“... this kid never learned sportsmanship..”
Agreed. I’m putting the entire blame on the 17 year old BUT I do wonder about his coach(es). My son and daughter’s coaches emphasize OVER and OVER to never hit a ref and to simply walk away. No matter what the call, no matter what the deed... if they so much as say something nasty to the ref.. they are off the team. It’s a matter of teaching and enforcing self control (at times... in very difficult situations).
Thank you both for your insightful comments.
As a parent of two children who play soccer, it is sad to see how often the game strays from its original intentions. Historically, soccer was designed to not only to encourage fitness but, more importantly, to develop desirable qualities of character such as self-discipline, responsibility and a sense of justice. In fact, the 12 Laws of the game, particularly Law 12 regarding Fouls and Misconduct, are meant to instill these admiral qualities of character when taken to heart.
Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct
Soccer Ethics & Sportsmanship
As you both point out, too often the tone is poisoned at the top with the parents:
10 Types of Sports Parents
...and the coaches, who foster a win at all costs attitude...
...and the referees who do not set a hard line at the beginning of games and let things slide out of control.
“The Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton”- apocryphal quote attributed to Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington
The saddest thing to me is the fact that fair play can usually be best learned by the kids themselves on their own without parents, coaches or referees; but we are denying our children this opportunity:
NYT -School Recess Improves Behavior
Christian Science Monitor - Recess backlash: Parents say it pays to play