games What to do?
Crazy Youth Sports Coach Series
I hesitate to put this under the Crazy Youth Sports Coach Series because I kind of agree with this coach. You be the judge.
Recently, the Christian Heritage Girls High School team beat the West Ridge Academy 108 to 3. The news media is up in arms about this. My question to the news media and to their viewers is what is the proper amount of points to win by? Should the team stop when the point differential get to 10 points, 20 points, 30 points? I ask the question because I really do not know.
And when the team in control gets to the politically correct point spread what should the team do? Should they play an embarrassing game of keep away? Has anyone asked why the losing team didn't slow down the pace of play? Surely, the team getting drubbed could have dribbled uncontested at the half court-line for several minutes each possession to kill time.
If you think about it, the Christian Heritage Girls HS team could have won the game 158 - 3 if they decided to employ a full court press the entire game - they did not. They could have played their starting 5 the entire game - they did not.
Game 18
My daughter's 4th grade AAU basketball team is very good. The team is 13-0 against other 4th grade teams with an average point differential of 27 points. (They are 6-4 against 5th grade teams) After the finals of a recent Martin Luther King Memorial Tournament that my daughter's team won by 33 points, a dad from the other team came up to me and said, "Wow, your team is terrific. Is there a 4th grade team in the city or even the state that can beat your team?" He was in awe of our team not embarrassed by his. That is the way all parents should feel. Praise the kids who work hard and achieve. Hold them up as an example of how to do it. Do not berate the kids, the coach or the program for being high achievers.
The Main Point
I hesitate to put this under the Crazy Youth Sports Coach Series because I kind of agree with this coach. You be the judge.
Recently, the Christian Heritage Girls High School team beat the West Ridge Academy 108 to 3. The news media is up in arms about this. My question to the news media and to their viewers is what is the proper amount of points to win by? Should the team stop when the point differential get to 10 points, 20 points, 30 points? I ask the question because I really do not know.
And when the team in control gets to the politically correct point spread what should the team do? Should they play an embarrassing game of keep away? Has anyone asked why the losing team didn't slow down the pace of play? Surely, the team getting drubbed could have dribbled uncontested at the half court-line for several minutes each possession to kill time.
If you think about it, the Christian Heritage Girls HS team could have won the game 158 - 3 if they decided to employ a full court press the entire game - they did not. They could have played their starting 5 the entire game - they did not.
Game 18
My daughter's 4th grade AAU basketball team is very good. The team is 13-0 against other 4th grade teams with an average point differential of 27 points. (They are 6-4 against 5th grade teams) After the finals of a recent Martin Luther King Memorial Tournament that my daughter's team won by 33 points, a dad from the other team came up to me and said, "Wow, your team is terrific. Is there a 4th grade team in the city or even the state that can beat your team?" He was in awe of our team not embarrassed by his. That is the way all parents should feel. Praise the kids who work hard and achieve. Hold them up as an example of how to do it. Do not berate the kids, the coach or the program for being high achievers.
The Main Point
So what is the coach of a far superior team to do?
1) Stop the full court press as soon as you realize that the game will be a cakewalk.
2) Play your non-starters more than normal - however do not sit your starters the entire game. They worked hard all week and deserve to play. Especially the ones who are vying for college scholarships.
3) Slow down the pace - but do not play an embarrassing game of keep away. Run your offense - but at a more deliberate pace. Perhaps tell the kids no shooting until the team completes 5 passes.
4) Do not allow any taunting or showmanship.
5) Show the other team how the game is played.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Youth Sports: Hazing Needs to Stop
One of the uglier sides of youth sports is hazing. Many think that hazing is nothing more than harmless pranks perpetrated by upperclassmen / women college students against pledges at fraternities and sororities. If you do some research you will easily discover that hazing is a very prevalent ritual around sports teams. It happens in the pros, college and middle and high schools sports too. Sometimes these rituals are condoned by the coaches. Some are funny and seemingly and sometimes these acts lead to serious injuries (physical and mental) and death. So this is a very topic.
We were reminded of the seriousness of this topic again yesterday. In the wealthy suburb of Carmel, Indiana, a former high school basketball player took a plea deal in a hazing incident that happened about a year ago. Four former members of Carmel High's varsity basketball team were indicted by a grand jury for hazing and/or sodomizing school mates.
The details of the story can be found following these links and watching the video below:
Indiana High School Students Indicted for Hazing
Indiana Hazing Scandal Proves High School Students are Still Obnoxious
Additional information on Hazing
Hazing is not just a college problem anymore
StopHazing.org
The Main Point
I do not care if a lot of hazing is easily dismissed as good old fashion fun, I am totally against making people do anything against their will no manner how silly or seemingly harmless the act or prank is. All to often hazing crosses the line with excessive drinking, nudity or sexual abuse. If you do not believe me, check out this list of worldwide hazing incidences. Pure and simple, hazing violates human dignity.
It is crucial that parents know how prevalent it is and advocate for anti-hazing education, laws and enforcement of laws especially middle and high schools when kids have enough to worry about.
We were reminded of the seriousness of this topic again yesterday. In the wealthy suburb of Carmel, Indiana, a former high school basketball player took a plea deal in a hazing incident that happened about a year ago. Four former members of Carmel High's varsity basketball team were indicted by a grand jury for hazing and/or sodomizing school mates.
The details of the story can be found following these links and watching the video below:
Indiana High School Students Indicted for Hazing
Indiana Hazing Scandal Proves High School Students are Still Obnoxious
Additional information on Hazing
Hazing is not just a college problem anymore
StopHazing.org
The Main Point
I do not care if a lot of hazing is easily dismissed as good old fashion fun, I am totally against making people do anything against their will no manner how silly or seemingly harmless the act or prank is. All to often hazing crosses the line with excessive drinking, nudity or sexual abuse. If you do not believe me, check out this list of worldwide hazing incidences. Pure and simple, hazing violates human dignity.
It is crucial that parents know how prevalent it is and advocate for anti-hazing education, laws and enforcement of laws especially middle and high schools when kids have enough to worry about.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Youth Football: Trick Play
The Driscoll Middle School football team of Corpus Christi, TX became a YouTube sensation when they pulled a trick play in a league title game.
The play has raised lots of questions. Was the play legal and if it was legal was it ethical? Let's debate.
Was it legal? I am not sure what rules govern middle school football in Texas, but I know that Texas High Schools follow NCAA Football rules. The relevant rules of snapping a ball are listed below.
Rule 2-23 / Definitions FR-55 SECTION 23.
Snapping the Ball ARTICLE 1.
a. Legally snapping the ball (a snap) is handing or passing it backward from its position on the ground with a quick and continuous motion of the hand or hands, the ball actually leaving the hand or hands in this motion (Rule 4-1-4).
b.The snap starts when the ball is moved legally and ends when the ball leaves the snapper’s hands (A.R. 7-1-5-I-II).
d.While resting on the ground and before the snap, the long axis of the ball must be at right angles to the scrimmage line (Rule 7-1-3-a-1).
e.Unless moved in a backward direction, the movement of the ball does not start a legal snap. It is not a legal snap if the ball is first moved forward or lifted.
g.The snap need not be between the snapper’s legs; but to be legal, it must be a quick and continuous backward motion.
