{Picture taken on the field.}Last night was our final flag football game of the season. The coach normally goes on the field when we're on offense so he can huddle with the kids and go over the play they need to run (Randy goes on the field for defense), but for this game he had me do it. It was so fun. I had gotten a little taste of it at the beginning of Tuesday's game when "the real coach" wasn't there, so I was ready for it. The kids did great, and it was cool to be right on the field behind the action, rather than taking stats on the sidelines.
The coach tried hard to make sure all the kids got a chance to score during the season, so even the nonstar players were able to make an extra point. As of last night Landon was the only kid who hadn't gotten a chance to score, so the goal was to give him that chance. The time just flew by and even though we were winning 18-0 Landon still hadn't gotten his chance. We were running out of time, and though several of the plays were meant for him it just didn't happen (the quarterback had to run). Poor Landon was very upset by this, and no matter how much we tried to explain that it wasn't his fault, he couldn't shake it.
After the game was over and we got together for our team cheer (usually Go Blue or something) the coach had us yell "Landon!" It was really sweet, but Landon was in tears talking to Randy so I don't even know if he heard it.
The coach ended up making certificates for all the kids, and included their stats (lovingly compiled by me all season) and then a personal note to each of them. I thought this was such a nice thing to do, so personal (the coach has 6 kids of his own so he was really fatherly with the kids). We also gave them a 5x7 copy of one of the pictures we took the other day (for some reason the city didn't do official team photos for football).
{click to enlarge}
I'm sad the season is over. I really loved being a part of it, even though it meant being scheduled Tues, Wed, and Thursday of each week. I will definitely volunteer to be an assistant coach next year. Being hands-on is so much more fun than watching from my chair on the sidelines. Next up is basketball (not my favorite), luckily it doesn't start until January and I won't be helping to coach for that one.
**Did you play sports as a kid?
Do you think sports are a good way to learn life lessons?**
Do you think sports are a good way to learn life lessons?**
21 comments:
oh landon- the pressure he must have felt!?!
the pic made me smile though, as if to say, "mom, a picture? right now? seriously?"
agreed that sports, especially team sports, are a great learning tool. glad you had a ball with it. (heehee)
that coach sounds awesome! I love that he put notes for each of the kids and tried to make so each of them got to score. That is such a refreshing change over the experiences I have had with my brothers playing football. At times it got so bad that it makes me nervous to have my kids in any sort of sport. Of course I will, but it's hard when the focus is only on winning.
Sorry your season is over. I'm glad you were able to be a part of it and enjoyed doing so.
Poor Landon. He must have been so disappointed. It's very cute that the coach made certificates and wrote personal notes to each of the players, but I'm so sad that he didn't get the chance to make that extra point that is printed on there! Wow, you're just doing sports year round now, eh?
What a great kid. Like you said I'm sure it was a great learning experience for him. Think how great he'll feel next season when he scores the point. That's fun that you were able to be the assistant coach. I don't think I'd be brave enough to do it.
I do think sports are a great way for kids to learn lessons. I have an aversion to them just because of the time involved. I'm into the individual sports like skiing, swimming, etc. They are easier for our big family since everyone can do it at the same time.
It breaks my heart to see my kids upset...it is just the worst! It sounds like he had a great coach and a good experience though! I am glad you enjoyed it so much!
Oh man...but landon is a sport...yes...playing sports definately helps with real life, and although it is sad sometimes not to make it...it is a very good lesson. I did play sports...it was fun. You did such a good job with this...congratulations.
what a great experience overall. but it is so hard when our kids have disappointments; i always so want to take that burden from them but i know it is just a part of growing-up. congrats to you and Landon on a great season!
I never played sports as a kid but with all my boys and a husband who is a sports fanatic, I'm making up for lost time :)
That's neat that you were able to coach this season!
