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| An open letter to select youth football parents |
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| Written by Chris Roberts / Tracy Press / | |
| Thursday, 22 November 2007 | |
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Stop acting like childish clowns.
Hi. Happy day after Thanksgiving. How ya doin’? How’s life? Good? Good. Yeah, this is for those guys.
It’s a select group, a very vocal and active minority that fouls the water for everybody else. It is they who make the scene unbearable for those who would like nothing more than to watch their kids run around in helmet and pads for a few hours while hobnobbing with the other parents, cheering and maybe even blowing an air horn from time to time — and then to take their tykes out to ice cream.
And it’s not just football. You people pick fights at Little League and cuss out coaches and refs at basketball. Lord knows what you do behind closed doors, if this is how you act in public — with a reporter watching and taking pictures.
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(61)
 written by mike d , November 23, 2007
Well Said! You hit the nail on the head.
Perhaps they should try religious school sports. I know how you hate those darn private schools, but at least the kids would learn a little perspective and balance beyond "winning is everything." Maybe the kids could then go home and teach their parents a little about morality, integrity, humbleness, character, sportsmanship …  written by reneep , November 24, 2007
Chris...loved the column! It's true, alot of parents just want to win at any cost and it's disheartening to see their attitudes. Kids are there to play! They should not be subjected to over the top antics from SOME (not all) parents. True, there are bad calls for all sides, but the kids shouldn't have to pay the price. That's why I like the rules in place for immediate eviction from a game when profanity, verbal abuse, physical altercation (or whatever you get booted for), or anything else that can cause problems fully enforced. It's a sad day when the adult spectators become a problem...
 written by vqc , November 25, 2007
Thank you for writing what many people are thinking yet goes unspoken. I'm sure you also realize Tracy has always been a football town. Although Pop Warner only started in the '70's in Tracy, sports and especially football is what the parents and people of small town Tracy lived for. And somehow, this all continues to this day.
 written by bigdog , November 26, 2007
Chris, you are a joke ! I'm a coach with the South Delta Conference Champions "The Tracy Cougars". Your article gives the impression that our parents,fans and coaches are in some way like a bunch of ghetto thugs. I don't appreciate the way you have misrepresented our organization. We are a great organization, and one which has accomplished a lot in it's five year history. You have a lot of nerve comparing us to the parent who hit the 12year old in the Oakdale/Riverbank game last year. As parents, and coaches we are proud of what our boys have accomplished this year, and we are not about to sit hear and apologize for it.
For 5 years our boys have been laughed at and dissed for wearing their jerseys, because no one believed they could be champions. You yourself have shown no love for the Tracy Cougars. Maybe a championship means nothing to you,but it means a lot to the kids on both sides Raiders and Cougars. Those boys who started practicing back in July with the hopes of getting this far.Our organization had never won a playoff game, let alone a championship.Instead of trying to drag the Tracy Cougars through the mud,why don't you join the rest of the sports community in celebrating the fact that there is another Championship sports program in Tracy.If our party on the sidelines was too loud for you, then go to the other side.What you saw was a moment of jubilation from coaches, parents and players who finally got the monkey off their back. We are a great organization an will continue to be. written by bigdog , November 26, 2007
Your article may have some truth about other organizations, but not the Tracy Cougars. What do you really know about us. You never come to our games, and you almost never have pictures of our kids in the paper.Yet you write this article like you know us so well. Oh that's right, you were quietly watching us, obviously not close enough. How many games have you been to. How many parents,players, or coaches have you talked to? All you ever look for is negativity. It would have been nice to hear something great about how our organization one it's first championship, or is that too positive for you.
 written by Chris Roberts , November 26, 2007
Hi all. As usual, thanks for reading.
You'll notice I didn't name any organizations or individuals in this piece. This is one of those "you know who you are" type deals. If you are one of the majority who acts accordingly, great. Good for you. If not, well ...  written by coogr_fan , November 26, 2007
Chris - Please allow me to add to Big Dog's take on this. You obviously have never been part of a winning team, otherwise, you'd know what this accomplishment means. Have you ever looked into the eye of a kid whose been beaten year after year and then ridiculed. Only to have them beat the neighborhood ruffian. That describes the sidelines that beautiful Saturday afternoon in Tracy.
written by bigdog , November 26, 2007
You didn't have to name the organization. We all know who you were talking about.
written by coogr_fan , November 26, 2007
Also, with your jaded view of the events you missed a tremendous human interest story.
For those of you who haven't heard, JV Player Trae-shon Gulley's mother Monique passed away on Monday November 12, 2007. In her memory, the JV squad wore one black sock during the game versus the Raiders. Unfortunately, within two years, Trae-shon has lost his mother, father and a brother. written by coogr_fan , November 26, 2007
The Tracy Cougar Organization stepped up and donated monies to assist in the purchase of clothing for Trae-shon and his sister to attend their mother's funeral. Then, a member of the Cougar Board paid for and took Trae-shon to Las Vegas to play in the National Youth Football Championships.
