I love watching my youngest grandson play on his club soccer team. He is a very good player; high energy, scores lots of goals. Since I loved playing sports in my younger days, I get real enjoyment from watching he and his team play.
Last Sunday, his team played a team from out of town. Didn't know too much about them. But it became clear just a few minutes into the game that their coach had told the kids to "play hard and rough and keep on until the official cautiones you to stop."
And that's what they did. They repeatedly fouled our kids. When one of them was in a position to take a clear shot at goal, the other team tackles, shoved, push, and body checked our player. The referee, who was a collage age student with little experience, let it go on.
We counted six times when our kids were knocked down and fouled. Three times our grandson's coach had to carry kids off the field. My grandson suffered a severe bruise when kicked by an opposing player.
In spite of all this, my grandson's team led two to one with just a few minutes left in the game. But then they gave up a goal and when the final whistle was sounded, my grandson's team left the field with a two-two tie. Poor kids, they were very upset.
Yesterday I learned that one of our kids, who was severely fouled, suffered a broken ankle. He's having surgery today. I know that accidents happen. But it was no accident that he was brought down with such malice. If the referee had been in control of the game it might not have happened.
It seems to me that sports in general, are becoming rougher and rougher. I can hardly stand to watch the NBA anymore. The fouling and excessive physical play had turned me off. Is this having an effect on the young athletes of today? And are couches encouraging this kind of play?
I don't have any answers to the above questions. I've just venting my anger and disappointment. I'll get back to more encouraging things next time around.
