Games Gone Wrong

My twelve-year-old daughter played her last regular-season lacrosse game a couple of weeks ago. From the opposing team arriving late to the chit-chatting, unfocused players, I have some (many) complaints.

First, the opposing team went to the wrong field and arrived at the proper field over an hour late. If one team knew which field was the proper field, why didn't the other team know? I don't have an explanation, but waiting an hour was ridiculous. Coaches or team managers, please double check and confirm game times and locations prior to the game. Double please.

Next, the refs blew the whistle every two seconds to stop play in order to explain, in apparent detail, how to play the game properly. Yes, the rules are confusing, but the kids spend lots of time in practice learning right from wrong. Game time is game time. Refs, please get off your power trip and let the girls play the game --let the coaches coach.

Overall, the chit-chatting players appeared to be very focused on checking out the newest nail polish (or whatever they were looking at...), not on the ball. Coaches, pay attention to the players on the field and remind them to keep their minds on the game.

Parents, don't yell come on honey during a game. That simply doesn't make the cut in my book (unless the child is less than 10 years old). Would you say that to your son on the field? No way (at least not at age 12). You would (and should) encourage him to run hard, play strong defense, look for passes, etc., and you should do the same for your daughter. There simply are times when "honey" is appropriate and there are times when "honey" needs goes away. After the game, go ahead and say great job honey. Well, say it after he scores a goal or makes a nice pass, just not in the heat of a tense moment.

Is lack of focus a big deal? Yes. No matter what level of play, these girls signed up to play on a team so I expect some effort. I realize that on occasion things go wrong, refs don't show up, or a player has an "off" day. But many times these sort of things can be avoided.

Sorry if you disagree. I know there are plenty of focused, die-hard, athletic girls out there, in addition to many dedicated coaches and refs. Trust me, there is room for more...