To top it all off, in a great show of community support, residents of Tracy set aside the Cougars-Raiders rivalry and donated a significant amount of money to help creat a trust fund for Trae-shon and his sister. written by coogr_fan , November 26, 2007
Yes, perhaps there are those whose behavior sullies what should be a childhood event. Rest assured, this is a fact of life. However, as a writer, you have the ability to shape the lense which life is seen through, especially for the young minds in our community. So, perhaps next time instead of looking for and reporting the worst in our community, you can spend a little time, seek the best and report on it.
written by mike d , November 26, 2007
It's amazing the backlash. Did it hit a nerve? Re-read the story. I believe that the author specifically separates the "few" bad apples from those who act appropriately. I have been to a number of games and am embarrassed, shocked, by some of the adults. I’m glad the kids start practice in July and good for the team that wins the championship. But the fact remains; there are a few village idiots that continually ruin the enjoyment of the game.
I don't care how important something is, it doesn't excuse stupid behavior. It’s not just youth football, its all sports. It's time that there are better rules/ people willing to enforce these "few" parents that continually ruin it. It takes the league to enforce, other parents to stand up. Oh ya, dare I say it, if those parents continue to violate common sense standards and still insist on profane language and moronic behavior, perhaps their kid shouldn’t play until their childish parent can actually act like an adult. I didn't take offense to this article because I don't act like an idiot. written by bigdog , November 27, 2007
Great Mike !! Kudos to you. Yes I did read the message. My problem is that the article puts a negative spin on what our boys accomplished.If he wants to talk about how parents acted , why not include that in a seperate article on how parents act in general when it comes to youth sports. My feeling is that the article blackened the eye of the organization.It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what team he is referring to. As stated earlier, we all know that there are parents that get out of hand. However, don't use us as the example.Don't take our joy away from what these boys accomplished. Oh yeah,for your information it didn't hit a nerve nor did I take offense, I just feel that the organization was blindsided.100% of this article was negative. The author focused in on the negative, when he should've focused on the positive. What do you do with bad apples? Do you focus on how bad they are, or do you make sure pick good ones? That's the question.
written by Chris Roberts , November 27, 2007
Hi all. I ending up blogging a bit about this.
http://thecheapestseat.blogspot.com/ Again, this column is not about any one team or any one game in particular. Maybe I should have made that more clear, but for now, I can't emphasize that enough. Every team of kids that played youth football in this town has been in the newspaper for playing football, including the one team that played a Super Bowl on Saturday and the two that will do so next Saturday. This one is about parents.  written by R.B. , November 28, 2007
i am sad to say that this article depicts exactly why my stepson will not be playin again with the cougars. they repeatedly diss my wifes kid for not being the athelete some other kids are. yes the adults do this. and in vegas, allow a jv player to play with novice kids at the expense of playin time for kids on novice. the cult mentality there is bad and if you do not go along you are beat down. they even let a kid play with a broken arm after weeks in a cast play without much practice. the coaches are leadin the bad example for the parents and i have had enuff of the insults and gheto talk. we will play soccer next year and look at footbal again when the grown ups act grown up. it shoudl be about the kids experience and not feeding some coach ego. i have been embarrassed to be a cougar this year. chris you may not have been at every game but what you saw was very tipical and i think you hit the nerve of a couple of the parents and coaches from the team who know they are guilty otherwise they would have said nada.
written by bigdog , November 28, 2007
Hey R.B., you don't have a clue what you're talking about. The Cougars are one of the most respected organizations in the DYFL, because of the examples we set for our kids and the way we as a whole conduct ourselves. Get a grip. Get the full story, before you start running off at the jibs.
written by bigdog , November 28, 2007
If you have an issue, you should go speak to the coach. Instead of letting it fester.The Cougars aren't that type of organization and that's the why I love the Cougars...
 written by P.B. , November 28, 2007
I have been with the Cougars for 4 years three of them as a coach. My son and daughter play and cheer and my youngest will be playing football next year. As a parent, you need to lead by example. We are all products of our upbringing. We as parents need to teach our children respect and respect for each other. I think the basis of the original articleis for all of us to take a look at ourselves and how we conduct ourselves in public,around our children and the children we coach. There is nothing wrong with showing excitement and showing how proud we are that our team beat the cross town rivals. As long as you do it with respect for the other team coaches and their players. The Cougar organization is a family, the same can be said for the Raiders and the Bucs. Many of the players have best friends on the other teams. We should relect on how lucky our children are, to be able to participate and learn, and learn how to be a part of a team, a organization and a family. If you do not believe, I challange you to come to watch a game and see the hugs,the cheers,the high fives and the tears from the players and families that make up our organizations. Do not judge based only on one persons opinion...
