Had some clubs from out of state here last weekend
by wcnitz (2026-09-01 22:10:15)
Edited on 2026-09-01 22:13:15
Post Reply Return to Clark's Pitch
ADVERTISEMENT

We had a large tournament here with a few hundred teams at several sites. I spent most of the weekend mentoring, but helped out with half of all the 7v7 semis and finals because those are single official and can get testy (not because of the players, obviously, they're all 8 or 9 years old). One particular club from our neighbor state to the south had several teams involved in those semis and finals, and I happened to watch one while waiting for my games. Then I had to get involved, as coaches weren't just yelling at the 15-year-old in the middle, they were entering the field and being really aggressive. I'm being very non-specific on purpose here, but let's just say there were multiple incidents that would have resulted in a sending off if I had the whistle instead of the kid. That's being handled through official channels and will go through US Soccer, and after that game I helped ensure the young man's safety and calm him down (he was in tears). Isn't it amazing how nobody said a word to him while I was standing next to him, an adult wearing a pullover that has US SOCCER REFEREE PROGRAM on the back? Crazy, right?

But there's a bright side. I had that club in two more finals, including that coach and another from that club who was just as bad. Pretty nutless, because all it took from me was a stern glare and a 'nope' after a few words of dissent. I even got an apology from one of them. Too bad he was apologizing to the wrong person. What does it say about an adult bully when they shrivel into a fetal position when confronted with someone they can't intimidate?

Between that and the over-the-top parents who are all apparently experts, I had to fight the urge to just stand in the middle of the pitch and yell at everyone to shut the hell up and let these little kids just have fun playing soccer.

ADVERTISEMENT
Replies: