Sensitive

That’s what I’d call our community . It’s not a description I came up with but it’s apt the more I think about it . Political correctness is heightened here , look out Melbourne we’re not there yet . It’s ok to be sensitive , it’s ok to not want to offend and it’s ok to avoid conflict but I’m sick of chaining up honesty , a sense of humour and fun . Leroy’s playing soccer , never thought I’d see the day . Got to be honest , it’s a sport I appreciate but don’t love . Of the 3 team sports Leroy has played over here this seems to be the one that has a hang up with parents . I get it , the kids are playing , not us. Encouraging kids is the only sound we need . Keeping your thoughts on things you don’t like are best expressed in private . Every now and again you get a ref who likes to be the centre of attention and that’s ok …… sort of . Anyway you gotta suck it up . The games over and I’m watching one of Leroys mates play in the next game . We are about 15 meters behind the goal . There’s a corner kick and I yell out , ” hey Beau , I’ll give you $20 if you can head this in . ” He looks at me confused and says , ” I’m defending , it will be a own goal .” I laugh and say ” ok I’m guessing you not gonna want the $20 .” That’s when the ref stops the game and calls me out .. “Hey , dad … zip it . We don’t need your commentary from behind the goal . ” He motions the zipping movement across his lips . I’m speechless , I smile on and nod my head . Leroy looks at me and whispers ” Dad , please don’t say anything .” ” Don’t worry Leroy , I wouldn’t want to offend anyone . People might get upset . ” A couple of parents walk past and there’s a stiffness in their body language . It’s like a subconscious barrier that can’t be hidden ….. ‘ oh the ref spoke to you , you bad man ‘ . When it all passes I mention to a couple of parents that I think this was an over reaction and that I thought the ref was a nob . I don’t get much of a response . I’m digging myself deeper . This is where kids sport is heading , I’m getting worried . Here in Hermosa we are kings of social decorum . We can’t even get in the school grounds to pick our kids up until the final bell has ring . They lock us out with a gate . They reckon we are a distraction to the kids in class , preciousness over load . I still walk in the back entry as this is where the cars come in . I sit down on the benches provided and quietly laugh to myself as the masses wait at the front gate . What’s wrong with an email or a sign warning parents to keep the noise down ? But no we take it to the next level . Walking around on egg shells , prancing around pretending we are in a Walt Disney movie , keeping little Johnnie all wrapped up in cotton wool . Ohh fuck , I guess I’m a dinosaur, a creature of the past , someone who can take the piss and receive it … and someone who knows what’s stupid and who a nob is .