 written by Big pappa , November 28, 2007
P.B. You are exactly right!! However, you should practice what you preach.
written by Big pappa , November 28, 2007
P.B. writes,"As a parent, you need to lead by example. We as parents need to teach our children respect and respect for each other." Then why are you yelling and disrespecting your assistant coaches on the sidelines in front of our children? You aren't leading by example! This is our first time as part of the Cougar family, and for the most part I have seen great unity, support, and spirit in this football organization. I would say it's one of the best! Unfortunately, there are a few bad apples. I appreciate ALL the volunteer time and effort ALL the coaches put into my son teaching him the game. Be a good example, practice what you preach. Quit disrespecting your assistant coaches in front of our children!! If you have a problem with them, pull them aside and be adult about it. They are there for the boys and the love of the game, just like you. If you showed more respect for your assistant coaches, then us parents would probably have more respect for you too. It's upsetting for us parents to see a great organization ruined by the very few that is exactly what the article talks about.
 written by Wow , November 29, 2007
Wow!!! Can you feel the love in the room? I love those who can make the negative comments yet they CLAIM they appreciate the coaches who donate their time! What a croc! The only thing guys like you appreciate is to critize others to make you fell better about yourself. You get out there 3-4 days a week for 5 months putting your life on hold to coach the kids and if you think you may not have a weak moment and (OH MY GOSH) yell at your coaches then you are living in a dream world. There is so much negativity and anger that everyone loses sight that these sports are about the kids. By the way when the Wolfpack and the Bulldogs play do you mean to tell me that there isn't anyone out there who says, "I hope we kill them!" Come on people get real!! To all the kids of every team who played this season. GREAT JOB YOU MAKE ME PROUD TO BE A TRACY-ITE!
written by Wow , November 29, 2007
By the Mr. Chris, you claim you never mentioned any organization in particular. You made the comment of the yelling into a cell phone, "We (expletive deleted) the Raiders! HMMMMM Now I know you depict the Cougar fans to be some uneducated Ghetto People, but Gee what team beat the Raiders in order for that supposed comment to be made? The Cougars maybe!! Maybe next time you might want to make sure that your LIE isn't in Black and White!!
written by Big pappa , November 29, 2007
that's right. These sports are about the kids. It's just sad when my 8 yr old tells me that if any of these people have problems, they should go talk to the person about it. This coach needs a lesson from my 8 yr old. It's just hypocritical when he writes "the basis of the article is to look to ourselves and how we conduct ourselves in public around our children and the children we coach." I think words should be chosen carefully to not make yourself look like a fool. Better yet, just to make yourself feel better. Hold a position to mold young 7-9 yr old minds...then have your weak moment, but not to the extent where I have to explain to my boy and his friends (his own players) that we should appreciate the time and effort he's doing for the kids, but that this coach is a poor example.
 written by Cougar Parent and loving it! , November 29, 2007
I'd just like to say to the author of this article. You are no better than the parents you speak of in this article. As a journalist it is your responsibility to state facts, and report the truth. Instead you wrote an article based on one very emotional game, and it was completely biased and lacked what makes a great article....unbiased honesty. Were you at the games where our boys were carried off the field, from continuous rule violations and cheating? If you would have been there or at least taken the time to interview parents of the cougars, the coaching staff, or consulted anyone in the league, you would have know that this is the same game that our coaching staff advised our players that if they resulted to any on the behavior the other team was exhibiting they would be sat down for the remainder of the game. Yet you speak of morals and values. Where were yours when you chose to write an article about the behavior of parents in sports today, but instead robbed those same 8yr olds of their great accomplishment on the field that day?
written by Cougar Parent and loving it! , November 29, 2007
I now that you are a puffed up lack luster journalist, but if you want to speak of the moral fiber that is ruining America, write about the presidential candidate the stole the election. Write about the war, that no one knows why we are still fighting. Write about the innocent lives that are senselessly taken every day. Write about the atheist that produce movies to kill GOD in the minds of these 8year olds that you claim to be so concerned with. Parents who get over zealous at games, and show excitement over their children’s accomplishments, are not the reason that their will be a generation of children with "misguided aggression." And they are not the reason these kids are "learning that sports are the end-all and be-all, that winning is the only thing, that it’s me first, everybody else last, and that life doesn’t get any better than this." It's the ones whose parents aren't there cheering them on win or loose, rain or shine, great player or water boy. It is articles like this that show them that only certain accomplishments are great, and others are not note worthy.
