Youth Soccer Rant (1 Viewer)

[bigbottom]

This is getting ridiculous. I realize that faking injuries is part of the pro game. I think it's completely lame, but whatever, I don't claim to be a soccer expert at all. Nowhere close.

But as my son has started moving up in club ball, we're seeing it more and more. Today was the most blatant display I've ever seen in 20+ seasons of youth soccer. The other team faked 8-10 devastating injuries during the course of a short U-12 soccer game. On at least two occasions they were just beat and there was no contact whatsoever. Just like on TV, rolling around, writhing in absolute pain, and as soon as play is stopped, they hop up and play like nothing happened. It's happened before with other teams, but it's usually in an attempt to get a penalty called. Today was different, however. They were doing it to stop play, because as soon as a kid goes down the ref blows the whistle. So when the defender got beat and the field was open in front of the offensive player, the defender would fall to the ground and start writhing in pain to get the whistle before the shot on goal. That happened several times, preventing high percentage scoring opportunities.

One time it was so blatant that everyone was up in arms. Not a stitch of contact and it's not even like the kid got juked into twisting a knee. He just goes down screaming and clutching his knee after the ball is ten feet past him. People were yelling now as this was late in the game and they'd pulled this already a bunch. Even the parents of the players on that team were sheepish. The kid realizes that the jig is up so he really sells it. Dad gets in on the act, runs out and starts pouring some bottled water on the knee, not sure why. They get the kid up and he tests the knee. Nope, there's no way he can walk again. They end up carrying him off the field. They resume play by having our forward tap the ball to their goalie so he can punt it. As soon as play resumes, the crippled player jogs around to the bench on the other side of the field and he's back in at the next whistle. Game ends in a tie.

I realize this crap is part of the game, but it's really so lame, and frustrating for our players who don't pull this crap. It's freaking U12 soccer.

I know, I know, PTTS.

Just had to get that off my chest.

 

[rockaction]

This must be a new trend or something. I never remember this happening when I played for youth travel teams. We used to make fun of all that stuff.

Of course, this is also why I would have begged off soccer for HS football in a heartbeat.

 

[belljr]

It's not part of the game... well shouldn't be. In high school I never went down and my coach was always telling me about selling it and stuff. #### that

 

[SHIZNITTTT]

I think the problem is the game of Soccer.

Play isn't stopped in "American Sports" for fast breaks, TD runs, base hits ... now play is being stopped in football for "injuries" but not during the actual play.

Very sad that these kids are being taught fake injuries.

 

[bigbottom]

For what it's worth, and this is simply an observation, most of the teams in our league are majority or completely Spanish speakers. The Spanish-speaking players are the only ones I've ever seen do this. My guess is that they're fans of the game and are trying to emulate the players on tv.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

For what it's worth, and this is simply an observation, most of the teams in our league are majority or completely Spanish speakers. The Spanish-speaking players are the only ones I've ever seen do this. My guess is that they're fans of the game and are trying to emulate the players on tv.

But it isn't emulating the pros. The game isn't automatically stopped for an injury in the pros. This strikes me as a tactic that only works in youth league.

 

[Jobber]

My son played against a team of floppers today. I'd never seen it before. He's U11.

The worst thing about it is the ref bit on a few of them.

 

[bigbottom]

For what it's worth, and this is simply an observation, most of the teams in our league are majority or completely Spanish speakers. The Spanish-speaking players are the only ones I've ever seen do this. My guess is that they're fans of the game and are trying to emulate the players on tv.

But it isn't emulating the pros. The game isn't automatically stopped for an injury in the pros. This strikes me as a tactic that only works in youth league.

I meant more the flopping thing. Most of the other teams that have done that have done it in effort to get the foul and free kick. But yeah, this team has taken it to another level that works only in youth leagues.

 

[SpurrierisisGod]

Sounds like a ref problem. The kids are picking up how to do it probably from the coach, but no way should the refs immediately blow a whistle just because a kid fell down.

 

[bigbottom]

Sounds like a ref problem. The kids are picking up how to do it probably from the coach, but no way should the refs immediately blow a whistle just because a kid fell down.

I haven't checked the rules, but I think the ref has to stop play if a child is injured.

 

[Ursa M]

Sounds like a ref problem. The kids are picking up how to do it probably from the coach, but no way should the refs immediately blow a whistle just because a kid fell down.

