Life Lessons In Soccer

​              Asaph’s soccer team played three matches in April. We lost, we tied, and we won. Each result had it’s own lessons. In May, the team began hosting a 6-on-6 no-goalie tournament with smaller than normal goals. There are 8 teams, most of which are composed of AAF players, with two teams invited from outside AAF.
                We talk so often with our young men about sportsmanship and respect for opponents and the officials. It is a constant theme for AAF. We hold them to high standards. So it was with some degree of shock that I learned two AAF players were given red cards in a game…and it was a game in which they did not play.
                It appears these players were arguing with fellow fans during a game…while still in uniform from their own match. They say they shouted at their fellow fans. The referee heard them and gave both of them red cards, which he has the right to do if he feels their behavior was not respectful.  
                Here at ASAPH we embrace cases of bad behavior as a chance to dig deep and learn life lessons. I sat down with WEC, another team leader, and the two red-carded players. They told their side of the story in which they appeared to be only guilty of passion and not disrespect. They asked for the decision to be reversed. They are both longtime AAF players. They both love the team and work hard to make it better. We heard their position. We talked about the need for decisions of referees to be final and respected by all, and the importance of controlling passion. In the end, after many examples and suggestions, the red cards were upheld along with all of the punishment that goes with a red card in our tournament rules. Their team will play the next game with two players unavailable. We hear a third player will be out of town for the upcoming game, forcing them to play the entire game at a disadvantage and with no chance of substitution.
Despite the severe consequences, both players have been fully engaged since the punishment began. We are working to restore them without removing even a smidgen of the punishment they deserve. When they pay the price for their actions, they will be better men. That is what AAF is all about.
            Will their attitude remain positive? Will they lash out? We don’t know. If they do, we will be there to love them more, to hold their hands, and to administer punishment that they deserve. 😊 That’s how you build character.  


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