written by Cougar Parent and loving it! , November 29, 2007
It is journalist like you, who have the ability to uplift children like ours, who were the underdogs and came out on top for once, yet push them farther down by over shadowing them in an article such as this. Just a note to parents who have posted here voicing concerns about the coaching staff, and addressing so called issues. Ask yourselves this, what kind of parent are you that you would allow your children to be coached by a staff you feel is so bad or so immoral? Why allow them to stay on a team you obviously are concerned about. Being that you are the quiet parents in the stand that raise your children so grand, and have this impeccable public behavior, at what cost are you willing to let your children be a part of such an organization. Remember you signed your children up and paid money for them to be a part of this team. If it was so horrible, why would you allow them to stay? No child or parent is forced to be here. Yet some of you stayed the season, and others have come back year after year. So again I ask you, why. I wouldn't allow my son to play for anything, be taught by anyone, or be around any behavior whether at school, church, or a football team that I felt was corrupting him. But then again, I'm one of those sideline barbaric parents, who shouts and screams, and enjoys the great game of football, even at this level so what do I know.....right?
written by Cougar Parent and loving it! , November 29, 2007
With all that being said, I want to say great job COOOOOOUUUUUGGGGGGAAAARRRRRRS. Know that you each of you are great individually and as a team. To the coaches, Kudos for doing what few ever really do....give back. I could not be prouder of those boys, those coaches, and the parents that came out game after game and rallied behind all the kids this season. You are all winners on and off the field.
written by P.B. , November 29, 2007
In response to Big Pappas' kind words directed towards me.
As a coach you expect total dedication from your coaches. Sometimes adults need a little push too. I am not perfect, and I do not claim to be. But I am out there because, I love being a part of not only my kids lives but, help other children to succeed on and off the field . If you were there for the year, you would have observed the coaching staff talking to the kids and the parents about the yelling and raising voices. That is, if you were one of the parents present at the practices. Do you have children? Have you ever rasied your voice to your children? Have you ever yelled at another adult? Have you ever been part of a coaching staff? Our coaching staff was and is a faimly and sometimes yelling is a form of communication between family members. The problem with society today is people communicate on the internet and e-mails and not in person. If you have a problem, go to the source and ask questions. We have always had an open door policy, I have always encouraged parent participation, in helping mold the boys that we coach. My coaching staff and I have stayed after practice numerous times to listen to parents voice there concerns and also voice there appreciation. If more parents stepped up to the plate and talked to their childs coaches and voiced their opinions, we would all be better people, coaches and parents. I appreciate how pasionate all of the people responding to this blog are. Football is not a sport for the sensitive or weak, our job as coaches is to protect,teach and prepare the players for the next level. Come out and watch next year and see our boys play, you will be amazed.  written by New , November 29, 2007
(New To Tracy) To all the Cougar parents,coaches,players stop responding to all this...It is human nature to put down something that is doing better then the rest.. Keep your heads high and we'll do it again next year ..There is no need to defend yourself or this organization if you really believe that you are doing the right thing ... To all the Adults involved with the Cougar's Organization from The Schober Family THANK YOU !!!!
written by New , November 29, 2007
If you all don't mind i would like to take this time to
get a shout out .. If there is anyone who is intereseted in playing baseball for tavelball please let me know i am trying to exspand my organization to the Tracy area now that we live here NEED Good Coaches and players. And so i don't get a article written about me let me tell you all now this organization is HIGHLY COMPETITIVE on the field ..trying to get all ages involved ...building new website please respond if interested at www.weplayforkeeps.net Thanks PS: Cougar Fan !!!!! written by bigdog , November 29, 2007
I'm with you "New". Let's put this sick dog to rest and go win a Super Bowl. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Coooouuuugarrrrsss !!!!
 written by CougarDad , November 29, 2007
The coaches give nothing but time, for this thanks. when you do choose to be a coach however it is your responsibility to hold yourself to a higher standard than most. I was proud of the boys and coaches who worked hard that day to win. Lets be honest however, there were a few coaches and mostly parents who acted like kindergarten kids and not people for 8yr old kids to look up to and learn how to win with pride and shake hands like gentleman. Most did exactly this but a few parents and coaches taunted the opposing team and this embarrassed me as a cougar parent. Maybe that is what the author saw as well. I am glad it was brought up because now we can use that as a learning experience to be better role models for our kids.
GO COUGARS  written by Cougar parent and loving it , November 29, 2007
To the coaches and parents of the cougars, Job well done! You taught these kids about seeing it through to the end, and the reward, and sometimes hatred that comes from success. To those parents who were ashamed of what they saw that day, or through out the season here is a thought....Place your children on another team. Teach your children about options in life, and learn a little something about it yourselves. There are multiple teams in the surrounding area. No one has forced you or your children to stay. Every team and every coach is not the perfect fit for every child and every parent. Instead of criticizing what you can not change, change what you can and that is the team you choose for your child to play for. Life is about options, decisions and I teach my son to make every decision as though it will affect him the rest of his life. I encourage the parents of those kids who were ashamed, embarrassed of whatever they have felt through this season to do the same. Another thing I teach my son is accountability for ones own actions. With this being said, I hold my self and my self alone accountable for how my child acts on and off the field. If I see my child doing or saying something he shouldn’t and I feel it is "HIS SURROUNDINGS", I change the surroundings. I do not however allow him, or myself to use other people and what he sees as a scapegoat to his actions. I teach him to never allow other people to cause you to react to anything. Instead your actions should be your actions no matter what anyone else is doing. I also allow him to be human, which means he is not going to get it right every day of his life. I personally believe the coaching staff has encouraged this same mentality on the field and off.
