|
|
Post by dsqa on Jan 30, 2013 8:17:50 GMT -6
I have a deep respect for what Coach Huey has built here and because of that I have deleted my original post so as not to do anything that would flame a debate that isn't what we're about...that is not to say I haven't learned a great deal from the comments, but I want to respect the board and what we are here for - learning how to do what we do better for those we do it for. At the end of the day, yes, we are football coaches with a part to play in impacting young men's lives, but how much we actually do so is an endless discussion, but it's still worth it because I know there are a lot of guys like you who wake up everyday and give your best because you still care. Thank you all for what you do.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2013 8:35:03 GMT -6
Great Post Coach. I truly enjoyed reading it, especially the second to last paragraph. Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by jlenwood on Jan 30, 2013 9:05:12 GMT -6
Coach, great post. What is funny is that my wife and I had this exact conversation a couple of days ago. It seems to me that in order to make everyone "safe/secure" in this country, we are legislating common sense decision making out of the individual, and giving in to the "group" safety decision making process.
I read a book 10 years ago that was titled "The Death of Common Sense". I truly believe we are seeing that every where you turn. A kindergarten kid can point his fingers at another kid and he is suspended or expelled, someone with 1% body fat can't buy a big gulp in New York city because people are fat and of course it is the governments duty to make sure we don't overeat, you have to wear your seat belt, all guns are bad and on and on it goes.
Why can't individuals make their own decisions concerning what they do with out some group screaming that's unfair or not safe. My son is graduating this year and he is received some attention as a TE/WR from several nice schools. Well, he has probably had 2-3 concussions over his HS and JR high playing career. We talked about what HE wanted to do the other day, and HE took into consideration the long term risk and asked me for my input, and HE has decided he doesn't want to pursue the college football experience, instead HE wants to focus on playing college baseball. I emphasize the word HE here because the fact is that should be the individuals decision, not some bureaucratic who will say tackle football should be banned because it is dangerous.
In this country, I truly believe that we are becoming a society that, as Darin states so eloquently, is adverse to risk and decision making because of the fear of danger or the loss of feeling secure. I would rather live in a society that embraces and allows risk's to be taken, as well as a society that would look at those who decide to take such risks as people who have made their own decision to do so-as opposed to being someone who needs to be saved from themselves.
|
|
|
|
Post by brophy on Jan 30, 2013 9:12:45 GMT -6
utmost respect for Coach Slack and his crew. I understand what Coach is after here (the SACRIFICE is what football is about). Does SACRIFICE equate to (physical) RISK? The discussion of late hasn't been about the risk of being a Marcus Lattimore, its becoming a Junior Seau or Devon Walker I am a little removed from the latest hullabaloo (apparently the President said something?) but I'm unsure what this person said that is any different from what TROY AIKMAN has already said. Why aren't people {censored} their pants over that (or Bernard Pollard)? An interesting discussion was had on this very subject last night with Scott Fujita and NFLPA Rep George Atallah brophyfootball.blogspot.com/2013/01/future-of-football.html"It's entirely possible that this sport is unsafe at any speed" |
|
moball
Junior Member
Posts: 254
|
Post by moball on Jan 30, 2013 9:35:54 GMT -6
Great post Coach. If you don't mind I would like to quote you in my parent letter. You brilliantly summarized what I tell people every day about our game. The sad part of this entire situation is that noone is paying attention to the fact that boxing gets no class action lawsuits and the entire point of the sport is to seperate your competitor from conciousness. The more people you knock out, the more money you make. Why is that not where you start? Because the governing bodies of boxing are made up of a bunch of broke thugs that could never make good on any damages imposed on them in a lawsuit. Same thing with hockey. They allow players to bare knuckle box in the middle of games and noone is coming after them. Why? Because their league can barely afford to keep the lights on and the ice frozen. And I know that someone will assume I'm bashing lawyers here. I'm not. The idiot filled juries that exist all over our country that can't wait to stick it to anybody that makes more money than they do are the biggest problem that exists in our society. Every thing from the high cost of health care, to stupid practices in education, and now NFL flag football can be blamed on juries misguidedly sticking it to anybody the see as better off than themselves. I'm done ranting.
