The player in white is my kid. And I am trying to decide what to do.
First, what about Seneca #3? Kit says that, as they were jogging up the pitch, #3 said, "How's your head?" If it weren't intentional, why would #3 ask a question like that? I'm thinking about taking the video to the Central PD or the Pickens County Sheriff and pressing charges for assault. I'm also thinking about suing the kid's parents for the medical bills.
Second, I wrote an email, with video attached, to the assigner, but I have heard nothing so far (I'll give him a little time). The referee who made no call has a long history of being biased against Daniel soccer, and I believe he knew who the player in white was and therefore chose not to make that call. But the assigner says he won't let a coach blackball a ref. That has to change. It is dangerous to Daniel players to allow that man to referee any Daniel games because he has allowed players from other teams to injure Daniel players for years. This just happens to be perhaps the first time someone has video evidence.
Next, I understand that the SCHSL does not look at video. Despite having heard that, I sent the video to the staff person responsible for soccer. When video is that clear, they should look at it and consider sanctions after the fact. How else do you keep kids safe? Do you just rely on the referee reports? And then what do you do when you have a clearly biased referee?
Finally, I am considering some sort of action against the Oconee County School District, which is ultimately responsible for the behavior of its employees. And yes, I do blame the coaches for dirty play like that. This was not the only dirty play by Seneca players; it is just the most egregious.
Seneca's #3 got to play in Seneca's only playoff game this year because no one was willing to look at the video. Kit was not able to play in either of his team's playoff games because of the concussion he suffered in that play. He also missed some school and has been to the doctor twice already, and he'll have to wear the Full90 headgear for the next 6 months. Daniel lost to Berea in spot kicks in the second round. What would have happened if Seneca #3 had not taken 20+ goals and 14 or so assists out of the Daniel line up.
And nobody wants to say that dirty soccer like that is wrong and should be punished.