Notice that in clause (g), the snap does NOT need to go between the legs. There were many uninformed people commenting on YouTube and blogs that not snapping the ball between the legs made the play illegal. I would contest that clause (e) was violated and should have resulted in a 5 yard penalty against the offensive team. The ball is clearly lifted upward before it is moved backward. An initial backwards motion would have caused the defensive line to react.
Was it ethical?
Cindy Boren of the Washington Post equated the play to the famed fumblerooski play. In that play the ball was legally snapped and the quarterback fumbled the ball on purpose for a lineman to pick up. They did this play at great risk of losing the fumble. She also equates the play to Statue of Liberty play which is no more than a play action pass play. These plays were deceptive, but did not cross the line of fair sportsmanship.
I think that the Driscoll play crossed the line of fair and decent play.
I think that the Driscoll play crossed the line of fair and decent play.
The Main Point
Pull this play on the college or Pro level and I say great, but on the middle school level this was a bit bush league.
My son's baseball team used to practice a fake pick off play where the pitcher would spin and then fake a throw to second base. The two infielders and the centerfielder would act as if that the ball was errantly thrown into outfield. This deception would confuse the runner who would sometimes run to third only to be thrown out rather easily by the pitcher who still had the ball. One day, my son's team pull this play off in a game and fooled a 10 year old runner. I heard a parent from the other team say something very poignant to our coach, "Hey coach, I thought you and your organization played with class...until today. Are you proud you tricked a 10 year old kid?"
I agree, these plays are legal but when conducted against young kids they are a bit classless.
The Driscoll play may have been legal if the refs deemed that the ball moved backwards before it moved upwards and the fake pick off play is legal, but coaches do you really want to win that way? I guess so.
My son's baseball team used to practice a fake pick off play where the pitcher would spin and then fake a throw to second base. The two infielders and the centerfielder would act as if that the ball was errantly thrown into outfield. This deception would confuse the runner who would sometimes run to third only to be thrown out rather easily by the pitcher who still had the ball. One day, my son's team pull this play off in a game and fooled a 10 year old runner. I heard a parent from the other team say something very poignant to our coach, "Hey coach, I thought you and your organization played with class...until today. Are you proud you tricked a 10 year old kid?"
I agree, these plays are legal but when conducted against young kids they are a bit classless.
The Driscoll play may have been legal if the refs deemed that the ball moved backwards before it moved upwards and the fake pick off play is legal, but coaches do you really want to win that way? I guess so.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Youth Football: Undefeated Team Banned from Playoffs
Fox News reported that a Seladia, Missouri 5th grade football team was banned from the playoffs for being too good.
Crazy Youth Sports Parents Series
The Outlaws, 6-0 team, dominated the recreational league and were looking forward to winning a championship. The other teams in the recreational league decided that they could not compete with the Outlaws, so convinced the league officials to give the Outlaws an honorary championship and ban them from the playoffs.
I am scratching my head trying to figure out who wins in this situation.
Let's say that the Outlaws followed the rules of the recreational league and recruited players in a manner that was ethical, (Some are questioning the make-up of the team.) who wins?
The innocent Outlaw 10 year old players lose out on a memorable experience. The Outlaw players learned that no matter how hard you work some regulator can take it away. They could be demotivated from working hard in the future. The players on the eventual championship team lose because they received a tainted trophy they did not earn. These players learned that they do not need to work hard to reap rewards. They could be demotivated from working hard in the future. The league officials lose too. They lost credibility because they handled the situation so poorly.
Let's say that the Outlaws did not follow the rules of the recreational league and stacked the team, who wins and loses here. Again, nobody wins and everyone loses. The coaching staff loses credibility for breaking the rules. The league officials lose credibility for not policing the situation from the very beginning. The innocent 10 year old Outlaw players lose because they are looked upon by other teams as cheaters. The other league players lose because they did not get a chance to compete on an even playing field for a chance to experience a memorable achievement.
The Main Point
When coaches do not follow the rules everyone loses. When league officials make up rules so that little Johnny does not get his feeling hurt when he loses, everyone loses.
Parents, your kids are going to lose sometimes get over it. Your kids will actually grow from the experience. Coaches you will be always be a loser if you cheat to win. League officials be proactive and try to mitigate bad situations and don't be influenced by over sensitive parents.
Crazy Youth Sports Parents Series
The Outlaws, 6-0 team, dominated the recreational league and were looking forward to winning a championship. The other teams in the recreational league decided that they could not compete with the Outlaws, so convinced the league officials to give the Outlaws an honorary championship and ban them from the playoffs.
I am scratching my head trying to figure out who wins in this situation.
Let's say that the Outlaws followed the rules of the recreational league and recruited players in a manner that was ethical, (Some are questioning the make-up of the team.) who wins?
The innocent Outlaw 10 year old players lose out on a memorable experience. The Outlaw players learned that no matter how hard you work some regulator can take it away. They could be demotivated from working hard in the future. The players on the eventual championship team lose because they received a tainted trophy they did not earn. These players learned that they do not need to work hard to reap rewards. They could be demotivated from working hard in the future. The league officials lose too. They lost credibility because they handled the situation so poorly.
Let's say that the Outlaws did not follow the rules of the recreational league and stacked the team, who wins and loses here. Again, nobody wins and everyone loses. The coaching staff loses credibility for breaking the rules. The league officials lose credibility for not policing the situation from the very beginning. The innocent 10 year old Outlaw players lose because they are looked upon by other teams as cheaters. The other league players lose because they did not get a chance to compete on an even playing field for a chance to experience a memorable achievement.
The Main Point
When coaches do not follow the rules everyone loses. When league officials make up rules so that little Johnny does not get his feeling hurt when he loses, everyone loses.
Parents, your kids are going to lose sometimes get over it. Your kids will actually grow from the experience. Coaches you will be always be a loser if you cheat to win. League officials be proactive and try to mitigate bad situations and don't be influenced by over sensitive parents.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Youth Football: Special Moment for a Kid with Cerebral Palsy
This blog is dedicated to the good, the bad and the ugly of youth sports. There are also special moments that you see on rare occasions. I guess that's what makes them special.
I recently wrote a post about the ref who put a down syndrome 4th grade girl on the free throw line for a non-shooting foul that she herself committed against her opponent. It was a bad call for a good reason. She did not make either of the two shots, but it was certainly a special moment for her and all who witnessed it.
Another special moment happened recently on a football field in Manila, Arkansas. Dylan Galloway, a senior who is confined to a wheelchair with cerebral palsy, scored a touchdown.
The Manila coach devised a play for Dylan. He then called the coach of his opponent, the top ranked Rivercrest Colts, and shared his plan. The Rivercrest coach agreed to the play if they could find a perfect time to run it.
With time running out in the lopsided game, Dylan Galloway put on a helmet, took his position as tailback, received the hand-off, rolled left behind his offensive line and cut across the goal line for the team’s only score of the night.
