SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums Boys Varsity Soccer Bluffton HS banned from 2009 playoffs ...

I have been away for a while, but I must say it does not surprise me that Bluffton is suspended for fighting. When my high school played Bluffton their players were more concerned with fouling and having dirty plays off the ball than actually playing soccer. It was very aggravating to play them, throughout the game I told their players just to play soccer. Maybe this suspension happening to Bluffton will settle their players down and their true talent can come out because they truly are a talented team.

I did not see it here, but both schools had players suspended from playing ALL sports this year. over 20 players from each school were suspended for 2 games. I dont think thats enough.

sounds like they need a coach who can instill discipline in them

I am the current coach at Bluffton High School. Last season was my first season with the team. There had actually been an improvement in discipline until that final match. I do not condone the actions in the Airport came at all. Anyone at the game can agree with me. I had the players apologize the the ref. and kicked one player off the team for good. The other individual was graduating. I accept the ban and feel that it is a good lesson for the boys. We had a good season up to that last game and while it is unfortunate that the final game overshadowed our season, I still do not condone the actions of those players. That is not the type of program I want to run and I am taking all the neccessary steps to making those changes. It unfortunately takes more than 1 season to implement my methods. To get everyone on the same page, we are banned from post-season playoffs, any tournaments or jamborees. Good luck to all in the upcoming season.

Best Reguards,

Coach Cook

I was an assistant coach for Airport in this match last year. Other than the last play, it was a very clean and exciting match. Although one or two players crossed the line with their attitudes, the rest of the team did not. What most people do not know was that the entire Blufton team and both coaches were trying to restrain the player that pushed the ref. Afterward every single player on that team apologized to the Airport players and wished them luck in the playoffs, the Blufton fans did the same.

It's easy to pick on teams that we just "hear the story about" on scsoccer but unless you were there, you really can't understand. If Coach Cook says the ban is probably for the best for his team, then nothing else really needs to be said on the subject. I also agree that it takes a while to fix major discipline problems and with a new coach it does not happen over night. It was about 5 months ago so we should all forget the past and look forward to a great year of soccer ahead of us!

Kum Bah Ya.....

Kum Bah Ya? C'mon, are you seriously poking fun at a coach for not kicking another program while its down?

At the risk of attracting the attention of any witty commentators, I'll go ahead and add that Coach Cook has done a remarkable job of instilling discipline and respect in his team and players. I realize that much good can be overshadowed and even undone by one bad incident (and the incident was bad), but soccer2103's point making broad assumptions based on limited facts is valid and admirable.

Lastly, with all due respect to Coach Cook and his acceptance of the penalty, I'm going to go ahead and say unequivocably that the decision by the SCHSL was just wrong. If the SCHSL wants to "send a strong message", then first identify the problem (if any), then tailor the message to address the problem, and then "send a strong message". Mr. Greene's wreckless and ignorant comment that "we have more problems with soccer than any other sport" demonstrate that the action by SCHSL was a knee-jerk reaction that is not based in fact, sound reasoning or any probability that a problem will be remedied.

Of course, it may be unfair to Judge Mr. Greene or the SCHSL based on one comment or action - perhaps I should look at the comment or action in context, determine if it is indicative of a larger problem that has a probability of repeating and then comment appropriately.

Thank you for all of your support. Between the death of our captain, Josh George, and the recent ban, we have large lesson to learn that goes beyond the game. I refuse to give up on my guys and will continue to work on the discipline issue as well as any other experiences we may encounter. Thank you again and good luck this coming season.