Question Number: 15567

Other 5/22/2007

RE: Rec & Competitive Under 13

Twyla Strogen of Bridgeport, WV asks...

This question is a follow up to question 15343

Hi - thanks for all of the good information and discussion [15343]. I have an additional question. My children were taught to not take a knee in their travel team because it is not good to go from prolonged running to a crouched position, restricting blood flow that was already increased. However, my children take criticism in their rec games for not taking a knee. Coaches and other parents feel my children are not being respectful. Have you heard of any health concerns from 'taking a knee'? I've tried researching medical sites but have had no luck so far. The coach laughed at me when I told him the reasoning.

Thanks,
Twyla

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

There's far more about being respectful than taking a knee. Who is showing more respect, the players who are standing silently watching to see if the player will get up, or the players down on a knee laughing about the foul?

As far as a health issue, it seems intuitive to me if the ground is cold and/or wet - sounds like a cramp just waiting to hit. I'm not sure about restricted blood flow due to crouching, but certainly continuing to move will help keep muscles from knotting up.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Thats stupid! I agree with you! I hate it when players take a knee. I still do not know why they do that.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Twyla,
as we have indicated most of us are in agreement that the need to take a knee is not a good idea.

It is fine for us as humans to show compassion and concern for our fellow participants. We can hardly fault the emotion that precedes it only the action that demonstrates it!

I would agree that going to ground in a crouch position restricts airflow to the lungs as well as set up possible cramping conditions. As I suggested previously there are far better things to do then kneel or sit and watch as treatment is rendered IF it is needed!

Resentment is often reserved for those who do not follow the script of righteous indignation. Those so full of their own self importance tend to perceive a difference of opinion as an attack of their own self-worth. You must think yourself better then them if you go against their wishes.

Respect is an earned quantity and the quality of one's character is not just in an action but partnered in deed, in heart and in the mind set of each individual.

I have often found leagues controlled by adults but refereed by youth. The adults do not trust the youth to recognize or fully comprehend the importance of safety for their children as well as they do. Adults set up this control format because they hold the opinion that a young referee cannot deal adequately with serious injuries and better to be safe than sorry if we all stop then the referee is forced to as well!

It is more likely in travel or more competative enviroments this knee thing tends not to take place!

Personally I prefer a coach instruct his players to kick the ball out of play if they are SO concerned that their player or even an opponent's player is hurt. While I can think it unneccessary, as referee, I can respect the sentiment. I am not in anyway advocating that a team should do so, only that they could!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

I don't like instantly stopping and taking a knee. It interferes with my ability to make a decision regarding the seriousness of an injury. I also believe it offers the chance a player who does this will be injured because of the rapid cooling induced by ground contact. On an artificial surface the chance of burns is also present. A way around this demand from the coach is to walk to the touchline and ask for a drink of water. This shows nothing one way or the other, gets you a drink and otherwise occupies the coach.

Regards,