I haven't checked the rules, but I think the ref has to stop play if a child is injured.

In most youth leagues, that's definitely the case. I used to ref youth soccer (and before that, adult soccer). Safety is always paramount with youth games.

FWIW, I have very strong opinions on the whole faking it thing. FIFA has it in it's power to kill this stone dead but refuses to take the necessary actions. They prefer to dump the problem on the poor old ref, who not only must enforce the laws and be responsible for player safety but must also decide who is cheating and who isn't.

 

[Jobber]

Sounds like a ref problem. The kids are picking up how to do it probably from the coach, but no way should the refs immediately blow a whistle just because a kid fell down.

I haven't checked the rules, but I think the ref has to stop play if a child is injured.

In most youth leagues, that's definitely the case. I used to ref youth soccer (and before that, adult soccer). Safety is always paramount with youth games.FWIW, I have very strong opinions on the whole faking it thing. FIFA has it in it's power to kill this stone dead but refuses to take the necessary actions. They prefer to dump the problem on the poor old ref, who not only must enforce the laws and be responsible for player safety but must also decide who is cheating and who isn't.

A ref can card a player for flopping right?

 

[Mr. Retukes]

One time it was so blatant that everyone was up in arms. Not a stitch of contact and it's not even like the kid got juked into twisting a knee. He just goes down screaming and clutching his knee after the ball is ten feet past him. People were yelling now as this was late in the game and they'd pulled this already a bunch. Even the parents of the players on that team were sheepish. The kid realizes that the jig is up so he really sells it. Dad gets in on the act, runs out and starts pouring some bottled water on the knee, not sure why.

Maybe it was holy water?

 

[Mjolnirs]

Sounds like a ref problem. The kids are picking up how to do it probably from the coach, but no way should the refs immediately blow a whistle just because a kid fell down.

I haven't checked the rules, but I think the ref has to stop play if a child is injured.

In most youth leagues, that's definitely the case. I used to ref youth soccer (and before that, adult soccer). Safety is always paramount with youth games.FWIW, I have very strong opinions on the whole faking it thing. FIFA has it in it's power to kill this stone dead but refuses to take the necessary actions. They prefer to dump the problem on the poor old ref, who not only must enforce the laws and be responsible for player safety but must also decide who is cheating and who isn't.

A ref can card a player for flopping right?

My thoughts as well. Shame on the ref, but if he is required to stop if a player goes down, then he needs to start handing out cards.

Also, shame on the coach.

 

[PIK95]

I run our town competitive club now and I still coach my U9 boys team in R.I.. I have to say I have never seen this happen even once in U10 or younger for or against. I hope it's not a trend with the older kids but I never have had any complaints from my coaches. I have had plenty of complaints about overly physical play and high hard contact. Grabbing is a big problem but never once has diving come up. LMAO at pouring water on the knee. The refs over hear will play the advantage most times also and will rarely stop a play.

 

[SpurrierisisGod]

Play shouldn't stop immediately. Soon after, yes. My player blows past yours on way to goal and your player goes down untouched, too bad. Ref keeps an eye on it and blows whistle next chance.

also, it usually Is the player with the ball who acts like they got tripped or something. From the OP it sounds like the defender was going down after getting beat? Very odd and unsportsmanlike if that is the case.

hard collision and a player goes down screaming = stop play. Just random falling and screaming not so much. Had an instance today where a kid got smashed in the face with the ball and started crying. Play continued for a good 10-20 seconds until one of my players saw it and kicked the ball out. Then the ref halted play so coach could come out. U12 btw.

 

[Ursa M]

Sounds like a ref problem. The kids are picking up how to do it probably from the coach, but no way should the refs immediately blow a whistle just because a kid fell down.

I haven't checked the rules, but I think the ref has to stop play if a child is injured.

In most youth leagues, that's definitely the case. I used to ref youth soccer (and before that, adult soccer). Safety is always paramount with youth games.FWIW, I have very strong opinions on the whole faking it thing. FIFA has it in it's power to kill this stone dead but refuses to take the necessary actions. They prefer to dump the problem on the poor old ref, who not only must enforce the laws and be responsible for player safety but must also decide who is cheating and who isn't.