The Main Point
In youth sports, fans see triumph and tears, phenomenal plays and fear. The also see domination and doubt. Sometimes the action is exciting and other times boring. They will see coaches compliment, cheer and chide players. They will see refs make good calls and bad calls while they are getting called names from one side or the other or both. They will see good sportsmanship and bad. And sometimes, just sometimes fans see something, feel something, experience something special.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Youth Basketball: Bad Call for a Good Reason
Sometimes I wonder why I write this blog, but on Saturday I was reminded why by a beautiful event. A good ref made a terrible call for a good reason.
My daughter, CC, had a basketball game today. The championship game of a CYO tournament for 4th grade girls. We got to the gym early hoping to warm up, but the 5th grade girls semi-final game was in progress. I looked up at the scoreboard to see how much time was remaining. Ugh, I thought to myself. The game was only in the 2nd quarter. A bright orange team from a parish about 10 miles away was playing the 5th grade team from my daughter's school. The orange team was winning decisively.
My daughter spotted some friends and took off. With nothing better to do, I watched the action on the court and I am glad I did.
You could tell that the orange team was well coached because the ball was moving around so effectively. Every girl knew where to go and knew almost instinctively where help was if needed. It was so fluid. It so was beautiful.
There was one girl on the court donned in orange and thick glasses who was following the beautiful flow of the game, but she was a few steps behind everyone else. She always knew where to go, but she was just a little slow to get there. Her teammates would always patiently wait for her to get into position. They would pass the ball to her on occasion even though they probably knew that there might be better options. The girl donned in orange with think glasses was behind, but not left behind.
As the game progressed, the black team from my daughter's school chipped away at the lead and made a game of it. Still the coach of the orange team did not make any adjustments to the line-up late in the game. He trusted his talented guards to control the final few minutes and protect the lead. He trusted the girl in orange with think glasses to get into the right position.
With 7 seconds on the clock, the orange team held a 7 point lead. The speedy guard from the white team had the ball and was cutting across the court from left to right. The girl with the think glasses was cutting across the court right to left. She was concentrating so hard on getting into position that she did not know where the ball was. The two girls collided.
It was an obvious foul on the girl in orange. She was not trying to defend, she was just desperately trying to get to her position as coached which she eventually did and stood there as if nothing had happened.
The ref reached for his whistle. He hesitated. He looked up at the clock. 3 seconds left. He looked at the foul situation. Few fouls had been called so neither team was in the bonus. He then blew the whistle.
He turned toward the scoring table and yelled, "Foul on white #10" It was a bad call for a good reason. Although it was not a shooting foul, he put the girl in orange on the line to shoot free throws.
No one complained. Six girls jogged to the basket and lined up white, orange, white on either side of the lane. Two girls in orange and one in white took their positions at the top of the key. The girl with the thick glasses wearing bright orange stood dutifully in her defensive position on the wing. The position she was so desperately trying to get to when the play started.
The tall skinny ref with grey hair walked over to her and bent down. He said something to her. He handed her the ball and walked her to the line. The girl knew what to do and did not hesitate at all. The ball flew through the air on a beautiful arc with the school's Prayer for Athletes blue banner hanging in the background.
You could feel all nine girls on the court, the six or so girls on the both benches, the coaches from both teams, the two supposedly impartial refs and the one hundred plus fans praying for the ball to go in.
The ball bounced off the back of the rim.
A teammate rebounded the ball and gave it to the ref. The ref bounced it to the girl on the line. Again, without even a moment of hesitation, she launched the ball up toward the hoop. Again the ball had a beautiful arc, but again the ball bounced off the back of the rim. She was a little too close or a little too strong. A loud AHH came from the fans, the players, the coaches and the refs.
After the game, I wanted to shake the hand of this great ref. I approached him hand extended and told him that he made a great call. He smiled proudly. He told me how he hesitated in making the call. He told me that he was concerned that someone would get mad. Then he told me that his daughter has down syndrome too.
My daughter's team took the court.
My daughter's team played in the finals of a CYO tournament against the other team from her school. CC's team dominated the game and outshot the other team 34 to 12, but the ball would not fall in the hoop for her team. The game turned out to be a defensive low scoring game. The lead changed back and forth all game.
With 7 seconds on the clock, a play was called to free up CC for a final winning shot. Her best friend got her the ball and CC did a nice cross over dribble move to the left. A pick worked perfectly to free CC up for a shot. She pulled up for a 10 foot jumper.
The ball went on a beautiful arc toward the hoop. The blue Athletes Prayer banner hung in the background.
Let competition make me strong, but never hostile.
The ball hit the back of the rim and bounced up.
If I know victory allow me to be happy.
The ball hit the front of the rim and bounced up.
If I am denied keep me from envy.
The ball fell to the side and CC's team lost.
My daughter, CC, had a basketball game today. The championship game of a CYO tournament for 4th grade girls. We got to the gym early hoping to warm up, but the 5th grade girls semi-final game was in progress. I looked up at the scoreboard to see how much time was remaining. Ugh, I thought to myself. The game was only in the 2nd quarter. A bright orange team from a parish about 10 miles away was playing the 5th grade team from my daughter's school. The orange team was winning decisively.
My daughter spotted some friends and took off. With nothing better to do, I watched the action on the court and I am glad I did.
You could tell that the orange team was well coached because the ball was moving around so effectively. Every girl knew where to go and knew almost instinctively where help was if needed. It was so fluid. It so was beautiful.
There was one girl on the court donned in orange and thick glasses who was following the beautiful flow of the game, but she was a few steps behind everyone else. She always knew where to go, but she was just a little slow to get there. Her teammates would always patiently wait for her to get into position. They would pass the ball to her on occasion even though they probably knew that there might be better options. The girl donned in orange with think glasses was behind, but not left behind.
As the game progressed, the black team from my daughter's school chipped away at the lead and made a game of it. Still the coach of the orange team did not make any adjustments to the line-up late in the game. He trusted his talented guards to control the final few minutes and protect the lead. He trusted the girl in orange with think glasses to get into the right position.
With 7 seconds on the clock, the orange team held a 7 point lead. The speedy guard from the white team had the ball and was cutting across the court from left to right. The girl with the think glasses was cutting across the court right to left. She was concentrating so hard on getting into position that she did not know where the ball was. The two girls collided.
It was an obvious foul on the girl in orange. She was not trying to defend, she was just desperately trying to get to her position as coached which she eventually did and stood there as if nothing had happened.
The ref reached for his whistle. He hesitated. He looked up at the clock. 3 seconds left. He looked at the foul situation. Few fouls had been called so neither team was in the bonus. He then blew the whistle.
He turned toward the scoring table and yelled, "Foul on white #10" It was a bad call for a good reason. Although it was not a shooting foul, he put the girl in orange on the line to shoot free throws.
You could feel all nine girls on the court, the six or so girls on the both benches, the coaches from both teams, the two supposedly impartial refs and the one hundred plus fans praying for the ball to go in.
The ball bounced off the back of the rim.
