OK, here's the real deal: Team 7 will be called
Green
Death. We will only acknowledge "Team 7" for scheduling and
disciplinary purposes. Green Death has had a long and colorful history,
and I fully expect every player and parent to be on board with the
team. This is not a team, but a family (some say cult), that you belong
to forever. We play fair at all times, but we play tough and physical
soccer. We have some returning players who know the deal; for the
others, I only expect 110% at every game and practice. We do not cater
to superstars, but prefer the gritty determination of journeymen who
bring their lunch pail to work every week, chase every ball and dig in
corners like a Michael Vick pit bull. Unless there is an issue
concerning the health of my players or inside info on the opposition,
you probably don't need to talk to me.
I believe winning is fun and losing is for losers.
Ergo, we will
strive for the "W" in each game. While we may not win every game
(excuse me, I just got a little nauseated) I expect us to fight for
every loose ball and play every shift as if it were the finals of the
World Cup. While I spent a good Saturday morning listening to the legal
liability BS, which included a 30 minute dissertation on how we need to
baby the kids and especially the refs, I was disgusted. The kids will
run, they will fall, get bumps, bruises and even bleed a little. Big
deal, it's good for them (but I do hope the other team is the one
bleeding). If the refs can't handle a little criticism, then they
should turn in their whistle. The sooner they figure out how to make a
decision and live with the consequences the better. My heckling of the
refs is actually helping them develop as people. The political
correctness police are not welcome on my sidelines.
America's youth is becoming fat, lazy and
non-competitive
because competition is viewed as "bad". I argue that competition is
good and is important to the evolution of our species and our survival
in what has become an increasingly competitive global economy and
dangerous world. Second place trophies are nothing to be proud of as
they serve only as a reminder that you missed your goal; their only
useful purpose is as an inspiration to do that next set of reps. Do you
go to a job interview and not care about winning? Don't animals eat
what they kill (and yes, someone actually kills the meat we eat too –
it isn't grown in plastic wrap)? And speaking of meat, I expect that
the ladies be put on a diet of fish, undercooked red meat and lots of
veggies. No junk food.
Who's with me? Go Green Death!