The Pop Warner football season is half over and moving up to a higher league has been a challenge. That makes the small victories even sweeter. It takes a huge commitment from coaches, parents and most of all the kids to come to practice 3 nights a week and play a game every Saturday. At 10 years old winning and losing doesn't mean much to them. They just want to get in the game, have fun and receive the approval of their coaches, peers and parents. Observing the attitude and approach to motivation most coaches take, it is no suprise many kids will stop playing sports at this age. Criticism is not a bad thing, broadcasting it while it is directed to an individual is a bad thing. That negates the reasons the kids are playing in the first place (see above). Have you ever watched a soccer game for kids at this same age. There are a lot more smiles and cheers on both side of the field, no wonder it is so popular now in an area that didnt even know it existed 25 years ago. The saying I have come to appreciate and wish more coaches practiced: "Yell encouragement, whisper criticism." It makes me appreciate the group of coaches I have had the luck and pleasure to coach with for the last 4 years.

On a lighter note, the rains have returned on the heels of one of the hottest and dryest summers in decades. I never expected (but should have guessed) that our football team would have their best game in a steady downpour. They were loving every minute playing in that dreary, soaked to the bone weather. Now if I can get it to rain every game.