A teammate rebounded the ball and gave it to the ref. The ref bounced it to the girl on the line. Again, without even a moment of hesitation, she launched the ball up toward the hoop. Again the ball had a beautiful arc, but again the ball bounced off the back of the rim. She was a little too close or a little too strong. A loud AHH came from the fans, the players, the coaches and the refs.
After the game, I wanted to shake the hand of this great ref. I approached him hand extended and told him that he made a great call. He smiled proudly. He told me how he hesitated in making the call. He told me that he was concerned that someone would get mad. Then he told me that his daughter has down syndrome too.
My daughter's team took the court.
My daughter's team played in the finals of a CYO tournament against the other team from her school. CC's team dominated the game and outshot the other team 34 to 12, but the ball would not fall in the hoop for her team. The game turned out to be a defensive low scoring game. The lead changed back and forth all game.
With 7 seconds on the clock, a play was called to free up CC for a final winning shot. Her best friend got her the ball and CC did a nice cross over dribble move to the left. A pick worked perfectly to free CC up for a shot. She pulled up for a 10 foot jumper.
The ball went on a beautiful arc toward the hoop. The blue Athletes Prayer banner hung in the background.
Let competition make me strong, but never hostile.
The ball hit the back of the rim and bounced up.
If I know victory allow me to be happy.
The ball hit the front of the rim and bounced up.
If I am denied keep me from envy.
The ball fell to the side and CC's team lost.
The Main Point
The second line of the Prayer for Athletes says, Help me learn something that matters once the game is over. I did thanks to a ref who made a bad call for a good reason. The prayer concludes with If through athletics I set an example, let it be a good one, Amen.
Ref, sir, you set a good example.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Youth Golf: It's a Team Game
Before the golf match, the coach told the team that every shot counts. He told them to keep their cool and do not let one bad shot lead to more bad shots.
Yesterday, my son's team came in second in a big regional tournament. They lost 285 to 287. They lost by a meager two strokes.
There are six golfers active on a team during a match. The final score is made up of the four lowest scores among the six golfers. Yesterday my son shot a 77 and had the 3rd best score on his team. He shot a 77 despite getting a 9 on the 8th hole. He shot a 46 on the front (Par 35) and a 31 on the back (Par 27).
After the match, two of the players were needling my son about his 9 on number 8. They reminded him that if he did not blow up on that hole they would have won. The two players needling him the most were the two golfers whose scores did not count at all.
My son laughed it off while he reminded them that the team would have come in second if they did not even get out of bed.
The Main Point
During a golf tournament every single player can look back at his or her game and find one or two shots that they could have played better to save a stroke or two. It might have been a errant drive that went OB. It might have been a short putt that lipped out. Of course every player can look back on their game and find one or two lucky shots saved a stroke or two. I might have been a shot through the trees that did not hit a single limb. It might have been a 40 foot putt. Golf is a team game.
Game 122
I walked and watched the entire 18 holes of Nic's match. Well actually, I missed the 8th hole. It started to rain and I ran back to the car to get an umbrella. That's the hole he blew up on. The 8th hole is a tricky par 4 hole with a huge tree that blocks the left side of the green and OB that runs down the right side. The green can be reached in one, but target golf is probably the better play. My son is aggressive at this stage of his golfing career.
He approached the tee with a driver in his hand and rain dripping off his visor. He approached the hole with the intent to put the ball near the green. He pulled his first aggressive drive OB into the woods. He got mad and tried to make up for it with an even bigger drive. He again pulled the drive into the woods. He ended up getting a 9 on the hole. He did not heed the coach's advice and let one bad shot turn into two. He almost let two bad shots turn into three.
He approached to par 4, 236 yard 9th hole still seething. The hole is a dog leg right with trees protecting the green. I was standing under my umbrella next to the green, I did not have time to get to the tee after my run to the car. I got down as low as I could to see Nic on the tee box from under the trees. I could see the swing and then I could hear the ping of the ball making contact with the driver. Then I could hear the ball clipping the top of the trees. I scattered to avoid getting hit with the ball. The ball landed 10 feet to my right and darted passed several trees trunks and rolled up to the green. He was about 10 feet short of the green and 20 feet from the pin. It was a good shot. It was a lucky shot. He later told me that he swung his club as hard as he could still angry about the 8th hole. I told him to remember what his coach had said that every shot counts. He calmed down and had one of the lowest rounds on the back nine.
Game 122
I walked and watched the entire 18 holes of Nic's match. Well actually, I missed the 8th hole. It started to rain and I ran back to the car to get an umbrella. That's the hole he blew up on. The 8th hole is a tricky par 4 hole with a huge tree that blocks the left side of the green and OB that runs down the right side. The green can be reached in one, but target golf is probably the better play. My son is aggressive at this stage of his golfing career.
He approached the tee with a driver in his hand and rain dripping off his visor. He approached the hole with the intent to put the ball near the green. He pulled his first aggressive drive OB into the woods. He got mad and tried to make up for it with an even bigger drive. He again pulled the drive into the woods. He ended up getting a 9 on the hole. He did not heed the coach's advice and let one bad shot turn into two. He almost let two bad shots turn into three.
He approached to par 4, 236 yard 9th hole still seething. The hole is a dog leg right with trees protecting the green. I was standing under my umbrella next to the green, I did not have time to get to the tee after my run to the car. I got down as low as I could to see Nic on the tee box from under the trees. I could see the swing and then I could hear the ping of the ball making contact with the driver. Then I could hear the ball clipping the top of the trees. I scattered to avoid getting hit with the ball. The ball landed 10 feet to my right and darted passed several trees trunks and rolled up to the green. He was about 10 feet short of the green and 20 feet from the pin. It was a good shot. It was a lucky shot. He later told me that he swung his club as hard as he could still angry about the 8th hole. I told him to remember what his coach had said that every shot counts. He calmed down and had one of the lowest rounds on the back nine.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Youth Soccer: Respect the Ref Video
Crazy Youth Parent Series
This is a great video produced by TheFA.com called Ray Calls for Respect which clearly and effectively illustrates just how ridiculous crazy youth parents can behave on the sidelines. Verbal attacks toward the referees and their own kids can be so damaging to the kids involved and the game as a whole. It is a powerful video that all parents regardless of the sport their kids play should watch.
This is a great video produced by TheFA.com called Ray Calls for Respect which clearly and effectively illustrates just how ridiculous crazy youth parents can behave on the sidelines. Verbal attacks toward the referees and their own kids can be so damaging to the kids involved and the game as a whole. It is a powerful video that all parents regardless of the sport their kids play should watch.
The Main Point
According to the video, it is getting harder and harder to find people willing to referee. I can believe this because I would not want to subject myself to the barrage of insults and complaints from crazy youth sports parents. The video correctly states that there would be no games if there are no referees.