written by Cougar parent and loving it , November 29, 2007
Are they perfect, no? But you show me a perfect coach, a perfect parent, or a perfect person, and I’ll show you those same people standing around pointing out others imperfection. The coaches have admitted to imperfection and hold them selves accountable for their actions. However no one should be allowed to persecute the coaches for their dedication, and loyalty to these kids, especially not based on being human with feelings, frustrations and emotions, especially the parents who sat idly by and allowed there children to stay through the season. Where is the accountability in that????
written by Cougar parent and loving it , November 29, 2007
Cougar staff I feel as though the vast majority support your efforts and see what you have achieved with these boys on and off the field. For the others who think the meaning of the word coach, is parent so I don’t have too this is not the team for you. The word coach is defined by dictionary.com as “a person who trains an athlete or a team of athletes.” The cougar’s staff has done an extraordinary job of doing that and more. If you want coaches to teach the fundamentals of the game with a passion, show your child to play with heart, and come hard or don’t come at all. Love the game, respect yourself and your team and give 110% of yourself on and off the field, well then the cougars are for you. But if you want a coaching staff to parent Mon-Fri 5:30-8 in your absence as you run errands, or on game day to your likings sorry. You are out of place in Cougar territory. Cougars are about families coming together every practice, from the youngest toddlers in the mighty cougar’s gear, to the oldest grandparent ringing cougar’s bell, and supporting what the coaching staff teaches our kids about football and watching those boys give their all in practice and play there little hearts out for the love of the sport every weekend.
written by Cougar parent and loving it , November 29, 2007
It is about encouraging them to not quit when they don’t win, and to play harder with every win they do get. Cougars are a family, it isn’t perfect but I do have choices and this is the family I choose. So if some one gloats a little too much, or gets too excited for your liking or goes below the standards you have for your child, well step up and be, say and do more for and with your child. Truth of the matter is, the coaching staff is great, but no one on the staff if my sons role model. Neither is any professional athlete or anyone in history. My son’s father is. I even made to role model status a few times in a couple journals at school. But my son looks to us for the example no one else. And if you feel that any one else has that much control of your sons actions to the point of it possibly corrupting him. Maybe you should look at what you are not doing, and change it. GOOOOOOOO COOOOOUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGAAAARRRRRRRSSSS!!!
 written by DV , November 29, 2007
Congratulations and good luck to all of the Cougars Novice team players and coaches this Saturday, as they try to bring home the first Super Bowl Title in Tracy Cougar history!!! Lets not forget that the Cougar organization had a spectacular season.
 written by u wish u were a cougar , November 29, 2007
amen to that.. lets stop focusing on the negative - which was the problem with this article to begin with- and focus on the fact that all of the COUGARS squads had a fabulous year!!!
and for those of u that think differently, the coaches give more than their time. They are aware of what is going on in their players and families lives and work hard to bring out the best in each of them. Like someone before me said, I am proud to be a part of the COUGAR Family that can get along on and off the field and show our KIDS how to be proud of their accomplishments.... GGGGGOOOOOOOO NOVICE COUGARS - WE ARE READY FOR A WIN!!!!!!!!! U KNOW!!!!  written by Football fan , November 29, 2007
If the Cougar Novice team had a JV player play with them in Vegas this would be a clear violation of the practice bylaws of DYFL and make this team have to forfeit. And if it is what I herd a JV player not on the Novice roster in Vegas but on the JV tenement roster. This makes them Tournament cheaters as well! So RB if you know this to be true you should do the right thing and turn them in.
 written by COUGAR BOY , November 29, 2007
READ-READ-READ-READ-READ-READ-READ-READ-READ-PART 1...CHIRS ROBERTS IS A CRY BABY. WHEN IS HE GOING TO FOCUS ON THE POSITIVES ON THIS SQUAD NOT THE NEGATIVES. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME HE WRITES ABOUT THE COUGARS AND IT IS NEGATIVE, MAN WUSS UP WIT DAT?! I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM BE A REPORTER FOR THE STOCKTON TEAMS AND HE CAN COME BACK TO US AND TELL US THAT WERE NOT THE ONLY ONES. AND THIS GUY IS CRYING ABOUT ONE PHONE CALL DAT HE WAS EASVADROPPING ON. IF HE WANTS TO BE A REPORTER ON THE NEAGATIVE WHY DON'T THE TRACY PRESS SEND HIS A S S OFF TO HOLLYWOOD AND HE CAN BE A PAPARAZZI. THIS GUY NEVER SHOWS THE COUGARS ANY LOVE, HE THINKS ITS ALL ABOUT THE RAIDERS. HE NEVER SHOWS ANY UPDATED PHOTOS AND A MATTER OF FACT SOMETIMES HE NEVER PUTS ANY PHOTOS FROM THE COUGAR GAMES.