I wish we would have had your same football experience.In my opinion coaching is the meat of the team. They bring in the moral. It sounds like you had a great one (including yourself)
I am counting down the hours until tomorrow. It will be the last game of the season. Yee haw! I think it was just really hard that I was juggling Taylor's basketball camp (dropping her off) and then having to watch Jared's team without Doug around.
Basketball is my favorite sport. The best is, it's in doors so no matter if it's hot or cold you will be comfortable.
I am glad you guys had a great season!
Poor Landon. But I love how you have tried to turn it into a learning opportunity.
I like sports, but think they are hard on families. I love how you have gotten involved along with Randy. I think that might be the answer. I don't know. I know having three boys will certainly bring many opportunities for sports programs and I want to do it the right way. I'm impressed by your attitude.
i think it's great you are so involved in your kids' sports! we did sports as kids- we were "forced" to choose one per year (i saw forced b/c i was the poster child of sedentary). it was a fantastic experience, now that i look back on it. i met my best friend in soccer when we were 11! :) team sports are awesome for kids- what a way to teach them how to get along!
It is amazing that you felt so comfortable coaching. I grew up watching every sport, but playing none. I really feel now that I missed out on a lot, not just team dynamic, but setting individual goals to work towards. I hope each of mine have that opportunity.
Congrats to Landon on a great season! I know the end was a bit sour, but I bet you'll be talking about the lessons learned from this for many years to come. Not that that's any consolation to a kid who just wanted a chance to score one more time - and rats! I wish he would have had the chance. He'll be back next year, right? And you, too? Because Jill, it's so cool you were the assistant. Hats off to you! Landon's coach sounds amazing. I thought it was great that he took the time to write a note to each child. And great that you kept track of all those stats!
I have mixed feelings on teams sports. I like them, but I think they start too young & fanatic parents make me crazy- I guess there are fanatic parents in everything though.
I played church sports growing up in WA state. It was a great experience but I was a 12-18.
I think you are a great mom to be so involved. Even though it was hard- Landon learned a great life lesson. He will really be excited when he scores.
So sad for Landon. He has a great teacher/coach of a mom & dad to help him try and shake it. Being part of a team that works together is such a priceless learning opportunity. Yeah for a good season.
I never played sports. I am competitive in other ways just not on the any court or field. Needless to say by Jr High no one wanted to play with me.
Sounds like you really made the most of it. Good experiences for life.
Poor guy- that would have been hard to take. His coach sounds so awesome though and I hope you all do it again next year.
Sports totally are a good way to learn life lessons if you ask me. I played sports all growing up and still remember a few coaches words that will always stick with me. The team building, winning/losing, working toward a common goal are all attributes I look forward to my girls experiencing through sports.
You've been impressing me all season with your superstar mom status! Assistant Coach--way to go. I'm glad you found it to be more fun than sitting in your chair. We're doing bball too; look for me...in my chair!
I do think sports teaches good lessons, first of which is practice and diligence to achieve a goal. It's good for kids to understand that you can't just walk up to something and be great--that you have to work and work and sometimes fail until you are better. It's hard, as a mommy, to watch them be frustrated and hard on themselves, though. I think you handled this really well.
I've also admired how you don't PUSH him too hard. There are too many parents that I see doing that and sports are already, at Max's age--8yrs--way too competitive! So good job on that too :)
I think it's great that it was a great experience for you both even though the last game didn't go as planned for Landon. So sweet how much the team supported him though. The coach sounds great and I love his certificate idea. Seriously makes a huge difference when the kids know you care. Love that you are going to coach again.
Aww, I feel so sad for Landon and the way he took it all. I hope he's cheered up by now.
Competitiveness makes me shiver. It's very British of me! It's all a bit politically incorrect over here in schools now, to push competitiveness very much. Verging on a nanny state, probably...
I did my best at sport in school, but it really wasn't my thing. Always Wing Defence in netball, and always a winger in hockey. Couldn't hack the responsibility of outright defending, attacking or captaining! Yikes!
Thanks for the birthday shout out!
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