It's a GAME, People!

DH and I have been "soccer parents" for almost 15 years. DS 1 played rec ball primarily for many years. DS 2 played rec ball, club ball, and high school ball. They both played indoor for a couple of seasons and DS 2 is playing in an indoor adult league now. DS 4 has played both rec and club ball. Between our three players, we have been on the sidelines enough to know that there are many kinds of "fans" and "parents" out there. And, honestly, nothing should surprise me anymore.

But sometimes it does.

I have been in "Mouseland" this weekend for a Disney tournament. Their tournaments draw teams from both in and out of state. DS 4's team played one game yesterday morning and two today. Being a "people watcher", I thought I'd share some of what I saw:

During our time there, I watched one Mother call a Father on her cell phone to report on the son's field play. She reported that their son, a 9 or 10-year-old boy, was not playing up to his potential. She said he was "sloppy" and not doing the things he's been taught. I could only imagine what life was going to be like later when the family was together for the soccer grilling that was bound to happen.

I saw a kid get hit very low with a ball and be knocked to the ground. And the parent of the kicker screamed at her son, "Good job, honey! He deserved it!"

I witnessed a parent threaten his young son repeatedly because his "head was in his _____"! Then, when the son took a very hard hit at the knees that stopped his play, I listened as the parent yelled, "GET UP! GET OVER IT and GET UP! YOU DON'T STOP--YOU PLAY!"

As I said, I have been on enough sidelines to know that these people exist. I know that some of them are truly wonderful people when they are away from the game, but they kind of do a "Jekyl and Hyde" thing when their child starts to play. Usually, it's one, maybe two, parents on a sideline.

But, today, I saw something that I have not seen before...the entire sideline was so tightly wound that they had to call security to the game!

It was the game just before ours, so I only saw about 10 minutes of the melee, but it was definitely a sight. An entire team's parents were yelling at the ref. They were yelling at their players. They were yelling at the other team and the other team's parents. There was cussing and jumping around on the sidelines that was unmatched by any other game I've ever seen. Even when the game ended, the parents were so worked up that there were people complaining about them...and they were absolutely astonished that they were being asked to leave Disney immediately.

I wanted to SCREAM: "It's a GAME, people! So much for the "happiest place on earth!"

I keep saying that soccer leagues, and for that matter, sports leauges should video tape the crowd and then let them SEE and HEAR themselves. I wonder if it would make a difference. Oh I know some people are always going to be negative and intense at games. Others, though, might think twice before they speak so negatively and rudely. Perspective can and does change thing for some.

Soccer sidelines are not a weakness for me. I can be a very excited and boisterous fan, but I don't find myself tempted to scream and yell at players...their parents, maybe..but the players, no! Then I am reminded that just because soccer sidelines aren't a problem, doesn't mean that there are not times when I could be less negative or abrasive. Like the soccer parents I watched this weekend, that's when I, too, need perspective.

I know life is more "serious" than a soccer tournament...but I chuckle when I think of how many times I've heard it compared to a "game"...and I know that once again, my circumstances have taught me a lesson. I love that!