AND WHY IS HE GOING TO COME BACK THE NEXT WEEK TO OUR PRACTICE AND TRY TO WRITE A REPORT ON "THE FIRST GIRL TO PLAY ON TH COUGARS" YEAH THAT IDIOT IS A LITTLE TOO LATE. WHY IS HE GOING TO COME TO LITERALLY THE VERY END OF THE SEASON AND TRY TO SHOW US SOME LOVE? BECAUSE HE WHEN GOT EVERY COUGAR MAD. AND BACK ABOUT THE "FIRST GIRL TO PLAY ON THE COUGARS" THATS SOME BULL. I PLAYED ON THE 1ST JV TEAM BACK IN THE DAY WHEN WE ALLREADY HAD 2 GIRLS ON THE TEAM. SO OBVIOUSLY HE DOSENT PAY ANY ATTENTION TO US COUGARS. AFTER A PARENT TOLD HIM ABOUT THERE HAD ALREADY BEEN 2 GIRLS ON THE TEAM, THEN HE IS GOING TO PUT "FIRST GIRL TO PLAY IN SUPERBOWL FOR COUGARS", OK WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THE TEAM. THIS IS OUR FIRST SQUAD EVER TO MAKE SUPERBOWL FOR THE COUGARS EVER! SO WHY ISNT HE GOING TO TALK ABOUT THE REST OF THE TEAM. written by COUGAR BOY , November 29, 2007
READ-READ-READ-READ-READ-READ-READ-READ-READ-PART 2.....
TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH THIS GUY LOOKS LIKE A DONKEY FOR NOT KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT OUR TEAM. AND OF COURSE A PARENT IS GOING TO GET EXCITED AND SAY 2 BAD WORDS ABOUT THEIR KIDS MAKING THE SUPER BOWL. I WAS PERSONALLY THERE WHEN THAT PARENT MADE THAT CALL, AND I HEARD IT. I DONT SEE WHAT THE BIG DEAL IS AND THE REST OF THE COUGARS DONT SEE THE BIG DEAL BECAUSE IM SURE THAT SOME PARENT WOULD HAVE HEAD IT. IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM ONE OF THE PARENTS WOULD HAVE COMPLAINED TO OUR PESIDENT, AND NOPE THEIR WAS NO COMPLAINTS BOUT THAT. AND THIS GUY NEVER PLAYED FOOTBALL IN HIS CILDHOOD HE WASNT ATHLETIC AT ALL SO YEAH ITS OK CHIRS WE NO THAT YOU HAVENT GOT USED TO THE FOOTBALL ENVIORMENT..WE UNDERSTAND..  .HAHAH NOT  !!!! SO BASICALLY THIS ONE GUY, CHIRS ROBERTS, IS CRYING AND TRYING TO MAKE US LOOK BAD. SO YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT NOT ONE RAIDER PARENT HAS EVER SWORE OUT LOUD LIKE THAT? HAHA THIS GUY IS FUNNY. THIS IS OUR 1ST SUPERBOWL AND WE GUNNA HAVE MORE IN THE FUTURE CHRIS SO GET USED TO US, CUZ U GONNA SEE A LOT MORE OF US NEXT YEAR...A YO CHRIS.."YOU WISH YOU WERE A COUGAR!!!" written by CougarDad , November 30, 2007
By the way, thank you to the Raiders fans who contributed money towards the children of Monique Gulley who passed away this past month. The Raiders were actually able to raise as much if not more money than the Cougars for which the kids are very greatful. The Raiders were classy in both the win at JV and the loss our boys at Novice. I hope the rest of my fellow Cougar parents can learn a lesson from them about being good football citizens. I would hate to be included with the likes of some Modesto and Stockton teams and labeled another ghetto thug team. I am hopeful still because until this year and especially that game, we Cougars have always had class. Let's take this public outing as a lesson and be better fans and role models instead of deflecting responsibility - that only makes us look bad.
Go Cougars! Take home the Super Bowl trophy.  written by Hells ya, You wish you were a Cougar!! , December 01, 2007
First of all, Chris, are you really familiar with The Cougars organization?? You contradicted what you said by not mentioning a specific team. You don’t even know!! You’re nose is so far up the Raiders you smell!! Let me guess all of your fan club must be rivalry to the Cougars?? You’re lucky you still have a job since you give such a great piece of mind demoting Parents as a whole, especially Tracy residents. Your not a good role model and don’t deserve your position representing The Tracy Press.
