it's a no win situation
i was at a volleyball tournament this last saturday. i knew a few of the girls playing on two different teams. i do enjoy going to most games/matches that i'm invited to, but volleyball is one of my favorites. so when one of the girl's team lost a match, i didn't think too much about it because i wasn't the one playing the game.
i used to play sports but it's been a long time and i didn't realize until recently how much they have changed. it used to be that the sport was all about the kids and teaching them the skill of the game and building character. it seems that now it's more about the win-loss count, the coaches, and the reputation of the school. because of this, kids have been forgotton. they are a commodity that is only looked upon with the bottom line in mind. and these are the students who make the team. there is even more that would have loved to play the game, but weren't deemed good enough to play on the team. after all, the team HAS to win.
this became apparent at this volleyball tournament. after the team lost, they were taken back to a separate room where they were told how bad they played and given an account of their mistakes. the mothers of the two girls told me this is how the coach has treated them ever since the season started and how discouraged all the girls on the team were. they said that with every game, every match, their self esteem and morale has been beaten down.
i can't help but think of how far a little encouragement would go. what if this generation were taught it's not if you win or lose... it's how you play the game.
i used to play sports but it's been a long time and i didn't realize until recently how much they have changed. it used to be that the sport was all about the kids and teaching them the skill of the game and building character. it seems that now it's more about the win-loss count, the coaches, and the reputation of the school. because of this, kids have been forgotton. they are a commodity that is only looked upon with the bottom line in mind. and these are the students who make the team. there is even more that would have loved to play the game, but weren't deemed good enough to play on the team. after all, the team HAS to win.
this became apparent at this volleyball tournament. after the team lost, they were taken back to a separate room where they were told how bad they played and given an account of their mistakes. the mothers of the two girls told me this is how the coach has treated them ever since the season started and how discouraged all the girls on the team were. they said that with every game, every match, their self esteem and morale has been beaten down.
i can't help but think of how far a little encouragement would go. what if this generation were taught it's not if you win or lose... it's how you play the game.
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