|
|
|
|
Post by newhope on Jan 30, 2013 10:09:55 GMT -6
What the President said is no different from what a number of prominent ex-NFL players have said. Yes, I believe football is the greatest thing a young man can participate in because of all the reasons people have listed above. However, if we don't take action to do a better job of protecting young men than what has been done in the past, there will be more and more people who will not want their sons to participate. It's not about showing how "tough" we are---it's about how "smart" we are willing to be in order to provide further protection and to make the game as safe as we can while preserving all of the important aspects of playing the game. The NFL has a problem. They have a lot of high profile former stars who aren't doing well. They have to make some changes to survive. The colleges will have to make changes. We will have to make changes. We have to use the science and technology available to us and be smart about what we are doing. There was a post not long ago about what a young coach should do when older coaches didn't take concussions seriously. We better all take this stuff seriously if we're going to keep this game we all value so much. I'm an old school hard nosed work the daylights out of them type of coach by the way.
|
|
|
|
Post by jgordon1 on Jan 30, 2013 10:39:14 GMT -6
.it's the many who agree with him being given a voice that are slowly discouraging boys to be boys, play nice with everyone, have no convictions, don't fight for anything worth saving, and just agree. It's no wonder football, like guns, and anything else that involves intense risk is being called out...risk is life. It's what we do...We stop risk, legislate it away and you get passive, self-serving people whose only concern is protection.
I don't know coach, I think we overreact to situations close to our heart..If you take a look at a broader scope, we have one of the largest standing armies in the world and we project our power world wide. we, as a nation (I guess IMO) certainly are taking risks trying to make this world better for others. Men (and women) are laying down their lives and their bodies on a daily basis. Manly stuff done by volunteers..Football, the game itself, doesn't make you a man. You are certainly not more of a man because you played football as opposed to working hard on a farm , or volunteering at a hospital...the key IMO is just to do something to make the world and yourself better..our vehicle just happens to be football....
|
|
moball
Junior Member
Posts: 254
|
Post by moball on Jan 30, 2013 10:48:58 GMT -6
I love that someone mentioned Obama. When Obama spoke out he was doing what people in the legal business refer to as"watering down the jury pool". He is a former lawyer himself and in the hip pocket of the Trial Lawyers Association. I also loved that someone mentioned the military. We have noble, valiant, courageous young men that sacrifice their lives for $30,000 dollars a year, KNOWINGLY. We also have football players that risk way less for millions per year, KNOWINGLY, and then sue over it. These NFL guys that are suing are no different than the woman that sued over a hot cup of coffee. THEY CAN TURN DOWN THE MONEY AND TAKE A JOB DOING SOMETHING ELSE ANY TIME THEY WANT!
|
|
|
|
Post by brophy on Jan 30, 2013 10:58:02 GMT -6
I would be interested in WHAT, specifically, we are opposed to with this talk? Are we opposed to research on the effects of head trauma? Are we opposed to players/families evaluating the long-term benefit of participation? We want kids who are willing to risk physical pain with the possibility of debilitating injuries? Okay, so what if there are other alternatives out there that most kids just don't feel its worth it (no longer relevant)? to my knowledge, there has been no legs to ANY of this talk (with the exception of the recommendations of Dr. Robert Cantu) that would affect Youth, HS, or College ball. No legislation, no rule changes, no new mandates....So what are you guys up in arms about? You don't want kids being monitored for concussions? I love that someone mentioned Obama. When Obama spoke out he was doing what people in the legal business refer to as"watering down the jury pool". He is a former lawyer himself and in the hip pocket of the Trial Lawyers Association. OP mentioned the President. Not sure what it has to do with the actual discussion other than it apparently has rustled the jimmies of people glued to the television set. I don't see any real relevance for football coaches, though. It sounds like you're saying, if you take a job you assume EVERY risk associated with the work place and should just shut their face and be happy they get a paycheck (" I'm sure that dust isn't going to be a problem - just be a MAN!")  |
|
|
|
Post by cqmiller on Jan 30, 2013 11:00:37 GMT -6
Trust me coach... many on this board agree with you 100%... So glad to see Jim Harbaugh's response to the question when he was asked about Obama's "stance"
Makes me love him even more as a coach!
|
|
|
|
Post by brophy on Jan 30, 2013 11:01:38 GMT -6
nm
|
|
|
|
Post by davishfc on Jan 30, 2013 11:34:33 GMT -6
Football while certainly more violent, like life is a calculated risk that requires the heart to engage fully - like marriage, parenting, teaching, business, coaching or any endeavor that requires true courage. It appears our culture is losing its appetite for that concept by the day. Tremendously powerful statement. Absolutely true and frightening. |
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Jan 30, 2013 11:43:27 GMT -6
Once again, out of respect for what we are doing and why, I think it's important to forego (delete) my opinion and just declare my gratitude for the many great men on this board I've had the privilege of meeting because of this game. I really appreciate that great comments and considerations about what was said and as always appreciate the respectful manner it is done.