The other point that the video makes is that players improve by learning from their own mistakes. I have seen it in all sports where parents unrelentingly find faults with their kids performance and do not hesitate to make it public by yelling from the sidelines. Kids of parents like this eventually play tentatively. When this happens a kid starts thinking too much about what to do and not do that they do not react instinctively. A slight moment of hesitation can be the difference between success and failure. The best line in the video: How is your son suppose to learn if he's not allowed to make mistakes.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Youth Softball: That is so Bush
Crazy Youth Parents Series
At the end of the prepubescent girls softball game last night, one of the dad fans supporting our team yelled out the idiom, "That's so bush league" in a joking manner. He said it with a smile on his face and he ONLY said it loud enough for the parents of our team to hear. Although the comment was sparked by the actions of the opposing coach, the opposing coach did not hear the comment as intended.
The Situation
My 9 year old daughter, CC, plays in a softball league with rules that keep the baserunners from advancing willy nilly. Runners are restricted from advancing home on pass balls and wild pitches. They are even restricted from taking extra bases on overthrows from the catcher trying to throw out a base stealer.
On the rare occasion when a ball is put into play with a hit, baserunners can advance at will but there is an unwritten rule that most coaches follow that restrict base runners from running to force extra throws and therefore errors. As such, coaches typically do not allow runners to advance extra bases on overthrow errors. This silent code keeps the game in check. Umpires, however, will automatically advance runners one base on overthrows that go out of bounds.
Game 77
Last night, in the bottom of the last inning with two outs and the game knotted at 6, the third base coach from the opposing team encouraged his base runner to score the winning run from first base on an overthrow. It was not illegal, but it violated the unwritten code of ethics and was therefore deemed bush. Hence the comment said in jest.
One of the moms from our team did not know what bush league meant and I could tell that she was appalled. I can only assume that she immediately jumped to the slang definition of bush (female pubic hair) and thought it was a derogatory comment about woman's sports.
I quickly informed her that bush-league is a baseball term from the early 1900's that means amateurish, unsophisticated or unprofessional. I gave the example that a bush-league pitcher is a second rate player. I could see the relief on her face.
According to the Eytmology Online Dictionary, The term "bush" refers to the country or land away from the city. Major League teams played in big cities and minor league teams play in the country so the term was applied to baseball. The term was not a put down in the beginning, but since minor leaguers are not as polished as major leaguers the idiom eventually became a put down to mean amateurish or unprofessional.
The Main Point
Coaches you can play to win, but follow all the written and unwritten rules while you are coaching else you will be called bush.
At the end of the prepubescent girls softball game last night, one of the dad fans supporting our team yelled out the idiom, "That's so bush league" in a joking manner. He said it with a smile on his face and he ONLY said it loud enough for the parents of our team to hear. Although the comment was sparked by the actions of the opposing coach, the opposing coach did not hear the comment as intended.
The Situation
My 9 year old daughter, CC, plays in a softball league with rules that keep the baserunners from advancing willy nilly. Runners are restricted from advancing home on pass balls and wild pitches. They are even restricted from taking extra bases on overthrows from the catcher trying to throw out a base stealer. On the rare occasion when a ball is put into play with a hit, baserunners can advance at will but there is an unwritten rule that most coaches follow that restrict base runners from running to force extra throws and therefore errors. As such, coaches typically do not allow runners to advance extra bases on overthrow errors. This silent code keeps the game in check. Umpires, however, will automatically advance runners one base on overthrows that go out of bounds.
Game 77
Last night, in the bottom of the last inning with two outs and the game knotted at 6, the third base coach from the opposing team encouraged his base runner to score the winning run from first base on an overthrow. It was not illegal, but it violated the unwritten code of ethics and was therefore deemed bush. Hence the comment said in jest.
One of the moms from our team did not know what bush league meant and I could tell that she was appalled. I can only assume that she immediately jumped to the slang definition of bush (female pubic hair) and thought it was a derogatory comment about woman's sports.
I quickly informed her that bush-league is a baseball term from the early 1900's that means amateurish, unsophisticated or unprofessional. I gave the example that a bush-league pitcher is a second rate player. I could see the relief on her face.
According to the Eytmology Online Dictionary, The term "bush" refers to the country or land away from the city. Major League teams played in big cities and minor league teams play in the country so the term was applied to baseball. The term was not a put down in the beginning, but since minor leaguers are not as polished as major leaguers the idiom eventually became a put down to mean amateurish or unprofessional.
The Main Point
Coaches you can play to win, but follow all the written and unwritten rules while you are coaching else you will be called bush.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Youth Baseball: Not a Perfect Game, but a Perfect Teaching Moment
Armando Galarraga was a surprise Rookie of the Year candidate in 2008 posting a 13-7 record with a 3.73 ERA. His career started out just perfectly.
Galarraga's star faded after a disappointing 2009 sophomore campaign, when Galarraga fell to 6-10 with a 5.64 ERA. In March, Galarraga was relegated to the Tiger's minors after a disappointing spring training.
Galarraga was recently promoted to the Tiger's starting rotation again. Yesterday, he took the mound and was absolutely perfect. Unfortunately umpire Jim Joyce was not. On what should have been the last play of a perfect game, Jim Joyce wrongly called the 27th hitter safe at first. The perfect game was erased from the record books. Although there have been two perfect games pitched this year, there have only been 20 perfect games in the entire history of Major League Baseball, so Jim Joyce's blown call was historic.
Did Armando Galarraga get upset, yell and cry about the injustice? Did he pick up the first base bag and throw it like the childish Lou Piniella? Did he spit in the face of the umpire like Roberto Alomar? No, he smiled in disbelief and went back to the mound and recorded the final out.
Jim Joyce, who looks like a steal worker, cried as he apologized to Galarraga, to the Tiger fans and to the game he loves, baseball.
Today, the day after the blown call, Jim Joyce took the field and the Tiger fans were gracious. Armando Galarraga took the line-up card to Jim Joyce and shook his hand. Jim had tears in his eyes again. All was forgiven. All was forgotten, expect how Galarraga and Joyce handled the unfortunate situation perfectly.
The Main Point
The non-perfect game was more perfect than a perfect game. It provided the perfect teaching moment for dads, moms and coaches alike. The are ups and downs in baseball as Gallaraga's short career illustrates, but Gallaraga did not take an up moment, winning a game with a 1 hitter, and make it into a down moment. And in the process he gained the respect of baseball fans world wide, more so than if he had pitched a perfect game. His star has never been brighter.
Craig Heimbuch wrote a convincing post on the teaching moment Galarraga gave the baseball world on ManoftheHouse.com
Galarraga's star faded after a disappointing 2009 sophomore campaign, when Galarraga fell to 6-10 with a 5.64 ERA. In March, Galarraga was relegated to the Tiger's minors after a disappointing spring training.
Galarraga was recently promoted to the Tiger's starting rotation again. Yesterday, he took the mound and was absolutely perfect. Unfortunately umpire Jim Joyce was not. On what should have been the last play of a perfect game, Jim Joyce wrongly called the 27th hitter safe at first. The perfect game was erased from the record books. Although there have been two perfect games pitched this year, there have only been 20 perfect games in the entire history of Major League Baseball, so Jim Joyce's blown call was historic.
