We have all read them - match reports. From the World Cup all the way down to grassroots football. Normally, in the case of adult football, there may be a biased opinion; dependent of the allegiance of the writer. However, in the case of grassroots football, how should we truly be writing reports?
Already throughout the course of this season, I have read numerous match reports - both positive and negative. I have read things that are insulting grassroots players and I have read those that compliment grassroots players; but in my opinion may not necessarily be a true reflection of the game.
So if we aren't writing to put a true reflection on the game, what are we writing for? Isn't that what a match report is for? Or are we writing as a grassroots coach to fill our own ego? Are we writing to paint a false image to potential players that are thinking about joining our team? Are we trying to make excuses for why we didn't win at weekend?
My worry and my concern is that it is no secret how many children are on the internet these days and read these match reports. You could see this from either perspective.
Scenario:
My team has just lost 4-0 at the weekend. The opposition weren't fantastically well behaved. It also seemed that the parents encouraged their aggressive behaviour.
So as team manager I decide to write a match report on how I thought the opposition was an absolute disgrace...
From writing that report you're going to ignite a response from so many people including:
- Opposition team manager - It's natural to want to find out what the opposition thought of yourself and the way that you played, but by writing a report in the heat of the moment like that, you are creating animosity in a game that you claim is for the kids.
- Opposition team players - Now take a long hard look at yourself, you are slating children on the internet. You haven't thought for a minute whilst writing that match report who might see it.
- Other members (teams) in your league - As a result, they're forming an opinion on you and they're forming an opinion on the team you're playing. Unnecessary.
- Your own team - Is your match report an attempt at defending them? Is this you setting an example by writing a match report slating the opposition and their parents? Wasn't part of the role as a coach being a role-model?
- Parents of your team members - The worst of them all. Parents are so supportive. Why get them rallied up? Especially when you will likely come up against the same team again at another stage. Again, you're fueling animosity around something that is meant to be enjoyable. The game is there for the kids to ENJOY. It's not a battle. They aren't going to war.
- Potential Players - If I was new to football would I want to play against the team you have just described? No, I'm probably going to avoid playing in that league at all costs...
- The League - Links very similar to the above point.
- Referee's - How are they going to take it? Again, considering the large amount of young referees are officiating grassroots games, are you not slating a child once more, online? And if you aren't offending them, are you not suggesting they didn't maintain control of the game and therefore insulting them? Still not very nice...
So next time you write your match report whether you win 5-0, lose 3-2, or draw 0-0, think about who's reading your report...Are you really being true to your team? Are you being true to the opposition?
So if we think about who's reading...
Compliment the opposition. Whether it might be that they outplayed you, one player scored a screamer or they never gave up. You'll please opposition team players, parents and their manager. The league will also be happy that fair play is being promoted.
Think about your own team: did they play well? Did they perform something really well in training? If they didn't play well, you might set targets for them for the following game that both parents and the girls can see. It's another learning style, it's another form of helping them develop but another positive - is the parents can actively encourage what you're searching for in the next game. Stop worrying about the opposition knowing what your "tactics" are next game. This is kids, not the professional game.
You may even decide to compliment the official; after all, without them the game wouldn't exist.
Remember as a coach, you're promoting the game, you're promoting fair play, you're encouraging young players to keep playing football.
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