...
|
|
|
|
Post by jgordon1 on Jan 30, 2013 11:52:23 GMT -6
If I'm attacking anything, it's the growing attack on the male psyche through a self-absorbed, self-indulgence and excessive softness (effeminate defined) that is increasing in our culture leading to the evil I spoke of...
First of all coach, I am glad you brought this up and the Mods haven't shut us down..lets try to stay away from "current politicians"
I would say that each generation, probably all the way back to Sparta, thought the next generation didn't live up to their means. its just that we have so much media to spread this..as some say, you will find what you are looking for an any side of an argument if you look hard enough..the same goes for any stereotype too
My passion would be to celebrate the courage of manhood in their lives, their efforts to be leaders, and carry on the legacy of men we both respect for the risks they take both on the field and off. Football is simply ONE means to that end.
alas, if we only could
|
|
|
|
Post by fantom on Jan 30, 2013 12:54:05 GMT -6
The reason that Obama's comments bothered me is that they fan the anti-football flames.
|
|
|
|
Post by coachd5085 on Jan 30, 2013 12:57:40 GMT -6
- "effeminate" is characterized by excessive softness, delicacy, self-indulgence, etc.: effeminate luxury. It's a negative reflection in a character on someone's life. Toughness is not built or destroyed by football alone...it's tested, but built by love, compassion, respect, and care. I'm only speaking of the negative influence of selfishness as noted in the definition I'm only seeking to highlight the quality of courage of athletes to play this game and what this game can do to foster these great qualities in a young man, even with the risk in FULL view... Here's the rub for me... It's the absence of proper influences in men's lives and the shift its generating in many people's skewed views of life and the qualities that truly have made great men that concern me, and football has been a part of that growth for me and many others, but ONLY a part. If I'm attacking anything, it's the growing attack on the male psyche through a self-absorbed, self-indulgence and excessive softness (effeminate defined) that is increasing in our culture leading to the evil I spoke of... My passion would be to celebrate the courage of manhood in their lives, their efforts to be leaders, and carry on the legacy of men we both respect for the risks they take both on the field and off. Football is simply ONE means to that end. My heart genuinely breaks for those who've been hurt by this game, and I certainly don't wish to communicate that their pain should be exploited, ignored, or passed over to make a point and I applaud the medical advances that have been made to help this game be called to account to be safer. As I said, I don't care to protect this game, it's rules, etc. it doesn't matter in the big picture... I apologize for sounding indifferent to that, I am not. I care about people...More must be done to improve the game... I just don't want to see those with a self-serving agenda that isn't motivated by the improved safety of the players, but something else to dissuade our encouragement and celebration of our men when they are being courageous in a sport like this, or in loving their wives more courageously, loving their kids more courageously, serving their families, being leaders in communities, etc. Again, I'm not suggesting that football is equal to those things, or that in challenging its safety people are wrong in doing that... I just see football being evaluated only for its risk and not it's reward in helping young men learn these qualities...as do many other great courageous endeavors of life that involve risk. I apologize for my inability to capture the full extent of my meaning as those who've suffered damage from this game deserve our deepest sympathy and compassion...also, why I also support substantive change to equipment and management by officials.. I took a calculated risk in sharing my thoughts, and to be misunderstood is the challenge when things are said... ... Coach Slack--well thought out and well delivered message. Regarding the evaluation of football only for its risk and not its rewards, I agree there is very little middle ground. However, it is here that I think some (not all) coaches are also doing a disservice to the sport and to the players. When head trauma, CTE, etc started to first emerge as issues a few years ago, they were quickly met with replies lamenting the "wussification of America" (and worthless threads ensued, thus little discussion was had). While it seems to be better, Much like brophy, I still am unclear what negatives come to light from saying "hmm, this might be more involved than we thought" Completely agree with all of the great qualities that are mentioned, but I have noticed that football coaches seem to think those are eclusively developed through football. One of the "toughest" men I have known, with the hardest work ethic, greatest character etc... developed them from SWIMMING. Practice daily at 5am and then again after school for 8 or 9 years, sacrificing things such as diet, partying etc. Dealing with disappointment, fighting through pain etc. Now he is a SEAL. |
|
|
|
Post by Coach.A on Jan 30, 2013 13:03:40 GMT -6
I just see football being evaluated only for its risk and not it's reward in helping young men learn these qualities...as do many other great courageous endeavors of life that involve risk.