Did Armando Galarraga get upset, yell and cry about the injustice? Did he pick up the first base bag and throw it like the childish Lou Piniella? Did he spit in the face of the umpire like Roberto Alomar? No, he smiled in disbelief and went back to the mound and recorded the final out.
Jim Joyce, who looks like a steal worker, cried as he apologized to Galarraga, to the Tiger fans and to the game he loves, baseball.Today, the day after the blown call, Jim Joyce took the field and the Tiger fans were gracious. Armando Galarraga took the line-up card to Jim Joyce and shook his hand. Jim had tears in his eyes again. All was forgiven. All was forgotten, expect how Galarraga and Joyce handled the unfortunate situation perfectly.
The Main Point
The non-perfect game was more perfect than a perfect game. It provided the perfect teaching moment for dads, moms and coaches alike. The are ups and downs in baseball as Gallaraga's short career illustrates, but Gallaraga did not take an up moment, winning a game with a 1 hitter, and make it into a down moment. And in the process he gained the respect of baseball fans world wide, more so than if he had pitched a perfect game. His star has never been brighter.
Craig Heimbuch wrote a convincing post on the teaching moment Galarraga gave the baseball world on ManoftheHouse.com
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Youth Volleyball: The Best Fan Ever
As I waited in line to pay my entry fee for the youth volleyball game, I noticed that there was a lone fan seated in the front row of the bleachers near the entrance waiting for the action to start. This fan greeted everyone who walked into the gym regardless of team affiliation. Unfortunately many of the fans ignored him.
As I walked into the gym, I received my hearty hello from the fan. I stopped to say hello and gave him a high five. My daughter and I decided to sit right behind him. As we sat down, he immediately turned around and to tell me that the blue team was playing the black team. I told him that I was rooting for the black team and asked if his brother was playing for the blue team. He responded with a huge smile, "9, mine, 9 mine" I told him that my son wore number 32. He repeated, "32 mine, 32 mine." I asked him his name. He said, "E" at first, so I called him E. Later he corrected me and told me his name was, "Ed". I asked him his age. He told me that he was 56, but I was pretty sure that he was 14 or 15.
During the entire first game, he twisted around to talk to me and my daughter. We decided to move down and sit right next to him to make it easier for him to talk to us. I was taking pictures of the action and snapped a picture of his brother. I showed him the image on the LCD and he laughed and laughed. I then used my iPhone to record a movie, I held the camera phone toward the court and we watched the the action on the phone. Ed said, "Brother on TV, brother on TV"
Ed was a big blue team supporter and every now and then he would break out with a loud cheer. Once after a particularly good play by his team, he did a little break dance routine on the floor beside the court. My daughter and I cheered him on with delight.
As my daughter and I cheered for the members of our team like Jimmy, Nic and Andy. Ed would then start to cheer for them too. He cheered more for Nic's serves than for those of his own brother. By the end of the match, Ed was most definitely a supporter of Nic and our team.
After the game, Ed's parents were giving him the business for changing his allegiance to the enemy team. I said to his parents, "we wouldn't have won all three games without his loud and uplifting support. Ed made it seem like a home game for us." They needled him more all in good fun.
The Main Point
Ed was born with down syndrome, but we can all learn a little from Ed. Ed taught me to live life with enthusiasm regardless of your situation and cheer for everyone. Ed I will try.
Game 44
My son's volleyball team won three straight games. One of his best friends, Andy, tied a modern day volleyball record, he scored on 15 straight serves to start and finish the game. He was the only one on our side of the court to touch the ball. The one serve that the other team did manage to return went to Andy. He dove for it and somehow return it for a winner. Ed cheered like crazy when he saw that.
As I walked into the gym, I received my hearty hello from the fan. I stopped to say hello and gave him a high five. My daughter and I decided to sit right behind him. As we sat down, he immediately turned around and to tell me that the blue team was playing the black team. I told him that I was rooting for the black team and asked if his brother was playing for the blue team. He responded with a huge smile, "9, mine, 9 mine" I told him that my son wore number 32. He repeated, "32 mine, 32 mine." I asked him his name. He said, "E" at first, so I called him E. Later he corrected me and told me his name was, "Ed". I asked him his age. He told me that he was 56, but I was pretty sure that he was 14 or 15.
During the entire first game, he twisted around to talk to me and my daughter. We decided to move down and sit right next to him to make it easier for him to talk to us. I was taking pictures of the action and snapped a picture of his brother. I showed him the image on the LCD and he laughed and laughed. I then used my iPhone to record a movie, I held the camera phone toward the court and we watched the the action on the phone. Ed said, "Brother on TV, brother on TV"
Ed was a big blue team supporter and every now and then he would break out with a loud cheer. Once after a particularly good play by his team, he did a little break dance routine on the floor beside the court. My daughter and I cheered him on with delight.
After the game, Ed's parents were giving him the business for changing his allegiance to the enemy team. I said to his parents, "we wouldn't have won all three games without his loud and uplifting support. Ed made it seem like a home game for us." They needled him more all in good fun.
The Main Point
Ed was born with down syndrome, but we can all learn a little from Ed. Ed taught me to live life with enthusiasm regardless of your situation and cheer for everyone. Ed I will try.
Game 44
My son's volleyball team won three straight games. One of his best friends, Andy, tied a modern day volleyball record, he scored on 15 straight serves to start and finish the game. He was the only one on our side of the court to touch the ball. The one serve that the other team did manage to return went to Andy. He dove for it and somehow return it for a winner. Ed cheered like crazy when he saw that.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Youth Baseball: If You Ain't Cheating, You Ain't Trying
This morning on XM radio, I listened to Rob Dibble and Jim Memolo of the MLB show talk about cheating in Major League Baseball. They were talking about the allegations against the Phillies for using binoculars to steal the catcher's signs. During the show, Rob Dibble made the following comment, "If you ain't cheating, you ain't trying." Sadly, I had heard that very phase on a youth baseball field two years ago.
Crazy Youth Sports Parent Series
Two seasons ago, my son's team was very very good. Good enough to come in second in the CABA World Series. When a team is that good, it's often difficult to find local teams to challenge you. Heck, it's hard to get local teams to even play your team. To find good competition, our team accepted an invitation to play in a friendly 3 game series against a superstar team from Knoxville, Tennessee. At the time, the Knoxville team was in the middle of an 83 game winning streak.
The first game was really exciting, our boys battled all game long and ended up losing in the final inning 8-9.
Between games, the two teams gathered for a hot dog and hamburger cookout hosted by the moms of the Knoxville team. It was really nice.
The second game was not as exciting as the first game. Our boys got thumped 15-3.
The following morning, the two teams met again for the third and final game. The Knoxville winning streak was standing at 85 games. Our team jumped out to an early lead, but the Knoxville team battled back. Both teams were held scoreless in the middle innings, then in the top of the 6th inning, our team jumped ahead 4 to 2. We had one of our best pitchers on the mound to close out the game 6 inning game and end the 85 game winning streak.
Our pitcher walked the first batter, who would eventually steal second and third. Our pitcher then recorded the first out with a strike out. The next Knoxville batter walked and stole second without a throw.
