Pirate's Log 3-10-6

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2/27/6

3/10/6

What's the Pirate's Log?

It's a place for opinion. Opinions are like noses. Everybody's got one. Some are long and pointy. Some full of hot air. Some are full of other stuff we'd prefer not to talk about in polite company. I'll tell you my opinion, but feel free to submit yours. If its sufficiently long, pointy or even full of hot air, I'll publish it here. If its full of other stuff, I won't. Be sure and include your name. No anonymous log entries.

-- Tom Sinclair

Log Entry 3/10/6 My reflections on Fried Eggs (by Dennis Sherrin)

After reading this on forum, it spurred me to write a Pirate Log. With credit to "Nvergiveup" on Al.com HS Soccer Forum, I offer this little story.

"A mother was making a breakfast with fried eggs for her teenage son. Suddenly the boy bursts into the kitchen. He screams "Careful! CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh my goodness! You're cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh my! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They're going to STICK! Careful! ... CAREFUL! I said be CAREFUL! You NEVER listen to me when you're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY? Have you LOST your mind? Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!"

The mother stared at him. "What's wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?" The son calmly replied, "I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm trying to play soccer."

Reading this story it says PLENTY.

Parents get angry at others for complaining about game officials and berating them during a game. It does distract our players. Tom Sinclair is dead on in his commentary and I will follow his lead in resolving to stay positive regarding officiating.

Just as importantly, parents and others who constantly yell instructions or worse yet, criticism can be as devastating to a young player's psyche. The criticism does not have to come for the player's parent, or even be directed at specific players to have a "frustrating" affect. A player can get frustrated to hear someone from the crowd saying "come on, you have to that better or you have to".... well, you get the point.

Sometimes, you would think I was living and dying by the emotions of watching a game. Sure, I have expressed disappointment at referees and I have expressed disappointment at players -- my son will attest. I regret both and have made an honest effort to do neither, this year (last fall and this spring). I do resolve that you will not hear me express my frustration with the play of another player and the voice my son will hear directed toward him and others will be encouragement. We parents and fans need to find ways to make our cheers and rants support the good in the game. They are working very hard and Coach is providing them great coaching.

Let's not forget these players are 15 - 18 years old. They have more knowledge about playing the game than any (and I mean any) parent in the stand. Some of us like to assume we are coaches. I have played and/or coached since I was 11 years old and I am 44. One of the most important tips I have received at several coaching clinics and from my friend Bob Gray of Marshall University is you coach at practice and let players play during the game. With that in mind, I plan to to be a fan at games and not coach, because I did not coach at practice.

As Tom said, if you hear me do differently, just hit me with something large....but soft!

Dennis Sherrin