There are positives to Streaming - it is only adults who a apply a "Better" and "Weaker" attitude to A and B at say U10. You have to see beyond that to the actual benefits and reasoning behind it. At that age there is NO competition, no beating, no winning these are irrelevant or it should do. But some things you cannot get away from and as kids get older it becomes more and more apparent - some kids are more talented than others and always will be its just humanity. In my experience the more this becomes apparent to a mentor that HIS Johnny is not actually Austin Gleeson the louder and worse he becomes on sideline. Coaches should not be allowed coach their own kids end off - its bad news all around.
Replying To ballydalane: "Was at an under-8s tournament at the weekend. The game was 10-a-side. We had 11 players, and I noticed the other team only had 1 sub, so 11 players also. I asked the other team's coach if he wanted to play 11-a-side. He came back with some cock-and-bull excuse about 11-a-side being too crowded (it's under 8s, whether it's 10-a-side or 11-a-side doesn't make a blind bit of difference). So this wannabe would rather have a 7 year-old kid standing on the sideline wondering why he's not good enough to play, for the sake of an extra couple of yards space. Beyond pathetic.
Similar craic in Croke Park for the Easter week matches. We had 4 subs which we wanted to interchange throughout the game so every player would get equal playing time. No, some other fella insisted we could only bring the subs on at half-time because it would be "too confusing" otherwise. So under this guy's "rules", half the kids would only play one half while the rest would get to play the whole game - how would that be remotely fair?! So the 4 lads had to sit cold and shivering in the stand for twenty minutes (not the sideline mind you, that wasn't allowed either) watching their buddies playing.
What is it about underage sport that attracts these complete and utter arseholes? At that age the first priority should be participation and enjoyment, it shouldn't be for saddos on a power trip."
same for me coaching other sports..some parents and even the "better" kids on the team go ballistic when you mention rolling subs...all very well for them on the team..but as a "victim" of being left sitting on the sideline with GAA for years at underage I make sure not to dish out the same now that I am in coaching myself..its soul destroying and not fair..everychild that turns up to train, regardless of ability should get a good run on match day regardless of result..wont suit everyone but I go home knowing I did my best to give all a game...
Replying To Damothedub: "What is it about underage sport that attracts these complete and utter arseholes? At that age the first priority should be participation and enjoyment, it shouldn't be for saddos on a power trip.
Ive commented on this before , Ive known personally one or two nutcases in my time and it comes to this "Self Esteem " someone with a mundane job given an opportunity to finally be the "important man" for once in their life , Mon to Fri ignored or invisible in work , come Tuesday Thursday evening and Saturday morning they come alive , they see anyone who even remotely disagrees with them as a threat to this new reality they have built for themselves and thus guard it with their life , you may notice the Bannisteior worn with pride and the loud voice and even louder whistle , these people get into the sport for what they can get out of it not for what they can contribute to kids enjoyment/ development , ultimately its all about them"
Good post. I have seen young lads drop out of the sport completely because of the behaviour of their dad, the manager.
Witnessed a parent from a very well known club in mayo almost punch a ref after his son's team were beaten in a community games final at under 10. His son was bawling beside him and he blamed the ref for making his son so upset. The reality was that he was probably upset seeing his Dad acting like an ape! Also heard/witnessed a team from Down booing the winning team as they were presented with their medals. It was the adults booing. That was also at under 10. Too many people involved who haven't a clue about football and are obsessed with winning because they think it makes them look like an even better parent. Usually, but not always, have the sunglasses on top of the head and are holding a cup of coffee. And that's just the Dads. Also dressed like they are about to scale Everest.