It was second and third with one out when the craziest thing happened. The Knoxville coach called for a suicide squeeze bunt play. The runner on third ran home as the pitch was delivered. The Knoxville batter bunted the ball up the third base line. With a 2 run lead, our coach called for the pitcher, who fielded the bunt, to throw the ball to first for the second out. Both the homeplate umpire and the umpired situated behind the mound, watched the close play at first. The field umpired made the call loud and clear, "out". As that was happening the Knoxville runner who started the play at second base slide across home plate for the tying run.
What, two runs scored on a suicide bunt? How could that happen? There was no error. There was no delay or hesitation by our players.
What happened will confound you. The runner, who started the play on second, did not touch third. He simply rounded the corner and headed for home while most everyone was concentrating on the play at first.
Our kids were scratching their heads.
Our coaches and fans saw this egregious play and complained immediately. The umpires didn't see the infraction so could not call the cheater out to end the game. Our team ended up losing the game in extra innings and the Knoxville team preserved their winning streak.
After the game, our head coach told the assistant coach of the other team that that play spoiled a great baseball experience for both teams. He told the assistant coach that your team is better than than. The assistant coach replied with southern twang, "if you ain't cheating, you ain't trying." In other words, the kids were coached that play.
Our coach sent an email to the head coach after a few days had passed and expressed his disappointment. The Knoxville coach did an honorable thing, he forfeited the game. Sure enough the team website showed the loss, the streak was over.
The Main Point
I think that stealing signs from the field or dugout has been a part of baseball since the beginning, this is smart baseball and is not cheating. Using high powered surveillance from beyond the field is cheating.
The egregious move perpetrated against our team by Knoxville was cheating. Cheating ruins the game for all involved. It also ruins reputations.
Is it really worth it? Ask Bill Belichick the coach of the Patriots who I absolutely admired and respected until he was caught cheating. On second thought, maybe you shouldn't ask him because I wouldn't be surprised if he responded with, "if you ain't cheating, you ain't trying".
Crazy Youth Sports Parent Series
Two seasons ago, my son's team was very very good. Good enough to come in second in the CABA World Series. When a team is that good, it's often difficult to find local teams to challenge you. Heck, it's hard to get local teams to even play your team. To find good competition, our team accepted an invitation to play in a friendly 3 game series against a superstar team from Knoxville, Tennessee. At the time, the Knoxville team was in the middle of an 83 game winning streak.
The first game was really exciting, our boys battled all game long and ended up losing in the final inning 8-9.
Between games, the two teams gathered for a hot dog and hamburger cookout hosted by the moms of the Knoxville team. It was really nice.
The second game was not as exciting as the first game. Our boys got thumped 15-3.
The following morning, the two teams met again for the third and final game. The Knoxville winning streak was standing at 85 games. Our team jumped out to an early lead, but the Knoxville team battled back. Both teams were held scoreless in the middle innings, then in the top of the 6th inning, our team jumped ahead 4 to 2. We had one of our best pitchers on the mound to close out the game 6 inning game and end the 85 game winning streak.
Our pitcher walked the first batter, who would eventually steal second and third. Our pitcher then recorded the first out with a strike out. The next Knoxville batter walked and stole second without a throw.
It was second and third with one out when the craziest thing happened. The Knoxville coach called for a suicide squeeze bunt play. The runner on third ran home as the pitch was delivered. The Knoxville batter bunted the ball up the third base line. With a 2 run lead, our coach called for the pitcher, who fielded the bunt, to throw the ball to first for the second out. Both the homeplate umpire and the umpired situated behind the mound, watched the close play at first. The field umpired made the call loud and clear, "out". As that was happening the Knoxville runner who started the play at second base slide across home plate for the tying run.
What, two runs scored on a suicide bunt? How could that happen? There was no error. There was no delay or hesitation by our players.
What happened will confound you. The runner, who started the play on second, did not touch third. He simply rounded the corner and headed for home while most everyone was concentrating on the play at first.
Our kids were scratching their heads.
Our coaches and fans saw this egregious play and complained immediately. The umpires didn't see the infraction so could not call the cheater out to end the game. Our team ended up losing the game in extra innings and the Knoxville team preserved their winning streak.
After the game, our head coach told the assistant coach of the other team that that play spoiled a great baseball experience for both teams. He told the assistant coach that your team is better than than. The assistant coach replied with southern twang, "if you ain't cheating, you ain't trying." In other words, the kids were coached that play.
Our coach sent an email to the head coach after a few days had passed and expressed his disappointment. The Knoxville coach did an honorable thing, he forfeited the game. Sure enough the team website showed the loss, the streak was over.
The Main Point
I think that stealing signs from the field or dugout has been a part of baseball since the beginning, this is smart baseball and is not cheating. Using high powered surveillance from beyond the field is cheating.
The egregious move perpetrated against our team by Knoxville was cheating. Cheating ruins the game for all involved. It also ruins reputations.
Is it really worth it? Ask Bill Belichick the coach of the Patriots who I absolutely admired and respected until he was caught cheating. On second thought, maybe you shouldn't ask him because I wouldn't be surprised if he responded with, "if you ain't cheating, you ain't trying".
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Kid Tasered At Phillies Game, Wanna Getaway
"Hi dad, I'm thinking about running onto the field at the Phillies game, what do you think?"
"Son don't do it"
According to the news this morning, that conversation happened right before a 17-year-old baseball fan was subdued by a stadium security officer with a taser gun after he ran on to the field during a Philadelphia Phillies home game May 3rd.
So the question is, was the taser gun appropriate for the situation?
While it appears that the fan was unarmed and harmless, can you really be sure? In 2002, Kansas City Royals first base coach, Tom Gamboa, was attacked on the field by a knife wielding father and son duo.
Some of the controversy has to do with the age of the tasered kid. How was the policeman suppose to know how old the kid was?
All things considered, I feel that officer acted appropriately to control the situation to keep themselves and the ball players safe.
I always look for the conspiracy theory. I think that Southwest Airlines paid the kid and the officer to set up the perfect scenario for their Wanna Getaway campaign. Check out the strategically placed outfield fence advertisement.
The Main Point
Kids listen to your fathers, they are smarter than you think and probably smarter than you.
Game 31 and Game 32
My kids both had games tonight at the same time about 1 mile apart. I went to see my daughter's first AB. She was hit by a pitch on the knee cap. She ended up getting hit by a pitch twice and walked once. Girls fastpitch softball can be rather boring. Her team won.
My son's slump continues. This past weekend we went to the batting cages and my son was mashing it. He was mashing it in the 55 mph cage, the 70 mph cage and even the 80 mph cage. He entered tonight's game with a lot of confidence. Unfortunately, he faced a pitcher who threw the ball about 40 mph. He is beyond frustrated.
"Son don't do it"
According to the news this morning, that conversation happened right before a 17-year-old baseball fan was subdued by a stadium security officer with a taser gun after he ran on to the field during a Philadelphia Phillies home game May 3rd.
So the question is, was the taser gun appropriate for the situation?
