First of all, I apologize about the game time screw-up. That was entirely my fault. I wrote the wrong time on the calendar and didn't bother to check it. Luckily we had 13 players before the game started but I think it hurt us to not have time to warm up and get settled before we played.
It's about time our boys learned that we are no longer playing non-contact U-8 soccer. This last game should have drilled it into their heads. They were pushed around by the other team and let them do it. I was screaming at them to hit back but only Jake responded. Next year will be full contact. We had better start getting used to it.
The boys need to learn that we have more weapons than just our feet and heads. They need to use their shoulders, their hips, their elbows and their knees as well. The last thing I want to hear are comments like this: "That number 3 was such a jerk. He kicked me and then fell down pretending I fouled him." We need to get our revenge on the field, not whine about it after.
You need to set an impression on the field. The other players need to be intimidated by you, not the other way around. Establish an area around you by using your hips, your shoulders and your elbows. The referees will call you if you reach out with your hands and push or pull them but most else goes.
The amount the referee will call is up to him. Just as a baseball umpire sets the strike zone and the pitchers need to adjust to him, so the referee sets the amount of pushing and shoving he will allow. You need to keep pushing the envelope until he calls the foul and then you know the limits. Pull back a notch and keep pushing at that level.
Also, if someone fouls you and the referee doesn't notice, get him back. Maybe not right away if it means you'll be caught by the ref. That way, your opponent wins. Revenge is a dish best served cold. Find a moment when the ref isn't looking and pay him back. Let him know that you won't be intimidated by anyone. He will respect you for it.
Enough said. Let's play hard tomorrow and finish the season with a win. Then come to my house for a party brunch. Bring your swimsuit.
Here's where I'll post the most important items, like practice cancelled due to weather etc. Look here first, then the calendar. Big items of the week: Last game 8:30 AM Sunday June 10th at Barbour Pond. See you on the field by 8:00 AM. Wear blue, bring white. Come to Bruce and Kathy's after the last game with swimsuits.
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