A ref can card a player for flopping right?

Yes.

 

[SpurrierisisGod]

Also, Americans play soccer like they are super tough guys. They don't like to get pushed around. Hispanic players learn at a very young age that going down easily and drawing a free kick is a scoring opportunity from a set play. The mentality is different here. "Play tough johnny". I don't condone or encourage "flopping" but if I have a player that understands when and how to do it, I will take the advantage it creates on the offensive side.

again, if it's defenders flopping untouched it play should continue. If you'reoffensive player gives a little "shove" to my defender then by all means Iif my defender can draw a foul, so be it. I don't teach It though.

 

[T Bell]

Sounds like a ref problem. The kids are picking up how to do it probably from the coach, but no way should the refs immediately blow a whistle just because a kid fell down.

I haven't checked the rules, but I think the ref has to stop play if a child is injured.

If there's a clear scoring opportunity and the injury is behind the play, the ref doesn't need to stop it. This sounds like a complete mockery.

 

[SpurrierisisGod]

When you guys play again, have the forward rip a shot. One of those goes in and I bet they stop doing it. Maybe not rip a shot but make the goalie have to "save" it.

 

[Jobber]

Also, Americans play soccer like they are super tough guys. They don't like to get pushed around. Hispanic players learn at a very young age that going down easily and drawing a free kick is a scoring opportunity from a set play. The mentality is different here. "Play tough johnny". I don't condone or encourage "flopping" but if I have a player that understands when and how to do it, I will take the advantage it creates on the offensive side.

again, if it's defenders flopping untouched it play should continue. If you'reoffensive player gives a little "shove" to my defender then by all means Iif my defender can draw a foul, so be it. I don't teach It though.

I understand what you're saying. But it's not being "tough" stay on your feet when you're not touched. It's a terrible trend I hope I don't see more of. Thankfully this isn't a normal sanctioned league and I've not seen this in a real game yet.

 

[bigbottom]

Also, Americans play soccer like they are super tough guys. They don't like to get pushed around. Hispanic players learn at a very young age that going down easily and drawing a free kick is a scoring opportunity from a set play. The mentality is different here. "Play tough johnny". I don't condone or encourage "flopping" but if I have a player that understands when and how to do it, I will take the advantage it creates on the offensive side.

again, if it's defenders flopping untouched it play should continue. If you'reoffensive player gives a little "shove" to my defender then by all means Iif my defender can draw a foul, so be it. I don't teach It though.

I understand what you're saying. But it's not being "tough" stay on your feet when you're not touched. It's a terrible trend I hope I don't see more of. Thankfully this isn't a normal sanctioned league and I've not seen this in a real game yet.

It's the largest club league in the city of Houston. I'm hoping this team was an anomaly. I've seen flopping before, but it's only been a few times a game and there's been legitimate contact, even if the injury is still faked. I wish I'd videoed today's game. It was crazy.

 

[walnutz]

Sounds like a ref problem. The kids are picking up how to do it probably from the coach, but no way should the refs immediately blow a whistle just because a kid fell down.

I haven't checked the rules, but I think the ref has to stop play if a child is injured.

BB -- More of a ref problem than anything else. At U12 refs are going to excersise an abundance of caution. Thre is no rule that states that the game must be stopped immediately to deal with an inury. You can let the everything play out and then come back to deal with it. Sounds like this happened a number of times in a single game. However, they should be clever enough to begin to see a pattern and then deal with it though. On the other hand, there is a problem with having enough qualified refs and a lot of the folks at U12 are either making their way up and don't have a ton of experience or are 60 years old and never leave the center circle.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

This is getting ridiculous. I realize that faking injuries is part of the pro game. I think it's completely lame, but whatever, I don't claim to be a soccer expert at all. Nowhere close.

But as my son has started moving up in club ball, we're seeing it more and more. Today was the most blatant display I've ever seen in 20+ seasons of youth soccer. The other team faked 8-10 devastating injuries during the course of a short U-12 soccer game. On at least two occasions they were just beat and there was no contact whatsoever. Just like on TV, rolling around, writhing in absolute pain, and as soon as play is stopped, they hop up and play like nothing happened. It's happened before with other teams, but it's usually in an attempt to get a penalty called. Today was different, however. They were doing it to stop play, because as soon as a kid goes down the ref blows the whistle. So when the defender got beat and the field was open in front of the offensive player, the defender would fall to the ground and start writhing in pain to get the whistle before the shot on goal. That happened several times, preventing high percentage scoring opportunities.

