Be warned

I have yet to ‘toss’ my first player or coach from a game.  And as a rookie blue, my confidence levels rise and fall with the accuracy and interpretation of the laws of the game.  As such, players and coaches can ‘smell’ fresh meat.  And once there is blood in the water, they circle, one by one nibbling at your psyche, chirping at the close calls, barking at the calls you stuff up.  Then the coaching visits, then the en masse review of your performance and parentage.  Then there is the next game you encounter them.  There is an expectation the blue has not improved, is still just a quivering little person hiding behind some padding and a mask.  Not true.  Only the truly weak do not learn and I have learned.  So when the chorus begins over an interpretation of a rule, a simple call of ‘time’, a quiet, yet strong  word with the coach giving a warning concerning number 87 and a let’s get on with it.  Boom.  The change in attitude, in gait, interaction was remarkable.  Warn ‘em, toss ‘em.  Gain their respect.  Perhaps a toss or two will complete my apprenticeship.  Thanks Bill.

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