Coaches Should Remember Winning Isn’t Everything Letter Of The Week: From Oct. 13

On a recent Saturday, I had the opportunity to watch my 9-year-old son’s soccer game. It was a good game - close, real close.

As parents, we all sit and watch our children play. We shout “great job” when they make good plays and moan and cast our eyes down when they make a bad one. We’ve seen a great improvement in the team’s playing.

Down 2 to 1 going into the fourth period, I get to watch my son play (he splits time with another boy of the same skill). My son has only played one quarter so far.

But wait; he’s not in. The coach decides to go for the win and puts the elite in. No chance for a son to make a good play. No chance for dad to yell “great play” to his son. I don’t know who won, but it wasn’t my son.

I had to take him home, dry his tears and explain to him he may not be a great player, but he’s a super son.

I just hope all you coaches out there remember to show the fundamentals of the game - play the game to the best of one’s ability - and teach good sportsmanship. Don’t let your ego get in the way and break a child’s heart because he’s not one of your best. Greg Ostlie Spokane

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