WAY TO GO!
TRENDS
Do you know about "non-results oriented competition?" Are you attending tournaments because the organizers claim college coaches will be in attendance?
Do you think soccer fields and tournaments are safe havens for players and their families? In this issue, I'll give you insight to three current trends in soccer--one that may surprise you, one that may cost you money, and one that may save your life or that of a loved one.
Hey WSW Readers!
When I arrived at the fields at 6:15 am on Oct. 17 at the Super Club Tournament in Tulsa, the sky was dark, intermittent rain fell from the sky, lightning flashed and thunder echoed in the distance. Bright headlights shone from the cars that lined the road to the entrance of the Valley Park Soccer Complex reminiscent of a scene from the movie, "Field of Dreams." The traffic suddenly came to a stand still. No cars entered the parking entrance and the flashing lights of police and emergency vehicles lit up the dark. A sheriff's deputy had been killed while directing traffic for the tournament, when a car slammed into him.
While in Plano for a Labor Day tournament, police were evident everywhere - walking, patrolling on bicycles and in cars. A tournament official told me the security was the result of an abduction and murder of a young player from the tournament a few years back. During our last game, the chair and umbrella of one of my teammate's parents were stolen a few feet away from where my mom was sitting.
The family-friendly atmosphere that exists at soccer fields lulls everyone into a false sense of security. We leave cars unlocked, chairs, bags, and balls unattended, and allow young children to roam fields, parking lots, concessions, and bathrooms unsupervised; and, in doing so, we become the perfect target for crime and tragedy. The truth stings but the reality is we are no safer at the local soccer fields than anywhere else...in fact, it is much more dangerous because we believe "it's safe."
Non-Results Oriented Competition
Coming Soon to a Soccer Association Near You...soccer without score for players age 12 and under. Soccer associations across the U.S. are changing their rules and regulations to limit or eliminate competitive soccer for the young player. Massachusetts has already taken the big step, by not allowing their U-12 players to participate in any results oriented tournaments in-state or out-of-state even if they are playing "up" on an older team. In some states, like Oklahoma, U-10 players aren't allowed to play on a team in the competitive league. Association newspapers are filled with articles about the effect of pressure to win from teammates and over-zealous coaches and parents on the younger player.
What's going on? I put that question to David Weiss, head coach at Manchester College in Indiana at the University of Notre Dame's Advanced Camp this summer. As a player, I felt that the Massachusetts decision went too far in restricting a player's right to choose their playing environment and was concerned about the effect that non-results competition would have on the development of a tough, winning attitude in the elite/competitive soccer player.
"Players should be allowed to compete in any tournament they choose," said Weiss, "results or not. However, I believe that players 12 and under will enjoy soccer more and have more freedom to make mistakes and improve in games where the score is NOT kept...they have to be able to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes without feeling like they have let others down. It puts the pressure on the player to develop for himself and not for the satisfaction of others."
Weiss echoes a lot of others I have talked to in pointing the finger at "high pressure parents and coaches" who won't "let their kids just play and have fun." "If emphasis is placed on winning, then players will not have as much freedom to try new moves and perhaps lose the ball. This skill development is more critical than a win for young players."
"How many games does anyone remember winning when they were 12 years old or younger?" Weiss asserted. "I can't remember any - wins or losses, and I developed into a professional player. A winning attitude is innate and is not "developed" through tough competition for 11 year olds."
Readers, I'm interested in learning what you think about this trend for young players. E-mail or write us here at Women's Soccer World with your opinion.
College Recruiting at Tournaments
Competition is increasing for your tournament dollar. More and more tournaments are claiming that college coaches will be present and some are adding college exhibition games to their tournament list of events. Hopeful prospective student athletes envision fields lined with college coaches holding clipboards, looking across crowded soccer fields for Cinderella in cleats.
Wake up! Before you and your team fork out big bucks on a hefty tournament fee and major travel expenses, do your research and make sure they can deliver what they imply or promise!
Determine which colleges you are interested in as a STUDENT and THEN contact their soccer program. Most will provide a list of tournaments that their coaching staff will attend. Send the coach an introductory letter, resume, picture, full team name, team colors, and jersey number. As the tournament date approaches, follow through with a short note and tournament schedule with your games highlighted. Ask tournament organizers for a list of college coaches who may attend the tournament and keep in mind that college matches connected to the tournament don't necessarily mean a greater coach presence - in fact, being involved in their own competition and having responsibility for their own players, their ability to scout games could be minimal. Don't use "being seen" as your only priority in making tournament selections. It's more important to seek out challenging competition, use the opportunity for travel, and to meet new people and experience different places. Take care, everyone! Happy Holidays and May the Ball Always Roll Your Way!
Shasta
© Women's Soccer World November/December 1998
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