[Bart Tyson]

Originally posted by MisterV
I am a 6th grade teacher who coaches 7th & 8th grade girls BB. 20 of my female students have gotten together to play in a local YMCA league. Since I am their teacher, and I will also be their coach for the next two years, they have invited me to watch some of their games. I have been impressed by how far they have come in their skills since I saw them play as 5th graders.

Here is the problem...every time they lose, they come to my class on Monday morning and begin to blame the refs. It is constant. They always blame the refs regardless of the score or the skill level of their opponents.

For my part, I have tried to get across to them how misguided this approach is. Whenever they start to complain, I always ask them these four questions:

1. Did you get EVERY rebound?
2. Did you play great defense and limit the other team's shots?
3. Did you run all your plays perfectly?
4. Did you get on the floor for EVERY loose ball?

If the answer to ANY of these questions is no, then this conversation is over because you did not do everything in your power to effect the outcome of the game. I won't hear another word.

At first, they would continue to argue, but as time went on they began to see my point. Now, slowly but surely I am beginning to hear things like, "We didn't think the refs did a good job, but that's not why we lost." I suppose for 6th grade girls, that may be about as good as one can hope for.

They also know that next year when they play for me, we are going to put 100% of our concentration into what WE are doing, and 0% on what the refs are doing.

Now, if I can just convince the parents.

Thanks Coach, good job. Not only in the short run, but also in the long run, both in BB and in Life, You are making a big positive inpact on their lives.