The 2008 season looks to be another exciting and successful one for the club. Several of our teams have had their initial matches and performed well in victory or defeat.
The last part of my opening statement is what I’d like each parent and player to focus on throughout the season. Culturally our society puts a tremendous emphasis on winning and losing; success is based on records. I want to clearly state that wins and losses are not the focus of our club. The Lancers organization; Board members and especially coaches, are committed to the development and improvement of each and every player first and foremost.
Our common goal is to improve the basic soccer skill sets of each player, create better understanding of the game while stressing team play. If these fundamental goals can be achieved with each player we’ve been successful; regardless of record. The ironic thing is that when the basics of the game are done correctly, our teams win games without the focus being the outcome of winning.
Unfortunately there are constant reminders that in the grand scheme of things soccer isn’t very important; it’s a game. Soon we’ll mark the one year anniversary of the loss of one of our own; Bridget Buzard, a passionate player and a fiery personality who touched many lives in the briefness of her own. That was evident as the wait at her viewing exceeded an hour and the traffic entering the funeral home almost shut down Route 31 in Brockport. Just last week many of our players were touched by the tragedy in
We’ve all experienced “that soccer parent”, “that soccer coach” or “that soccer player” who’s passion for our game goes well beyond reasonable and makes the experience for everyone at a match miserable. Please don’t be one of those people. Keep in mind the following as you head out to your matches this season:
- Everyone; coaches, officials and players are trying their best. No one is investing their time and not wanting to do their best; would you?
- Referees will make mistakes, get over it. I don’t know of any referee that wants to call a bad game and listen to the parents and coaches get on them. Heckling the referee’s won’t make them more focused on what they’re there to do, rather it will distract them and potentially cause them to miss other calls
- Parents, if your player comes home with an issue about their coach, please give the coach the benefit of the doubt first. Kids always tell us the complete story right? Take the time to ask the coach their side of the story before sending off a nasty email or leaving an angry voice message. Even if you witnessed something at a game you’re not happy with I am sure there is a reason which I guarantee your player will not convey accurately. Before approaching a coach with an issue please give yourself 24 hours to cool off. Every coach wants every player to be successful; period. Why would we want a player to fail? Think about it.
- Players – go out and give your best at all times both in your play and your on field and off field behavior. You are part of an organization of players, coaches and administrators. When you put on the Lancers jersey you represent us all; not just yourself.
- Parents – be a great spectator and cheerleader; not an unofficial assistant coach and referee. Unless you’re at every practice and know what your coaches are teaching how do you know you’re telling them the right thing? As far as complaining about calls, how many of you have every seen a book on the rules of soccer let alone read it? Kind of like telling someone how to bake a cake without knowing the recipe isn’t it? Please be a great spectator and cheerleader.
- ALWAYS, ALWAYS. ALWAYS remember; soccer is a beautiful game but only that; a game.
Enjoy the matches and watch your player improve over the course of the season. As always, feel free to contact me with and questions, concerns or comments.
Peter Guppenberger
President – S.C.
