The youth flag football league ends the fall season in one week. Last week’s game was important, especially to the teams that were closer to the playoffs. The stake was high, and so was the pressure. It didn’t take long before kids started to get frustrated. Frustration turned into temper tantrums and blaming. Not helpful at all.
It was obvious that this one team was under-prepared to face their opponents, but more importantly, the children didn't know who they played the game for.
When the game has become individual gains and losses (personal) instead of helping others play better and the team spirit (impersonal), it's hard to imagine how the game would turn out differently.
Naturally, the children want to win. But before winning, they need to learn what it means to be a team.