My college football career ended in my senior year when I sufferred a serious neck injury. Fortunately I had a near full recovery, but I now have titanium plate in my cervical vertibrae and it's almost a given that I will experience some complications as I age. Add to that a reconstructed knee and a fused wrist. Still, I have zero regrets about playing football. The memories, life lessons and relationships I made through football were priceless and they were some of the most important positive influences in my life. The game has defined who I am today and is responsible for much of the success I have experienced in life.
The recent tragedies involving NFL players suffering from CTE are heart-rending. But is a world without football our best solution to this issue? I'm not sure if it's even acceptable or fair to weight the risk / rewards of a world without football vs. some of these tragic medical conditions. But I don't think it has to be a "one or the other" argument. I think there's still plenty of room for rule modifications, technological / equipment advances, and improved coaching practices to make the game much safer. I think increased awarness of head injuries and open dialogue about these issues is a very good thing.
|
|
|
|
Post by brophy on Jan 30, 2013 13:09:31 GMT -6
I agree with Coach Slack's issue here and again why I strongly recommend your kids going to his camps. He drills home what participation (life) is about; serving the interests of the collective, to become something better than they already are. Unfortunately, I don't believe this virtue is intuitively born out of the game. Sure, you can grind with strength training, summer workouts, practice, etc....but injuries or not, the game, TODAY, is more about conditioning and incentivizing a selfish motive. The gripe and battle we should be fighting isn't about player safety, but re-enforcing the ideals of participation and effort in a world measured solely by output (individual stats, recruiting ranking/offers, conference recognition awards, W/L, etc). THAT, is our society where we measure everything as a commodity and if you aren't the best you aren't anything (there is no longer any value in the process or journey; just the end result). I don't know about y'all, but I KNOW the game doesn't care about your effort and yada yada....college coaches don't care about what you learned, they only care about what you can deliver RIGHT NOW for me.....and when you can't (deliver) you're chewed up and gone. The GAME is about fighting off the guy trying to get your spot on the roster, then that other guy (opponent) trying to outperform and dominate you on the field.....so there is little in the way of "The Game" that reinforces any altruistic character (kill or be killed). This is why Coach Slack's mantra of SERVING is so important to be delivered to our teams. Because whether or not your guys win State or get a scholly, the real reward will be in the strong relationships your kids forge with one another in the span of 8 or 10 months, and yes, the trials are where they prove their commitment to each other. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2013 13:31:54 GMT -6
Yeah, I wrote about it over on the 12th man, pretty stupid actually, it was emotions coming out more than anything, you can check it out if you like, but it's just more of what I do on here, just with more curse words...
Duece
|
|
|
|
Post by fantom on Jan 30, 2013 13:43:34 GMT -6
Absolutely. The President's comments are hypothetical: he's a guy who never played football and has daughters. I just think that it provides focus to the hysteria. I'd say more but I have to go to a meeting. |
|
|
|
Post by brophy on Jan 30, 2013 13:54:34 GMT -6
I just think that it provides focus to the hysteria. maybe the bigger concern (IMO) is that people actually take any politician (or pundit) seriously... what is the point in trying to debate hoopleheads that get caught up in the frenzy of "anti-football" rhetoric? If people want to take his opinion and run away with it on some anti-sport spin, who cares? The more we play into it by moving away from an actual focus (and become purely emotional) the more momentum we fuel it [same could be said for the gun thing or abortion or whatever]. Who has time for that pointless nonsense? vanity of vanities... |
|
|
|
Post by dubber on Jan 30, 2013 13:55:17 GMT -6
Here is what I want to believe:
As the money goes up, so does the poor decision-making (from players, to coaches, to trainers, to doctors, to institutions, etc.)
When football is used as a tool to help young men learn all the good stuff Coach Slack points out, we make decisions in the best interests of the players. When they are injured, they do not play----when concussed, they sit out.
When football is used as a tool to make money (NCAA/NFL), the players become a means to an end. Or, the players see their bodies as a means to the end (pay day).
I bet the ratio of high school football players with debilitating injuries and CTE are smaller when compared to those of NFL players.
The NFL and NCAA are changing their MO's (not because it is in the interest of the players, because now their billions are threatened). We will see the benefits of that.
We will also the benefits of a new generation who is way more focused on proper technique.
The preceeding deals with the delivery/conduit of Coach Slack's message, not the message itself.
He could not be more correct. Football is one of the only ways we can teach these lessons to our young men, and it is PRECIOUS.
|
|
|
|
Post by silkyice on Jan 30, 2013 16:07:40 GMT -6
Great job Coach Slack!
A helmet rep told me that Junior Seau continued to play in an old technology helmet despite being given the opportunity to use newer helmet technology.
