Have you heard of Demias Jimerson? I would imagine that if you haven't yet, in the years to come you will! Demias is 11 years old 6th grader who is an amazing athlete. To learn more about him read this article!
Let's pretend that you're too lazy to read the article and even too lazy to watch the news report (wow, that issss lazy) - Here's the Kelly Driscoll paraphrase:
Demias Jimerson is a superstar. He leads his "league" in touchdowns. So the schools invoked the "Madre Hill" rule. Which, if I understand correctly, prevents Demias from scoring once his team is ahead by 14 points or he's scored 3 touchdowns.
The principal reports that it enables the other players a chance to score and develop their skills. In theory making the game more of a team sport instead of the "Demias Jimerson Show". I understand this philosophy. They're young and need every opportunity to learn the game and quite honestly if you're on his team and never get to touch the ball how much fun is that?
Though, I would also think that this is the coaches responsibility to call plays that involve the entire offense and not just one player. Yes, I'ma little incredibly, super-duper, completely competitive and fully understand the desire to win, but sooner or later defenses will learn to stop Demias and your whole offense will exploded in your face leaving you with inexperienced players left, literally, holding the ball.
The Madre Hill rule ends in the 7th grade, so Demias can score as often as possible with no limitations placed on him by the officals. But, in the meantime what are we teaching those on the field? I know there's an idealogy out there that says that we shouldn't even keep score, because having fun is what really matters in athletics. To which I think is complete hogwash. Competition teaches valuable life lessons. You will win. Great, hard work pays off. Be humble in your success. Encourage others. Teach others. Celebrate as a team. Never give up, keep pushing to be even better. You will lose. Great, remember how it feels and work harder. Be humble in your defeat. Don't lose heart. Be teachable. Celebrate for others. Never ever, ever, ever give up... because only then do you truly lose. Winning is nice, but it's also temporary. Play in such a way that pleases, honors and glorifys God.
I think the real "win" here is the job that Demias's parents are doing. Yes, he's a 6th grade football super-star, but his attitude is what's truly admirable. That part I won't give away, you'll have to listen to the news report and hear the words come out of his own mouth!
So what are your thoughts of the "Madre Hill" rule?
Let's pretend that you're too lazy to read the article and even too lazy to watch the news report (wow, that issss lazy) - Here's the Kelly Driscoll paraphrase:
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| Photo credit |
The principal reports that it enables the other players a chance to score and develop their skills. In theory making the game more of a team sport instead of the "Demias Jimerson Show". I understand this philosophy. They're young and need every opportunity to learn the game and quite honestly if you're on his team and never get to touch the ball how much fun is that?
Though, I would also think that this is the coaches responsibility to call plays that involve the entire offense and not just one player. Yes, I'm
The Madre Hill rule ends in the 7th grade, so Demias can score as often as possible with no limitations placed on him by the officals. But, in the meantime what are we teaching those on the field? I know there's an idealogy out there that says that we shouldn't even keep score, because having fun is what really matters in athletics. To which I think is complete hogwash. Competition teaches valuable life lessons. You will win. Great, hard work pays off. Be humble in your success. Encourage others. Teach others. Celebrate as a team. Never give up, keep pushing to be even better. You will lose. Great, remember how it feels and work harder. Be humble in your defeat. Don't lose heart. Be teachable. Celebrate for others. Never ever, ever, ever give up... because only then do you truly lose. Winning is nice, but it's also temporary. Play in such a way that pleases, honors and glorifys God.
I think the real "win" here is the job that Demias's parents are doing. Yes, he's a 6th grade football super-star, but his attitude is what's truly admirable. That part I won't give away, you'll have to listen to the news report and hear the words come out of his own mouth!
So what are your thoughts of the "Madre Hill" rule?
