Friday, September 09, 2011

To The Obnoxious Jerk

who sat behind me at tonight's football game,  just a few things I'd like to say to you.

First of all, these are just kids.  They are here to play a game and enjoy themselves.  It's just for fun.  Although you appear to be about to give yourself an apoplexy, let me assure you that the world will not end if they miss a tackle, allow a touchdown, or --Heaven forbid-- lose the game.  But if you are still going to insist on being so harshly critical of these children, first you will need to make sure you have your own facts straight.  Here, let me help you...

There are no 20 yard penalties in football.

The opposing team did not just sack your running back.

A fumbled lateral is still a live ball, and can be recovered by the opposing team even though it is already on the ground.

It is not a penalty for the opposing team to sack your quarterback-- not even if two players tackle him at the same time.

Taunting is a penalty.  A 15 yarder at that.

So is fighting. 

So is jumping across the line of scrimmage and laying out the opposing quarterback before the ball is even snapped.  Twice.  The refs aren't just picking on your team.  Seriously.

All referees are humans, and occasionally make mistakes.   These refs did a pretty good job of calling this game.  They are not horrible, and do not need to be replaced.  Your team really did commit that many penalties.  Yes, there were a couple of calls that could be considered questionable, but for the most part, they were spot on. 

Delaying the snap until the end of the quarter does not mean your quarterback isn't paying attention, nor is he stupid.  It's a strategic move.  It gets you a free timeout.  It's pretty clever, actually. 

Finally, as I mentioned above, these are just kids.  They are just learning how to play the game of football.  They need our support and encouragement.  They do not need you or anyone else shrieking at them like a drunken banshee suffering from PMS.  So don't do it.

Next time, enjoy the game, but let the rest of us enjoy it, too, even if that means you have to leave your mouth at home.

Thank you.

That is all.

3 comments:

Bag Blog said...

It is amazing how some people can just take the joy right out of kid's sports. Hang in there, Becky.

StephieKnits said...

It probably would hurt for him to learn the rules of high school football either. Thanks for sharing.

Becky G said...

Hopefully, she won't be back, or else I'll be able to sit in my regular seat. This week was homecoming, so the stands were pretty crowded. Normally I don't sit in that section.

Steph, I agree. Even though I love the irony of those who don't know what they are talking about making total fools of themselves, it was pretty annoying.