Forest Terrace Heights Community League

If you have children or grandchildren in soccer you will know that we are right in the middle of the season. Practices are happening and games are being looked forward to. I hope you are enjoying the season as much and I am. Let me share with you some of the observations that I have made over the last month. The first was that a father that does not know much about soccer has decided to signed his son up for the outdoor season this spring. He as read the Beautiful Game and decided that his son might like it. WIN! If this family locks into this game like mine or yours have, we will have a player for life. Secondly, I talked with a grandfather who was guilted/tricked/manipulated into coming out to a game. He expressed to me his sadness of all the past soccer that he has missed. He absolutely loved it and is trying to get a bunch of other retirees and seniors to come out with him. I discovered that these games are so much more fun to watch if you tie yourself to a team. Your emotions ebb and flow with the fortunes of the team. Here is what I would ask: Go find a team that you have a connection to, review its season up to this point and then go cheer them on to the end. You will find yourself thinking about these kids thought the week and you will crave your next fix of the beautiful game. Lastly, I saw a referee on the field having so much fun that... (click "Read More" below)

A couple of days ago while I was chatting with some soccer dads in the stands and we were discussing this beautiful game, someone asks me what my favorite part of the game is.  After having thought about it for a few days, I have come to understand that it's the 'tone' of the game that attracts me the most.

In outdoor soccer, the tone of the game is authored by the lone ref who controls all aspects of the game, from the behaviour of the spectators to disciplining the players.  This commanding figure is part of the game, but seeks no influence over it.  He brings with him many officials or helpers who form his team.  He hires, trains, mentors and employs this team, but they still only advise him, because he is king.  This means that there are not dozens of officials "scurrying" around the field offering their own opinions and getting in the way of the play.

My favorite example of this “setting the tone” is how the referee controls the playing time.  In too many sports