While it appears that the fan was unarmed and harmless, can you really be sure? In 2002, Kansas City Royals first base coach, Tom Gamboa, was attacked on the field by a knife wielding father and son duo.
Some of the controversy has to do with the age of the tasered kid. How was the policeman suppose to know how old the kid was?
All things considered, I feel that officer acted appropriately to control the situation to keep themselves and the ball players safe.
I always look for the conspiracy theory. I think that Southwest Airlines paid the kid and the officer to set up the perfect scenario for their Wanna Getaway campaign. Check out the strategically placed outfield fence advertisement.
The Main Point
Kids listen to your fathers, they are smarter than you think and probably smarter than you.
Game 31 and Game 32
My kids both had games tonight at the same time about 1 mile apart. I went to see my daughter's first AB. She was hit by a pitch on the knee cap. She ended up getting hit by a pitch twice and walked once. Girls fastpitch softball can be rather boring. Her team won.
My son's slump continues. This past weekend we went to the batting cages and my son was mashing it. He was mashing it in the 55 mph cage, the 70 mph cage and even the 80 mph cage. He entered tonight's game with a lot of confidence. Unfortunately, he faced a pitcher who threw the ball about 40 mph. He is beyond frustrated.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Youth Baseball: Rooting Against Your Own Team
Game 20 and 21
On Saturday day / night, Nic's team had a 13 to 5 win over a team from Michigan and 15 to 5 over a team from Central Ohio. These pool play wins qualified Nic's team for the #2 seed in the Sunday single elimination tournament. The top 8 teams from pool play would compete for the tournament championship.
On Sunday, Nic's team ended up being matched up with the Michigan team they beat 13 to 5 the night before. Nic went 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs and 3 runs scored and his team won 16 to 6 to advance to the semi-finals. Nic's confidence was rising.
The semi-final game was against another team from our city. The opponent is a long time rival and the two teams usually play closely contested games. It would not be the case today. Nic's team scored 2 quick runs in the first inning (Nic walked and scored in the first) and the team scored another in the 2nd, but that would be all Nic's team could muster. The other team could not be stopped. Games like this are long for both pitchers and catchers. This was an especially long day for my son who was catching.
In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Nic was waiting at home for a play at the plate. He took his helmet off and threw it clear of the play as many catchers do. He realized that the ball from right field was sailing long. He ran back and jumped for the ball. He caught the ball and landed right on his catcher's helmet. He lost his balance and fell into a pole on the corner of the backstop. He ended up bruising his ribs. The coach took him out of the game.
The mercy rule of 15 runs after 4 innings was in effect. We had 3 runs after four innings. The other team had 17 runs and only needed 1 run in the 4th inning to win by the mercy rule. I have to admit I was really hoping that the other team would score so we could go home.
The Main Point
Nobody is going to admit it, but parents root against their teams at times for self serving reasons. I hear about these situations during team dinners on the road. Parents will get a few beers in them and then your start to hear it. Some want the jackass coach of your team to lose to teach him a lesson. Others simply want to lose so they can get a jump on the ride home from an away tournament. Some will root against the snotty ball hog on their team secretly hoping that he fails miserably. Some root against a kid because they hate the parents of the kid. Vindication, Dad Labs explores this too.
Have you ever rooted against your team?
On Saturday day / night, Nic's team had a 13 to 5 win over a team from Michigan and 15 to 5 over a team from Central Ohio. These pool play wins qualified Nic's team for the #2 seed in the Sunday single elimination tournament. The top 8 teams from pool play would compete for the tournament championship.
On Sunday, Nic's team ended up being matched up with the Michigan team they beat 13 to 5 the night before. Nic went 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs and 3 runs scored and his team won 16 to 6 to advance to the semi-finals. Nic's confidence was rising.
The semi-final game was against another team from our city. The opponent is a long time rival and the two teams usually play closely contested games. It would not be the case today. Nic's team scored 2 quick runs in the first inning (Nic walked and scored in the first) and the team scored another in the 2nd, but that would be all Nic's team could muster. The other team could not be stopped. Games like this are long for both pitchers and catchers. This was an especially long day for my son who was catching.
In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Nic was waiting at home for a play at the plate. He took his helmet off and threw it clear of the play as many catchers do. He realized that the ball from right field was sailing long. He ran back and jumped for the ball. He caught the ball and landed right on his catcher's helmet. He lost his balance and fell into a pole on the corner of the backstop. He ended up bruising his ribs. The coach took him out of the game.
The mercy rule of 15 runs after 4 innings was in effect. We had 3 runs after four innings. The other team had 17 runs and only needed 1 run in the 4th inning to win by the mercy rule. I have to admit I was really hoping that the other team would score so we could go home.
The Main Point
Nobody is going to admit it, but parents root against their teams at times for self serving reasons. I hear about these situations during team dinners on the road. Parents will get a few beers in them and then your start to hear it. Some want the jackass coach of your team to lose to teach him a lesson. Others simply want to lose so they can get a jump on the ride home from an away tournament. Some will root against the snotty ball hog on their team secretly hoping that he fails miserably. Some root against a kid because they hate the parents of the kid. Vindication, Dad Labs explores this too.
Have you ever rooted against your team?
Friday, April 16, 2010
Youth Soccer: Hey Lady Be Kind to the Ref.
Crazy Parents of Youth Sports Series
My friend, Bart is a coach. He coaches hockey, soccer and lacrosse. Prior to each season, he sends an email to the parents to outline his coaching philosophy that emphasizes fun, player development and sportsmanship.
Last year's introductory email prior to the soccer season was no different. He set the expectations for the kids in terms of playing time, positions and sportsmanship. He also made it very clear that he expected the parents to behave in a sportsmanlike manner. He encouraged them to be loud in a positive, encouraging and uplifting way. And he strongly discouraged them from criticizing the referees.
During the first game of the season, Bart heard one of the parents relentlessly riding the ref. Due to the noise of several games being played around him and the glare of the morning sun, Bart didn't know who was yelling at the ref, but he wanted it to stop.
He called his wife on the far sidelines to help him out. She picked up the phone and said, "Sorry, I'll Stop."
The Main Point
When you send an email note to your parents, cc your spouse.
My friend, Bart is a coach. He coaches hockey, soccer and lacrosse. Prior to each season, he sends an email to the parents to outline his coaching philosophy that emphasizes fun, player development and sportsmanship.
Last year's introductory email prior to the soccer season was no different. He set the expectations for the kids in terms of playing time, positions and sportsmanship. He also made it very clear that he expected the parents to behave in a sportsmanlike manner. He encouraged them to be loud in a positive, encouraging and uplifting way. And he strongly discouraged them from criticizing the referees.
During the first game of the season, Bart heard one of the parents relentlessly riding the ref. Due to the noise of several games being played around him and the glare of the morning sun, Bart didn't know who was yelling at the ref, but he wanted it to stop.
He called his wife on the far sidelines to help him out. She picked up the phone and said, "Sorry, I'll Stop."
The Main Point
When you send an email note to your parents, cc your spouse.
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