Another Upward basketball season is in the books, and once again, I had just a wonderful time coaching the kids — 4th, 5th, and 6th graders — entrusted to me. I also did a little refereeing of the games I did not coach.
In Matthew 19, 14, Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” This biblically based sports program does just that as it mixes a quality blend of Xs and Os with a modicum of Bible teachings — something we all could stand a little more of these days. It is a competitive environment, but not overly so at this age, with a healthy emphasis on sportsmanship, teamwork, accountability, and respect for each other, their coaches, and especially the volunteer referees. LOL.
Many coaches in my basketball career brought these life-skills values to me. My goal as a coach has always been to pass those life skills along to those I am privileged to coach or just teach.
Upward provides just that kind of supportive environment. If we can instill in our kids these life values through programs such as these, not just the Xs and Os, they will be more likely to carry these over to their non-sport lives. Just think what a much better world this would be.
The volunteer coaches and referees who generously gave of their time over the 12-week session are to be commended for their obvious love of the game, but more importantly, the love and attention they show the children under their care. Some old friends participated as coaches this year, and it was a nice opportunity to renew some friendships that, unfortunately, often get pushed to the back burner due to that time-consuming thing called life.
The Saturday games are very well attended and, as last year, provided a chance to meet various people there for their kids, grandkids, or I suspect great-grandkids, as the kids dribble, double dribble, walk, and sometimes run with the ball down the court. Some good-natured heckling as I missed or blew a call while refereeing was to be expected, totally appropriate, and unembarrassingly accepted.
Lastly, to the parents who enrolled their sometimes fragile kids in the program, I applaud you. I remember the feelings and how hard it is as you let your young kids be guided, maybe for the first time, by some person you’ve just met who tells your kids to call them coach! Be assured that all the coaches at Upward take this responsibility very seriously. Still, it’s somewhat traumatic to see your child try and fail at a skill, or get knocked to the floor in a mad scramble for the ball, or not to score in a game. But it’s amazing to me, as I’m sure it is to you, and so gratifying to see your youngster keep working at that skill until they get it right, pick themselves off the floor and get back in the mix, score that first basket and light up like a 100-watt light bulb — it’s why I coach!
See you next year! Coach Paul.