One time it was so blatant that everyone was up in arms. Not a stitch of contact and it's not even like the kid got juked into twisting a knee. He just goes down screaming and clutching his knee after the ball is ten feet past him. People were yelling now as this was late in the game and they'd pulled this already a bunch. Even the parents of the players on that team were sheepish. The kid realizes that the jig is up so he really sells it. Dad gets in on the act, runs out and starts pouring some bottled water on the knee, not sure why. They get the kid up and he tests the knee. Nope, there's no way he can walk again. They end up carrying him off the field. They resume play by having our forward tap the ball to their goalie so he can punt it. As soon as play resumes, the crippled player jogs around to the bench on the other side of the field and he's back in at the next whistle. Game ends in a tie.

I realize this crap is part of the game, but it's really so lame, and frustrating for our players who don't pull this crap. It's freaking U12 soccer.

I know, I know, PTTS.

Just had to get that off my chest.

To say this is "part of the game" is false in my opinion. Pro players frequently simulate fouls, but I think it is significantly overblown in popular opinion in the US. The circumstances you describe is not something that I've ever seen or heard about before. I think you have a local problem with the way your youth games are being run and officiated. If you're interested in getting some really good opinions on this, you could try asking at the Bigsoccer youth soccer board (http://www.bigsoccer.com/community/forums/youth-hs-soccer.83/) or maybe in the referee section.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Soccer players did lame stuff? Shocking!

 

[PIK95]

This is getting ridiculous. I realize that faking injuries is part of the pro game. I think it's completely lame, but whatever, I don't claim to be a soccer expert at all. Nowhere close.

But as my son has started moving up in club ball, we're seeing it more and more. Today was the most blatant display I've ever seen in 20+ seasons of youth soccer. The other team faked 8-10 devastating injuries during the course of a short U-12 soccer game. On at least two occasions they were just beat and there was no contact whatsoever. Just like on TV, rolling around, writhing in absolute pain, and as soon as play is stopped, they hop up and play like nothing happened. It's happened before with other teams, but it's usually in an attempt to get a penalty called. Today was different, however. They were doing it to stop play, because as soon as a kid goes down the ref blows the whistle. So when the defender got beat and the field was open in front of the offensive player, the defender would fall to the ground and start writhing in pain to get the whistle before the shot on goal. That happened several times, preventing high percentage scoring opportunities.

One time it was so blatant that everyone was up in arms. Not a stitch of contact and it's not even like the kid got juked into twisting a knee. He just goes down screaming and clutching his knee after the ball is ten feet past him. People were yelling now as this was late in the game and they'd pulled this already a bunch. Even the parents of the players on that team were sheepish. The kid realizes that the jig is up so he really sells it. Dad gets in on the act, runs out and starts pouring some bottled water on the knee, not sure why. They get the kid up and he tests the knee. Nope, there's no way he can walk again. They end up carrying him off the field. They resume play by having our forward tap the ball to their goalie so he can punt it. As soon as play resumes, the crippled player jogs around to the bench on the other side of the field and he's back in at the next whistle. Game ends in a tie.

I realize this crap is part of the game, but it's really so lame, and frustrating for our players who don't pull this crap. It's freaking U12 soccer.

I know, I know, PTTS.

Just had to get that off my chest.

To say this is "part of the game" is false in my opinion. Pro players frequently simulate fouls, but I think it is significantly overblown in popular opinion in the US. The circumstances you describe is not something that I've ever seen or heard about before. I think you have a local problem with the way your youth games are being run and officiated. If you're interested in getting some really good opinions on this, you could try asking at the Bigsoccer youth soccer board (http://www.bigsoccer.com/community/forums/youth-hs-soccer.83/) or maybe in the referee section.

I'm with Cletus on this. I think its hugely blown out of proportion here in the US. Houston is practically Mexico so maybe the game style is played different down there.

 

[pats3in4]

I coach U10 girls and the refs routinely let play go on in this situation.

Sound like your ref was in over his head. Also sounds like the opposing coach should get suspended.