Second, if you’re a Cougar, you know that this is one of the best organizations out in DYFL physically, mentally and financially. The Cougars are well rounded, very organized and well put together starting from the Board members, Coaches, Parents, down to the Players, and mascots. The children were taught how to be a team player, discipline, structure, and RESPECT for each other. Respect for the game as well as knowledge. The children have a family out of their own. Why let this man put fuel to your fire. You are giving into the devil by allowing him to get under your skin. You just aired your dirty laundry and if you’re so disgusted with the way your son was taught ask him how he feels about being a team player. Why did you stick around?? You should have left from the start and played for another organization!! You and the editor are negative, get a life!! written by CougarDad , December 03, 2007
@ "Football Fan"
After the disaster in Vegas and how my son was treated, I am going to say something to both the league and to the Vegas organizers. After speaking with several other parents, we have decided to do this together. The board should do something about the cheating. I am so pissed right now. My son came home from Saturday's game crying. I thought it was because they lost.He was sad because the coach promised my boy he would play him repeatedly and never did even when the game was practically lost. After two years we are done with the Cougars. They are a win at all costs team and that is sad. My son misses coach Brown who was always fair with him (and others I suppose). I am fed up and will tell people about the cheating this season. We are fed up... the Cougar board should be ashamed for letting this go on. The inaction is like condoning the bad behaviour. The talk here shows that we have sunk to new lows. The antics on the sideline is just a tip of this bad iceberg. I was offended when I was told by a board member to keep my mouth shut and to stand together as a team but I won't do that for people who cheat and lie. The recommendations to go elsewhere by others is taken and we will be playing soccer next year. Cougar football was fun for a while. Thanks for ruining it for the kids grownups.  written by football fan , December 04, 2007
Here is the phone number for the man in charge in Vegas. (John) 1-800-327-9311 Video is on the way but more parent accounts are welcome. This must change, this executive board must go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 written by Darth Raider , December 04, 2007
Football Fan, thank you for the phone number. I've been wanting to call Vegas and let them know that our Raider Junior Novice team played in the tournament without insurance. Hmmm, without our own insurance that would mean we played without Delta approval. The Raiders Junior Novice would be guilty of mixing squads since we played with Novice players. Did we really need to recruit from the Cougars? That kid from the Cougars got more play time than my nephew. I will also let John know that when my son played last year on the Raiders Varsity team, we played with Freshmen players from both West and Tracy High School squads using names and birth certificates from kids on our Varsity Raider official roster who did not attend Vegas. Oh yeah, don't forget the Head Coaches 16 year old son also played. It was funny at the time but now I realize we were Tournament Cheaters!
written by CougarDad , December 04, 2007
Darth Raider - if you had similar experiences as my kid, you should most definately report the Raiders. I think we as parents need to clean up the corruption in our kids youth sports programs. It is our responsiblity to do so otherwise our inaction is really telling others that what happens is ok when it is clearly not. Youth sports is for the youth and for the kids who can't speak out, it is the parents responsibility to ensure they are safe and taught responsibly about competition, fairness, honesty, and integrity.
written by Get a life , December 04, 2007
I think you both, cougar dad and Darth raider need to get a life. It is funny how the only reason either you are making these accusations, which have yet to proven, is because both your kids didn't get played as much as you would have liked them too. Get over it and maybe soccer is better for both of you. Maybe then your kids will find something they are good at, and there parents can stop trying to relive their boy hood fantasies through them. I’m sure the cougars will be better off with out the likes of you. You self righteous, do the right thing when you don't get your way, instead of just doing the right thing. Adios!
written by Get a life 2 , December 04, 2007
Hey Get a Life...relax!!! Whoever said the other 2 are living their boyhood dreams through their boys? They are referring to the Delta and Cougar bylaws (Article 16 Minimum play rule)that say each player on the team is required to play a minimum of 4 plays every game. Look it up. If that hasn't happened, parents should have every right to be upset because the coaches aren't following the rules. If your so upset with what they have to say, I wonder what it is you're really hiding? Claim your a Cougar? Then I suggest you know you're own bylaws.
  written by Raider Parent =( , December 05, 2007
Wow! The Cougars have a 4 play minimum rule? You are lucky because we don't have that. My kid could sit on the sideline all year long & no one would care! Unless your child belongs to a team with no cares as to play time - stop your crying, at least your kid gets to play!
written by CougarDad , December 06, 2007
It would stink to be on a team that didn't play all of the kids. I guess the complaint is that a promise is made and not kept. Perhaps it is better to be up front about it and be honest with the kids and parents and tell them they won't get to play rather than making a promise and not keeping it. This is way off topic now and I am as guilty as the rest of the Cougar parents whatever your take on this is. It was an opportunity to vent and took it. I only hope that we shed some light on problems in youth sports. We only need to remember that these sports are for the kids and for the adults. The article I think pointed out that while the kids were emotional on the field as you would expect, some (NOT ALL) of my fellow parents were overly emotional and dysfunctional as supportive role models. If we can read the article and say thanks for the contructive criticism and make positive change, than we are doing the right thing. If however, we fight against changing for the good than we are spinning the adult problem for the worse. Sad to say that many of the comments made here provide this story more credibility.
