TEX07 wrote:Have taken up coaching under 8s this year to help out as we were over full in two other under 8s and when I first read these rules along with the forward/mid/defender zones I thought this is dumb. IMO I was wrong, the zones teach kids about space and nit all chasing the ball, also gives them time when they have the ball to find a player. Kicking off the ground is out and teaches the kids to bend down and grab it -no issues here. It's really all no contact but they have made it sound more brutal by mentioning every form of contact except cuddling! Again this is working ok as the kids do have tie to work on their skills at this age which is really important.
My main issues actually the difference from one umpire to the next, I'm of the opinion if these are the rules, let me coach to them one week an umpire is relaxed on one then the next a different guy is tougher on the same, really hard to tell the kids the right way to go about it like this.
First - congratulations for stepping up and helping kids have a game - appreciate that you have the right intention to help kids learn the game and develop their skills.
One umpire different from another? - one coach different from another? - one player different from another? There is a common thread? DONT expect perfection and consistency JUST from the umpires. Many of them are also learning the caper too. Just watch the AFL umpires - gee - they are changing every week too....
Wouldn't be best teaching our kids that we must learn to play the way the umpire is interpreting the game? - ABSOLUTELY he can be different from the past week(s).
I think the point here is to "forget the umpire" and the only thing to measure in U/6 - U/10's is the smile on the kids face when he leaves the game - if he's smiling - he's coming back!!!!