On Saturdays, I play pick-up soccer with a regular group of guys.
We use any open field we can find.
That got harder early in the fall, when the youth soccer leagues began their seasons.
Those people are vicious.
The parents are even worse.
You have said nasty things to and about too many referees and it must come to an end.
I can no longer be involved with so many people who feel so entitled, he wrote.
The problem is so widespread that itsspawned companiestrying to defuse it.
If you havent encountered game-day maniacs, well, Ive got some bad news for you: its you.
you’ve got the option to change the ways of the man in mirror.
Very few athletes make it tothe college ranksand far fewerbecome professionals.
Sure, you miss every shot you dont take.
But let that one-in-a-million shot be a happy accident instead of the goal.
Sounds like those kids are having a hell of a lot of fun!
Let the ball game be a game, and nothing more.
If you find yourself creeping toward, How could you miss an open goal?!
or Ref, youre a dumbass!
then youve gone too far.
Time to practice a littleBruce Banner anger management.
Some youth leagueshave made this advice an institutional requirement through regular Silent Sidelines Weekends.
So holler, Go team!
and otherwise plead the fifth.
Well, get out there and show us, Big Talker!
Learn how to be a referee, either locallyor online.
Youll also be more willing to practice active sideline diplomacy when other parents get out of hand.
Play Your Own Sports
Get out there and get sweaty!
Its a healthy and appropriate way to express your competitive impulses.
I think many irate parents showing their asses at youth games are gripped by voyeuristic competition.
If thats ringing a bell in your head, do something about it.
Even better: arrange to have your kids watch you play so that you could parent through demonstration.
When they see you drop a pass or get nutmegged, theyll realize youre an imperfect athletejust like them.
And theyll watch to see how you bounce back from adversity.
Stay In The Moment
Stop stewing about the traffic you battled.
Dont compose a grocery list in your head.
Just watch your kid.
Is she chasing a butterfly instead of getting back on defense?
Was he staring at an airplane instead of the football soaring toward his noggin?
Win or lose, your child will look to you for a reaction.
A daydreaming kid who lost 27 to 3 needs a high five and a juice box.
A crying child who lost a squeaker after running her ass off needs a hug.
Neither needs a bellowing jackass chasing down a referee.
Sometimes your toast gets burnt.
Sometimes the other guy is faster and stronger.
Whatever moment life sends your way, let it be the moment youre in.