written by Funny , December 06, 2007
Hey Cougar Dad, you are so off the ball, it's funny !! You have no idea what your talking about. You try to smash on the Cougars, because your son didn't get any playing time. Who made this so called promise to your son? The Cougars have a 4 play minimum rule, which most teams in our league don't have. All of the novice players got their minimum plays with the exception of the playoffs and the Super Bowl. Their is no 4 play minimum in the playoffs or Super Bowl, because we aren't guaranteed to make the either. If you want to leave the Cougars, go ahead. You will find that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. "Raider Parent =(" can tell you that. The Cougars Organization is one of the best and most respected in the DYFL. You are sadly mistaken and misled. It's a sad day !!
written by Funny , December 06, 2007
Get a grip Cougars Dad, you've got a chip on your shoulder for some reason. Get counseling for it.I've been a Cougar Dad for 4 years, I wouldn't dare to entertain the thought of leaving. I'm a Cougar. If you had problems you should have come to the Coaches. I know for a fact that the coaching staff is very upfront and has an open door policy when it comes to speaking to parents with concerns. I'm so tired of people trashing the Couagrs. It's pathetic.
written by Get a life , December 06, 2007
To get a life 2. I'm very familiar with the bylaws and very much a cougar. Check the bylaws regarding playoffs and superbowls. I suggest before you make a statement you check your facts. And in case you missed it, I SAID THEY WERE LIVING THROUGH THEIR KIDS. That is my opinion and it's obvious by their lack of taking action or speaking up until now. And as for having something to hide, I don't. My issue is that the time to address your concerns or dislikes is not years or seasons down the line. If his son was his primary concern it should have been addressed at the start of the problem. But that is just how I handle things. My son is to important to allow someone to mistreat or break promises to for seasons before I take action.
written by This is ridiculous , December 07, 2007
Get a life, where in the bylaws (page 26) does it say that during playoffs and superbowl (referenced in bylaws as Delta tournaments and post season play) that coaches don't have to play their players if they don't want to? Where does it say that specifically? I do believe under the "playing rules" (article XX pg 23) under "general play" sect. Q-15 it says, "All DYFL & High School regulations will appply to this game." This game being all-stars...is that not a post season game? All DYFL regulations being a 4 minimum play per game regardless of superbowl or playoffs? Again, isn't this about giving our children the football experience?
written by Still a cougar fan , December 07, 2007
The Cougar bylaws says 4 min. play per game. DYFL doesn't say that. Regardless of superbowl or playoffs, shouldn't the Cougar follow their own 4 min. play rule for each kid? I believe playoff/superbowl is considered a football "game."
 written by Coach Gabe , December 07, 2007
The Raiders J.N. team had supplemental insurance for the Las Vegas tournament. I signed the policy myself.
No DYFL approval was required, however I did notify the South Conf. VP about our participation in the tournament. written by Coach Gabe , December 07, 2007
Another fact:
The Raiders J.N. team brought 2 Raider novice players and 1 Cougar Novice player to the tournament which is not a violation of any NYFC rule. This is also not a violation of any DYFL rule so long as the player does not go back to their Novice squad after the tournament. Each of the 3 above mentioned players wrote a letter of resignation to their respective teams before joining the Raiders JN squad to protect the teams that they resigned from against any accusation that they may have been cut. Finally, the Novice player from the Cougars was not "recruited" in any way. He asked to join our team for the tournament and the request was cleared through the appropriate channels before he was allowed to join our squad. To Darth Raider: I am sincerly sorry about your nephew's playing time. I do make every effort to get as close to equal playing time as possible and I feel that I was sucessful in that most of the year. During the championship game, I acknowledge that there were 4 players that I did not rotate in equally. The game was tight, it was for the championship, and I wanted our team to win. The kids on the field that day had earned their time and the confidence of their coaches and team mates. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss the issue any further. I dont have anything to hide (even my mistakes) and do not want you to think that I am insensitive to this issue.  written by Choctawblack , March 14, 2008
Although this is an old blog. Parents put yourself on notice. Youth football means nothing when your kid gets to college. If you want your kid to get the exposer and skill send them to youth football camp; Nike Combine, USC, UCLA, UCB, etc. Real coaches and scouts are their. Not the coaches who wished they could have played, or great on Playstation, but real coaches who teach. Your getting robbed by these organizations! Parents wake up, I could name a dozen kids who have benefited from these camps and are playing Div-1 football as I have written.
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It's scary that some of the people you speak of actually have children of their own. God help us.
http://winningyouthfootball.com