The youth football season began Saturday with the 7th grade M.V. Pirates playing the Canyon View Thugs.
Do not get me wrong. I completely understand that football is a high risk game in which players may suffer injuries and even death. That is why I am grateful for the wonderful MV coaches who focus on knowing, following, and teaching the rules in order to maximize safety.
However, during the MV v. CV game, the CV players intentionally violated the rules set forth by the Youth Football USA league. As part of their general tactics, the CV players violated the no holding rule against the MV players; used head butt hits to the MV players’ abdomens and backs; used helmet to helmet hits to the MV players’ heads; and violated the no face mask rule.
Unfortunately, the CV team’s only strategy seemed to be to intentionally injure the MV players. The saddest part was that the CV coaches and parents, as well as the referees seem to allow, promote, and applaud this behavior.
I have to ask: Are the players inherently bad kids, or are they being taught thuggery by their parents and coaches?
I hesitate to think what must happen behind the doors at the players’ homes and schools; no doubt frightening places that breed disrespect, arrogance, and violence.
The CV players’ shocking lack of respect forthe rules that are theoretically in place to protect the players and promote safe, fun football is appalling. The game was reminiscent of a bad B movie in which the cultured, educated, intelligent modern day human beings were battling the primitive, mono-syllabic troglodytes.
This is one parent who is very disappointed in how referees failed to enforce the rules, promote safety, and create an atmosphere of respect for the game and the players. I am concerned how my player’s fees were used to finance such an inept, corrupt, and intentionally dangerous activity.
Shari Lyman
