Take a Knee

[Unregistered]

What is the reason for not taking a knee when a player is injured?

[Unregistered]

What is the reason for not taking a knee when a player is injured?

Who says you have to take a knee? Clapping when they get up or are helped off the field is enough for me.

[Unregistered]

Nobody says you have to. I don't think anyone does anymore. I was just curious when and why it ended. I'm old.

[Unregistered]

Years ago the coaches told my kids to keep moving so you avoid injury once game gets going again.

[Unregistered]

It is probably some form of cheerleader tradition.....

[Beachbum]

Because some (most) coaches no longer feel it is important to teach respect for the game and their opponent ... or are no longer held accountable to.

Does your team kick the ball out of play when an opponent is obviously hurt and needing attention ... referee's will rarely cause the team with the ball to lose its advantage unless the injury is severe..?

Do you see the other team throw the ball back to you when you do kick it out despite your advantage ?

If the referee does stop play with the other team having an advantage (with the ensuing drop ball) does your team kick it back to them as a show of sportsmanship ?

I coached a (premier) game a few years ago, U12's. Player on my team was badly injured (punched intentionally). One of the girls on the opposing team refused to huddle up as the opposing team looked on and laughed at the injured player. She was immediately pulled and benched. Coach made it very clear why.

It was a "destination" team with a "destination team" coach. Girl quit the next day. Later, when the competition got tough the girls on that team were out of control, did not have a basis in sportsmanship or teamwork. Turned on each other like piranha. Very average team now with none of the same players left 2 years later.....

Oh, and that player who quit...plays for me now when she is not training with ODP. Hell of a nice kid and team Capt/leader...

[Unregistered]

Taking a knee is really just a way to reduce confusion and occupy the other players while the injured player is cared for. At the early ages you're doing a lot of herding cats just during the usual activities, let alone an unexpected injury. If you are no longer playing rec, there is a level of maturity/"professionalism" that many coaches begin expecting from their players. Even on U9/10 developmental teams coaches will begin setting higher standards of dress and conduct. By U11 players should have the understanding and/or composure to behave properly during an injury. During injuries I've seen U11 teams run to the sideline for water or gather together in a huddle to focus and pump each other up. They are more than capable of handling themselves if properly coached, even at U10 and U11. Certainly beyond U11 it shouldn't be necessary.

[Unregistered]

Coaches should definitely teach young players to kick play the ball out when an injury occurs. That teaches respect for the game and your opponents.

Taking a knee is symbolic and not necessary. Same for huddling up - unless you want to discuss something as a team. There is a big difference between huddling up or taking an knee and giggling or laughing at an injured player. Always respect an injury of any degree.

[Unregistered]

Coaches should definitely teach young players to kick play the ball out when an injury occurs. That teaches respect for the game and your opponents.

Taking a knee is symbolic and not necessary. Same for huddling up - unless you want to discuss something as a team. There is a big difference between huddling up or taking an knee and giggling or laughing at an injured player. Always respect an injury of any degree.

Well said. Unless they dive...

[Unregistered]

I am old too. I remember always taking a knee when someone was hurt, regardless of what sport it was. But when I asked about why my daughter's coach instructed them not to, it was explained to me that I he wanted the girls to keep moving.
Our girls absolutely show consideration and respect when an opponent is hurt. (It has not always been rewarded by the refs, though. Our girls kick the ball out intentionally - but then the refs have given the opponent the throw in)

As long as all players are respectful, I personally see no reason to be on a knee.

[Unregistered]

What is the reason for not taking a knee when a player is injured?

Players should absolutely be respectful in the case of an injury, however once a team starts playing competitively i believe it is more appropriate for the non-injured team to huddle on the field and use that time to focus, or figure out strategy etc...

[Unregistered]

I say always show extreme respect for injuries. Don't take a knee though. Always kick it out. Always kick it back if they kick it out. Help opposing players up if you foul them. Applaud when injured player gets up on their own.

Its one thing that I love about soccer. There seems to be a lot of courtesy and respect.

In pro basketball they foul someone hard and walk away. No helping opposing players up. No handshakes after games. It is ugly IMHO.

[Unregistered]

This weekend I watched the end of a Boys U11 game. At the games conclusion, when players form two lines and pass each and slap or shake hands as a sign of respect, a coach and several of the players passed on this, done as an intentional snub. Too bad really as although they lost the Coach magnified this by passing on an incredible learning opportunity. That opportunity was sportsmanship. It is sadly completely missed by some Coaches. In my humble opinion it is really very simple. Most, if not all, of the kids to your left and right will play, at best, through High School, but all, every player, will have to work in team environments, raise families and interact with humans for one reason or another for another 70+ years. So, how they win and how they lose is EVERYTHING. Please insist your coach and club make it as much of a priority as winning.

[Unregistered]

This weekend I watched the end of a Boys U11 game. At the games conclusion, when players form two lines and pass each and slap or shake hands as a sign of respect, a coach and several of the players passed on this, done as an intentional snub. Too bad really as although they lost the Coach magnified this by passing on an incredible learning opportunity. That opportunity was sportsmanship. It is sadly completely missed by some Coaches. In my humble opinion it is really very simple. Most, if not all, of the kids to your left and right will play, at best, through High School, but all, every player, will have to work in team environments, raise families and interact with humans for one reason or another for another 70+ years. So, how they win and how they lose is EVERYTHING. Please insist your coach and club make it as much of a priority as winning.

Some coaches and teams do play a little dirty. You can see it in their play, they are out trying to hurt people, not going for the ball. Coach is yelling at his players to dump someone on their ass. In that case, no handshake needed, that is where the fight will break out. Other coach should just step out and say good game and call it good.

[Unregistered]

Our coach has the girls huddle when a players hurt (on either team). I asked my daughter about this and she said that he tells them to huddle and talk about whats not working right now and what they can do differently or better. Then after the injury when players get back into position he asked the player closest to him to give him one thing they decided to do. He then waits till halftime/end of game to ask if they feel they did what they discussed and if they feel it worked. I was actually happy with this because even though they are young hes trying to get them to work together and solve problems together without him telling them every single thing to do.