It is in fact hockey season, but after going to the rink for the past couple of months, I ‘ve seen something that really gets my ire, and it occurs in lacrosse as well.
I do not understand the moms and dads that carry juniors’ equipment in to and out of the arena. Of course I’m excluding the 4, 5, 6, and I guess even 7 year olds from this discussion. But in my opinion at the age of 8 and on, what the hell? Given that literally everything inside the bag in both sports ends up on junior while playing, I do not buy the “it’s too heavy for them to carry” theory”. If that is the case, why is mom or dad not out on the floor / ice playing for the kid, because it is all on them then?
My son is 11 (turning 12) and I see it every practice and every game in this hockey season. The only time I have ever done this (past 6 years old) was when he was 9 while at a lacrosse tournament. He was sick like a dog in between games, and we were unsure if he could play any further. He tried to impress dad I’m sure, and give it the “old college try”. Well he ended up playing the entrie game and was a little woozy afterward. I felt given his efforts, he deserved a hand to the car and carried his bag for him. But is my one time the same thing as mom or dad that maybe believe that their junior tried so hard, they deserve to be catered to the car as well? This is also not a house league vs. representative issue; I:ve seen it in both.
It is my opinion that kids really learn to respect the game, and earn the respect of their teammates / coaches when they show a little courage and handle their own equipment bag to and from the arena.
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I agree. It’s always been our practice to let the child carry the bag, girl or boy. We tell them, “If you can’t carry your own bag you shouldn’t be playing.”