SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums SCHSSCA Question for coaches: Post match

I have seen a team where the players run as a group back to the fans and clap for the fans. The fans usually mildly to excitedly respond back. Then the players go into a group at some place on the field (end zone, etc.) away from the parents for a short meeting before dispersing. This usually keeps the celebration realistic and sportsmanlike.

i feel if the celebration is not overboard i don't see anything wrong with it. Usually you see teams cooling down during this time too-just a light jog and recognize fans. The coach should have control of the situation and show respect to the other team. I have had more teams trash talk on the field when we have been losing 5-0 or more...and i think that is more disrespectful than anything...knowing our team has no chance to win.

Is there an sincerity at all in the post-game handshake? I don't think anyone would confuse it with what happens after the final game of an NHL playoff series.

Especially with the girls, when they line up for the ceremonial stroll across the field toward the opposition. It's certainly not a handshake, and more of a "touch" than a graceful slap. And when a player encounters an opponent that she really doesn't care for, she pulls back. "Psych!".

Seems like there was a thread last season about this. I don't understand the sincerity in purposely lining up the kids and shaking hands. I don't mind just everybody kind of finding their way onto the field afterwards for a less "scripted" post-match ritual. I found it Link

Good memory AHS.

Mine is shot (and obviously I'm running out of material.)

This is an ineresting question. I didn't realize others did this, I have only seen this by another team once or twice. After each home game (win or lose) we line up and jog to the bleachers and thank the students that came out to the game by clapping. Being a boarding school we have very few parents attending our games. At away games we don't do it. I can't imagine the other team taking offense. It is not directed at them. And like I said, we do it win or lose. This gets into the 'politically correct' arena - and that stuff just annoys me. Needless to say, if this act bothers someone then they will be bothered. Our fans show their support for us at the field, I want to show the teams support for them at the field.
As far as shaking hands, I like it organized so that everyone gets to (has to) shake each others hand. The wandering around the field version allows some people to skip out on one of the sportmanship parts of the experience. As a youth coach I've had to deal with the spitting on their hand before the shake, or the 'psych' and downright refusal to shake hands, pieces. In HS the players are a little more mature, or they've been instructed what was appropriate. I believe if we allow the unsporting behavior to go on then we have missed an opportunity to coach. Now, is it sincere? At GSSM I'm guessing at least 50% (probably much higher) of the players are sincere with the shaking of the hands. I know I am. If it is not sincere, it should be. We give them the opportunity to grow, if they don't take it.........

Just my thoughts,

An interesting take is that of HSL director Roger Hazel. Roger has on more than one occasion advised us to have teams not shake hands at all after matches in order to avoid any tempers or post-match shenanigans.

An interesting take, but that's straight from the top.

With all due respect, this is also the same man who has told coaches on more than one occasion not to speak to the officials in any way, shape or form after a match, even to say "good match" or "thanks for coming." Apparently in Mr. Hazel's view, the only way for people, even adults, to avoid conflict is to avoid each other entirely. I think that's a pretty sad view of humanity.

Me, I'd like to think I was raised to act a little better than that. I'd rather teach people how to be respectful and civil to each other than teach them to avoid each other and expect the worst.

With all due respect, this is the same man, under whose regime we still have:

1. A "result" after every match, with tie games in the regular season going to PK's.
2. State quarterfinal & semi-final matches played at home sites (determined by an asterisk), instead of on a neutral college campus.
3. A sudden-death state playoff format, while softball and baseball enjoy the opportunity to "stub their toe" and still stay alive.