Signed Joe-Henry up for some Pop Warner Flag football. He and I have been working on his spiral, and catching the football. Yes, you may picture that in your mind. JH in his helmet, and his chubby old mom out there doing drills with him. Charley does too, but I thought that visualization might be more entertaining for you. Sort of "America's Funniest Home Videos of the Mind".
With his kt, I am nervous about letting him play, but was assured by the gentleman at the sign-up that they aren't allowed to push, much less tackle. Still, the second item on the form we had to sign gave me pause:
2. INTENT TO INFORM
I acknowledge that I am fully aware of the potential dangers of participation in any sport and I fully understand that participation in
football, cheerleading and/or dance may result in SERIOUS INJURIES, PARALYSIS, PERMANANET DISABILITY AND/OR
DEATH*. Furthermore, I fully acknowledge and understand that protective equipment does not prevent all participant injuries, and
therefore I do hereby waive, release, absolve, indemnify, and agree to hold harmless the local, league and regional Pop Warner
organization(s), Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc., and any and all organizers, sponsors, supervisors, participants, and persons transporting
the above named participant to and from activities, from any claim arising out of any injury to my/our child whether the result of
negligence or for any other cause.
*capitalization not mine
Even without this little tidbit, the decision to let him play has been an agonizing one. Even if he didn't have the syndrome he does, I would be an extra cautious mom, and if I could, I'd wrap him in bubble wrap every time he leaves the house. But that isn't going to do much for his confidence or his social life, both of which are very strong. As his parents, we always walk a fine line between choosing what's best for him physically and emotionally. I would never let him play tackle football (and I know that argument is coming, I'm gearing up for it), but I think a team sport would be great for this social kid who has no siblings. He also knows that there's a big responsibility on his end. He has to keep doing well in school, keep up with piano practice and his chores at home in order to continue.
The first thing he said after we signed up was "I wonder if I'll be on the cover of a magazine?" Hmmmmmm....
I think playing on a team will give him a better idea of the rigors and responsibility that are involved, and help him to realize it's about playing a game, and not being a "playah".
6 comments:
Cover of a magazine -- that's hilarious. Keep deep breathing, Mrs. Brady! Team sports are the key to so many things in life. And that's an awesome picture.
He's going to have a blast. Every team I was ever on, from soccer to baseball to basketball to football, was terrible (it's just a coincidence, I swear!). But team cooperation is a valuable skill. He'll be fine, even without the bubble wrap!
He's gonna have so much fun!!In a few years we are going to let Isaac do karate.My mom&step-dads good friend have a daughter that is a karate instructor,and she said that she would give him the lessons.I'm looking forward to it,and nervous at the same time.....just thought I would share:)
Love the photo! It will be a good experience for him (and you!).
Parenting...one worry after another eh? I hope he just loves the game, and that he winds up on the cover of a mag, and that you will grow to love the sport with him!
I believe Walmart.com has some faux magazine covers in their digital photo section...
Hope he has a great time! My older son (9) has not really been interested in football, focusing on soccer so far, which is in the same season. We're hoping he turns into a punter when real football rears its head (can't tackle the punter you know!). My younger son has such awful stage fright that we have no idea if he will even like organized sports. We are trying some, but the boy has issues!
Home video of Charly playing football in his kilt could be fabulous though!
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