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Log Entry 1/31/7  My reflections on A New Season (by Tom Sinclair)

Welcome back! It's time for another great spring of exciting Pirate Soccer in our lovely city of Fairhope, Alabama. The Fairhope city crews led by Eddie Boyette are preparing the pitch. The turf at W.C. Majors Field has never looked better. The coaches are working the teams hard in preparation for their first match in about two weeks.

Time for us to do a little prep work, too! No, we are not going to do sprints after work (Phew!). But we do need to prepare ourselves for the season.

Step One - Know the Rules of the Game

There's no better way to embarrass yourself than to holler at the ref, "She's offsides!" "He's pushing, ref!" "Don't you know the rules?"

While it may be true that some soccer officials have never played the game, have little actual refereeing experience and may have learned the rules from a Betty Crocker mail order rule book, nevertheless, they are the law. What they say, goes. A melt-down on our part does nothing more than show our individual or collective lack of maturity and class.

Nevertheless, bone up on the rules of the game. A great soccer guide is available for download here. It was written by Miles Ball and Frank Cunningham, two soccer dads and soccer officials from Mobile. Another great source is Wikipedia. For more about the Laws of the Game, check out this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laws_of_Football. Read, learn, enjoy!

Step Two - Know Proper Soccer Parent Etiquette

No coaching from the stands. We are very fortunate to have Coach Morisani and Coach Stroud at FHS. They are very skilled coaches, knowledgeable about soccer, game strategies and especially, about teenagers.

They probably would love to hear your thoughts on tactics, player development and playing time for your player. But, not right after the game! They might not have played in the game, but they are as emotionally involved as their players. Give them some space after a match. Drop them an email (via www.bcbe.org) or call the school (928-8309) to find a good time to chat. They like your kid and want to help them be a better person and a better soccer player.

Step Three - Volunteers Make the World Go 'Round

Volunteer for concession stand duty, tournament duty, whatever! Show your active support. It's not enough to just show up at the game and cheer. True supporters are actively engaged in at least one volunteer activity each season. So, up off the couch! Go get 'em!

Step Four - Cheer! Yell! Encourage!

Cheer the kids! Recognize good play and compliment them after the game. Cheer the coaches! A pat on the back goes a long way. Cheer each other! Say thanks to the concession stand volunteers of the night. Cheer the referees, even. (Why not? It certainly can't hurt for them to get some thanks as they come off the field.)

Step Five - Read PirateSoccer.com Everyday!

We are THE source for Fairhope Pirate Soccer news, scores, game reports and game pictures. But, we can't do it without your help. Our paid staff... hold it, we don't have any paid staff. Our volunteer staff may include YOU! We need pictures. We need game stories. We need scores. We need someone to correct us when we screw up. No, wait, Sandy's got that covered.

But seriously, folks. PirateSoccer.com is a collaborative effort to showcase our kids, their school, and their coaches. No other school in the state does what we're doing here. Be a part. We need you.

Drop me a line, give me a jingle (c: 422-3169). No need to send a resume. You're hired!

One. Two. Three. Four. Five.

Do all of these and, regardless of the score, we'll have a great soccer season. Together.

Enjoy the game. Go Pirates!

Tom

P.S.  Look back in the Pirate's Log to last year for some interesting stuff!

P.P.S.   Here what one coach wrote when asked to give Parent Tips:

	Pants shall be worn high enough not to show your underwear at all games.
	Jewelry is allowed, but only if tasteful and does not present a danger to the person sitting next to you.
	Your eating area shall be cleaned after any post-game meal in a restaurant; food fights with the other team's parents are prohibited.
	Only those persons who get above a 90% or above on the yearly referee test may yell at the referee; only those with an IQ of less than 50 may yell at a coach.
	You do not need to genuflect in the presence of a coach; a curtsey or slight bow is all that is necessary.
	There shall be no foul language, birdcalls, peacocking, goosing or ruffling of feathers during games.
	At no time shall you make derogatory comments towards the opposition, as they may be a distant relative.
	Long balls to the opposition are not to be complimented with "oohs" and "aahs" on the length and height of the pass; however, short, precision passes that may lead to a long ball to an open teammate can be applauded.
	And last, but not least, you are mandated to have some fun this season. Everyone else will.