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Star U12 Extreme Goalie Breaks Hand

Alex is a remarkable goalie.  He’s not afraid to dive right at the feet of a forward making a run for a goal.  He’s brave, and tenacious, and nearly unstoppable. 

Early in Saturday’s game, Alex had the ball in his hands, when another player continued to try to control the ball, and stepped on Alex’s hand with his full weight.  Even though he had new gloves with finger protectors, his hand was broken just under his index finger.

Despite being hurt, Alex played most of the rest of the game with a broken hand.

Recently, it’s gotten to the point where players are disregarding the safety of other players, especially the goalie.  Alex has been kicked in the head more than once, and he now wears a helmet (like the one worn by Chelsea Keeper Petr Cech). And even though Alex has control of the ball, he’s been stepped on several times by players who think it’s okay to kick the ball out of his hands.  And a dangerous play foul is rarely (if ever) called by the referees. 

   

According to the Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees, based on the FIFA rules:

When a goalkeeper has gained possession of the ball with his hands, he cannot be challenged by an opponent.

A goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball:

• while the ball is between his hands or between his hand and any surface (e.g. ground, own body)
• while holding the ball in his outstretched open hand
• while in the act of bouncing it on the ground or tossing it into the air

Playing in a dangerous manner

Playing in a dangerous manner is defined as any action that, while trying to play the ball, threatens injury to someone (including the player himself). It is committed with an opponent nearby and prevents the opponent from playing the ball for fear of injury.

Playing in a dangerous manner involves no physical contact between the players. If there is physical contact, the action becomes an offence punishable with a direct free kick or penalty kick. In the case of physical contact, the referee should carefully consider the high probability that misconduct has also been committed.

We're making sure this gets the attention of the referees, often inexperienced, that 11 year old players need a little more guidance when it comes to the definition of dangerous play.  For that matter, they should start with sportsmanlike conduct.

Beat the Heat: How Do You Keep Your Kids Safe When It's Hot Outside?

Leslie Bonci, Director of Sports Nutrition at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine and a nutrition consultant joined us today on Twitter to discuss how you can help your kids beat the heat. And today, Gatorade (client) will donate $1 to charities for every download of the Heat Safety Kit.

Making sure kids stay hydrated, especially during outdoor sports where it's warm, and dry, can cause serious problems.

Last summer, my son complained about feeling dizzy and even started slurring his speech during a soccer tournament during a rare, very hot day in Seattle.  He had on a full-length goalie jersey and goalie pants, plus goalie gloves.  We tried to make sure he was hydrated, but we probably didn't do enough to prepare.

Some great suggestions from the Twitter meetup:

• Get plenty of rest the night before @grantquonce
• Hydrate, with protein too, before the activity.  Don't forget to stretch. @mom4everandever
• Make sure uniforms aren't too tight fitting, and light colors help. @WildOrchids09
• Bring cold fruit, orange slices, grapes.  @CleverGayle @sethandshannon1
• Of course, bring the Gatorade! @simplydab
• Make some ice cubes made of Gatorade.  (Love that!) @BillieGH
• Keep an eye on the young ones.   Ask if they're okay.  @simo_8
• Stay in the shade if possible (I know I keep my umbrella handy for rain and sun!) @shannon717717
• Educate your kids so they're aware (good suggestion!) @simplydab
• Have them take "hydration breaks" @iamfor48nascar
• If you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated.  Drink before you're thirsty.  @scm74
• Make sure kids drink, at least as often as you apply sunscreen (or vice versa!) @glassfishie
• Make sure your kids like the sport they're in, they'll do better and excel @PlumSage
• Don’t forget about your internal equipment – breakfast, lunch and fueling before practice. @momcentral
• Make sure your kids know each teammember is important and valuable @cstironkat
• Grocery shop with your kids so you can set a good example @artisticbaker
• Watch for warning signs of heat-related illnesses: confusion, nausia, headache nausea, vomiting, light headedness, weakness, fainting, flushed skin, poor concentration @JoeyfromSC @cnaes

More information:
Beat the Heat! Campaign
Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses (PDF)
Heat Safety (PDF) | Hydration Tips (PDF)

A Weekend of Soccer (Local Style)

We had a great, sunny weekend in Seattle, and had a really fun time watching both boys participate in some exciting Soccer games.  Oh, and there was that whole world cup thing going on too.  

Alex's U12 Extreme team participated in the Snohomish Invitational, playing against some local rival teams.  Their team did extremely well, with a 1-1 tie, a 4-2 win, and a disappointing 1-3 loss, missing playing in the finals by only one point.  

Alex was rocking his brand new adidas soccer shoes that helped him run faster, jump higher, and look oh, so cool. 

 
 

Stephen played his last Indoor Game, and as goalie did a great job, winning his game, and impressing his teammates and coaches.