 

[NewlyRetired]

This is getting ridiculous. I realize that faking injuries is part of the pro game. I think it's completely lame, but whatever, I don't claim to be a soccer expert at all. Nowhere close.

But as my son has started moving up in club ball, we're seeing it more and more. Today was the most blatant display I've ever seen in 20+ seasons of youth soccer. The other team faked 8-10 devastating injuries during the course of a short U-12 soccer game. On at least two occasions they were just beat and there was no contact whatsoever. Just like on TV, rolling around, writhing in absolute pain, and as soon as play is stopped, they hop up and play like nothing happened. It's happened before with other teams, but it's usually in an attempt to get a penalty called. Today was different, however. They were doing it to stop play, because as soon as a kid goes down the ref blows the whistle. So when the defender got beat and the field was open in front of the offensive player, the defender would fall to the ground and start writhing in pain to get the whistle before the shot on goal. That happened several times, preventing high percentage scoring opportunities.

One time it was so blatant that everyone was up in arms. Not a stitch of contact and it's not even like the kid got juked into twisting a knee. He just goes down screaming and clutching his knee after the ball is ten feet past him. People were yelling now as this was late in the game and they'd pulled this already a bunch. Even the parents of the players on that team were sheepish. The kid realizes that the jig is up so he really sells it. Dad gets in on the act, runs out and starts pouring some bottled water on the knee, not sure why. They get the kid up and he tests the knee. Nope, there's no way he can walk again. They end up carrying him off the field. They resume play by having our forward tap the ball to their goalie so he can punt it. As soon as play resumes, the crippled player jogs around to the bench on the other side of the field and he's back in at the next whistle. Game ends in a tie.

I realize this crap is part of the game, but it's really so lame, and frustrating for our players who don't pull this crap. It's freaking U12 soccer.

I know, I know, PTTS.

Just had to get that off my chest.

To say this is "part of the game" is false in my opinion. Pro players frequently simulate fouls, but I think it is significantly overblown in popular opinion in the US. The circumstances you describe is not something that I've ever seen or heard about before. I think you have a local problem with the way your youth games are being run and officiated. If you're interested in getting some really good opinions on this, you could try asking at the Bigsoccer youth soccer board (http://www.bigsoccer.com/community/forums/youth-hs-soccer.83/) or maybe in the referee section.

I'm with Cletus on this. I think its hugely blown out of proportion here in the US. Houston is practically Mexico so maybe the game style is played different down there.

Yeah something appears off here.

But of the 3 leagues in the US where kids watch on TV (MLS, EPL and Liga MX), Liga MX is the most watched and obviously has a high hispanic audience. And of the 3 leagues, Liga MX is the one who has this crap much more than others.

It should be noted that there are two different problems here though and I am unsure which the original poster experienced.

1) There is flopping to try and get a free kick (similar to hockey or basketball)

2) There is faking injuries which is meant to screw up the clock towards the end of a game (similar to football when faking to slow down a team)

This being youth soccer, and likely a Hispanic heavy league I am going to guess he is experiencing more of #1 than #2.

 

[McGarnicle]

I'd be pissed too. It's poor sportsmanship and downright disgusting that it's being taught to kids. It's the opposite of what sports is supposed to teach kids.

Always amazes me how seriously adults take kids' sports.

 

[VA703]

its the coach encouraging it in practice etc

 

[T Bell]

Also, Americans play soccer like they are super tough guys. They don't like to get pushed around. Hispanic players learn at a very young age that going down easily and drawing a free kick is a scoring opportunity from a set play. The mentality is different here. "Play tough johnny". I don't condone or encourage "flopping" but if I have a player that understands when and how to do it, I will take the advantage it creates on the offensive side.

again, if it's defenders flopping untouched it play should continue. If you'reoffensive player gives a little "shove" to my defender then by all means Iif my defender can draw a foul, so be it. I don't teach It though.

I understand what you're saying. But it's not being "tough" stay on your feet when you're not touched. It's a terrible trend I hope I don't see more of. Thankfully this isn't a normal sanctioned league and I've not seen this in a real game yet.

It's the largest club league in the city of Houston. I'm hoping this team was an anomaly. I've seen flopping before, but it's only been a few times a game and there's been legitimate contact, even if the injury is still faked. I wish I'd videoed today's game. It was crazy.

