Dear Soccer Mom,
There were lots of things to gripe about during the game on Sunday afternoon… but our children shouldn’t have been one of them. It was nearly 90°, the pollen count was killing our sinuses, and for crying out loud – those love bugs, it’s only April – ugh!
But what I heard from the sidelines was you complaining about:
- Your child’s teammate wearing name-brand soccer shorts and not the league assigned shorts;
- My child’s teammate wearing the wrong color socks;
- Your child’s teammates not showing up for the game means that the rest of the team won’t play well because of the heat;
- My child’s team is all boys, and because your child’s team has girls – they’re unfairly matched and my child’s team was scoring too many goals;
- And then… mumbling under your breath when my child’s coach wrapped his arms around the team as they sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to their mate.
STOP. This isn’t the Olympics. I see that unsportsmanlike behavior is acceptable in your home, but not mine. I’m sorry for your younger son, who was sitting on your lap, enduring your epic rant.
Our coach apparently felt so taunted that he took one of our players out. Four players to three, but our team still scored.. and smiled… and gave each other high five’s, no matter what the play.
Your child’s team will receive the same trophy as my child’s team at the end of the season. Spoiler alert: It’s a spinning soccer ball on a gold trophy. You’ll complain because it won’t have your child’s name on it.
The sidelines need to stay a drama-free. Our children, you know – the five year olds – need to learn team work and determination. They need us to cheer – not jeer. They need us to set an example.
Signed,
A supportive Soccer Mom
Stroller Full of Fun 