I have had all my kids in Riddell Speeds or above for three years. No concussions at all.
You play a dangerous game. Get paid millions. Are reckless with your body. Don't wear the safest equipment. And somehow you still get to sue.
I think quite a lot has been done to eliminate many concussions and many of the future cases of CTE. Better equipment, new rules, new emphasis, and more awareness.
I am a high school football coach. I just don't think that CTE is a high school issue and I worry that it could destroy all of football. I believe that football releated CTE is from professionals for threereasons. They play from 15-35. That is twenty years. They play against better and better competition. Their seasons get longer and longer. The average high school player plays from age 15-18 against other high school players.
The comparison between mine workers and NFL is not very strong. First, one works in a mine because that is the ONLY way to feed his family. One plays in the NFL to set his family in luxury for life if they manage their money. Second, mine workers have to breathe. NFL LB's choose how they hit and how they use their OWN head on a hit. My guess is that most all of Junior Seau's hard hits were the result of him doing something (tackling) instead of someone doing something to him. Although I am sure that he did take some good hits also. Third, here is were the comparison is valid, if they give the mine workers air masks to use and they don't use them, then that is their fault. Just like not using the BEST helmet possible.
|
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Jan 30, 2013 16:59:45 GMT -6
I have a deep respect for what Coach Huey has built here and because of that I have deleted my original post so as not to do anything that would flame a debate that isn't what we're about. I AM NOT SUGGESTING ANYONE HAS DONE THAT...I am particularly sensitive to the unique nature of what we get to do here and don't want to do anything to stir it in a wrong direction going forward - we are here to learn how to do what we do better for those we do it for - football. At the end of the day, yes, we are football coaches with a part to play in impacting young men's lives, but how much we actually do so is an endless discussion, but it's still worth it because I know there are a lot of guys like you who wake up everyday and give your best because you still care. Thank you all for what you do.
|
|
|
|
Post by coachklee on Jan 30, 2013 18:34:34 GMT -6
A helmet rep told me that Junior Seau continued to play in an old technology helmet despite being given the opportunity to use newer helmet technology.I have had all my kids in Riddell Speeds or above for three years. No concussions at all. The fact Brett Favre continued to play with a "soft" chin strap and not a more modern "hard" chin strap always confused me. By the time I was a HS Jr. in 2001 I knew the "hard" one was so much better. Mind blowing how many of these guys get paid millions, but choose to stay with the exact same equipment because it is what they always used. |
|
|
|
Post by davishfc on Jan 30, 2013 18:37:36 GMT -6
THAT, is our society where we measure everything as a commodity and if you aren't the best you aren't anything (there is no longer any value in the process or journey; just the end result). I don't know about y'all, but I KNOW the game doesn't care about your effort and yada yada....college coaches don't care about what you learned, they only care about what you can deliver RIGHT NOW for me.....and when you can't (deliver) you're chewed up and gone. The GAME is about fighting off the guy trying to get your spot on the roster, then that other guy (opponent) trying to outperform and dominate you on the field.....so there is little in the way of "The Game" that reinforces any altruistic character (kill or be killed). I sincerely value the process or journey. I too, believe it's the process of preparation required by football makes the experience meaningful and worthwhile. But isn't the competition, which I believe you're describing, part of that journey as well? |
|
|
|
Post by davishfc on Jan 30, 2013 18:40:05 GMT -6
This is why Coach Slack's mantra of SERVING is so important to be delivered to our teams. Because whether or not your guys win State or get a scholly, the real reward will be in the strong relationships your kids forge with one another in the span of 8 or 10 months, and yes, the trials are where they prove their commitment to each other. Outstanding. |
|
|
|
Post by davishfc on Jan 30, 2013 18:43:25 GMT -6
The President's comments are hypothetical: he's a guy who never played football and has daughters. Certainly wouldn't provide any more insight than the research to base his decision on. No experience to reflect on to see the value of the game of football. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2013 18:48:34 GMT -6
The President's comments are hypothetical: he's a guy who never played football and has daughters. Certainly wouldn't provide any more insight than the research to base his decision on. No experience to reflect on to see the value of the game of football. "No experience"...classic!!!  Duece |
|
|
|
Post by airman on Jan 30, 2013 19:06:57 GMT -6
I know many will not agree with me but many coaches really have communist thinking here. Sacrifice for the common good comes right out of Marxism. Deny the individual comes right out of stalin.
Coaches should be teaching kids critical thinking skills. They should teach their kids to ask questions. To have coaches explain the how and why instead of the do or die mentality most coaches have.
|
|