This is the kind of thing I'd video and put it up on YouTube to try to embarrass them.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

I coach U10 girls and the refs routinely let play go on in this situation.

Sound like your ref was in over his head. Also sounds like the opposing coach should get suspended.

Yeah, I used to ref just about anything from U8 to U14. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I stopped play immediately when it looked like there might be an injury. Not sure if the ref in question doesn't understand the idea of "flow of the game" or if it is something mandated by the league but either way it is bull ####.

 

[El Floppo]

This is getting ridiculous. I realize that faking injuries is part of the pro game. I think it's completely lame, but whatever, I don't claim to be a soccer expert at all. Nowhere close.

But as my son has started moving up in club ball, we're seeing it more and more. Today was the most blatant display I've ever seen in 20+ seasons of youth soccer. The other team faked 8-10 devastating injuries during the course of a short U-12 soccer game. On at least two occasions they were just beat and there was no contact whatsoever. Just like on TV, rolling around, writhing in absolute pain, and as soon as play is stopped, they hop up and play like nothing happened. It's happened before with other teams, but it's usually in an attempt to get a penalty called. Today was different, however. They were doing it to stop play, because as soon as a kid goes down the ref blows the whistle. So when the defender got beat and the field was open in front of the offensive player, the defender would fall to the ground and start writhing in pain to get the whistle before the shot on goal. That happened several times, preventing high percentage scoring opportunities.

One time it was so blatant that everyone was up in arms. Not a stitch of contact and it's not even like the kid got juked into twisting a knee. He just goes down screaming and clutching his knee after the ball is ten feet past him. People were yelling now as this was late in the game and they'd pulled this already a bunch. Even the parents of the players on that team were sheepish. The kid realizes that the jig is up so he really sells it. Dad gets in on the act, runs out and starts pouring some bottled water on the knee, not sure why. They get the kid up and he tests the knee. Nope, there's no way he can walk again. They end up carrying him off the field. They resume play by having our forward tap the ball to their goalie so he can punt it. As soon as play resumes, the crippled player jogs around to the bench on the other side of the field and he's back in at the next whistle. Game ends in a tie.

I realize this crap is part of the game, but it's really so lame, and frustrating for our players who don't pull this crap. It's freaking U12 soccer.

I know, I know, PTTS.

Just had to get that off my chest.

To say this is "part of the game" is false in my opinion. Pro players frequently simulate fouls, but I think it is significantly overblown in popular opinion in the US. The circumstances you describe is not something that I've ever seen or heard about before. I think you have a local problem with the way your youth games are being run and officiated. If you're interested in getting some really good opinions on this, you could try asking at the Bigsoccer youth soccer board (http://www.bigsoccer.com/community/forums/youth-hs-soccer.83/) or maybe in the referee section.

I'm with Cletus on this. I think its hugely blown out of proportion here in the US. Houston is practically Mexico so maybe the game style is played different down there.

Yeah something appears off here.

But of the 3 leagues in the US where kids watch on TV (MLS, EPL and Liga MX), Liga MX is the most watched and obviously has a high hispanic audience. And of the 3 leagues, Liga MX is the one who has this crap much more than others.

It should be noted that there are two different problems here though and I am unsure which the original poster experienced.

1) There is flopping to try and get a free kick (similar to hockey or basketball)

2) There is faking injuries which is meant to screw up the clock towards the end of a game (similar to football when faking to slow down a team)

This being youth soccer, and likely a Hispanic heavy league I am going to guess he is experiencing more of #1 than #2.

I agree with Andy's #1, and It doesn't sound like this is the case from BB's OP, but there's also:

3) There is riding a tackle so you don't get injured every time somebody slides in. Teach the kids to off-weight their plant foot when they feel a tackle coming in- for a lot of people this looks like the player is diving, but it's a genuine part of the game for better players to avoid injury.

I never learned this until I was much older- but the game has progressed exponentially since those days and I wouldn't be surpised if kids were learning more subtleties of the game like that at a younger age.

 

[Short Corner]

Have the opposite problem here. 2005's, we have way more than our fair share of opponents throwing elbows/forearms and behind the play. Had one of my kids kicked in the arm while he was on the ground behind the play yesterday. I have been close to accidentally bumping the opposing coach down the stairwell to the locker room on a couple occasions.