10/28/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/28/2024 at 11:00 am
We are addressing recent behavior observed during our 5th/6th grade football scrimmage last night against the Jr. Titans at our home field, where there was less-than-ideal conduct from BOTH sidelines during and after the game.
Our organization is, and always will be, dedicated to our kids. We are here to create an environment where players are encouraged to compete with heart, respect, AND good sportsmanship. Our coaches fully support and will defend our players, leading by example with dignity and class.
It is deeply disappointing that public statements have circulated misrepresenting our organization’s values and intentions. While these statements are inaccurate, we recognize that some comments made from our sideline coming from some parents were not consistent with our principles. We must be mindful of our behavior, especially during emotional moments on the field.
Football is a contact sport; our players tackle, block, and sometimes engage in spirited exchanges, but respect should always follow at any and all age groups. When the play is over, we help each other up; when the game is over, we shake hands, and ALWAYS demonstrate sportsmanship—win or lose.
Our program is and always will be about supporting our players and building character, not making a profit or finding a way to capitalize off of our families for our own personal gain; we have full time jobs, sometimes two, to take care of our own families. We started this organization because we love football, we love developing players, we love our families, and we wanted to spend as much time together as humanly possible. We want every player who wants to play the game to have a chance and we want the chance to help develop them into awesome players and people off the field. We are proud to provide these experiences for our kids without letting commercial interests compromise our mission.
In a time when respect, class, and trust in the coaches and process are needed in youth sports, we aim to set a positive example. We believe sports should be focused on our kids, their growth, the relationships, the memories, and the lessons they take beyond the field.
With that said, please remember, that while referees cannot see every angle of every play, and there is no booth review, sometimes calls will be missed. We MUST respect their efforts and refrain from seeking penalties or approaching them directly. That is the job of the Head Coach; not assistant coaches (unless given that role), parents or spectators. If parents or spectators have questions or concerns, we encourage them to approach our coaching staff respectfully, and they will communicate with the Head Coach, or you may contact the Head Coach directly, (although they maybe busy during game play at that particular moment.) Our coaches are equipped to handle these situations and are trained to communicate professionally with other coaches and officials. There is no need for spectators to get involved with any communication with the officials, the other team or the other team's families, especially with emotions running high during a game.
As an organization, we love and support our players and strive to protect what we've all built together, which is a program based on respect, character, and positivity. We CAN control OUR conduct, and in doing so, create the best environment for our kids to thrive. We urge everyone in our community, no matter what sport or organization they are a part of, to set an example of respect on and off the field, focusing on what matters most—the game, the players, and the integrity of youth sports. Just play the game.
We are a strong organization; a FAMILY, accepting of all players and families (new or current) and have one mission; to provide a supportive, competitive, and respectful football program that prioritizes the growth of EVERY player.
For those who may have reservations about the contact or level of contact in the game of football, there are many great non-contact sports to consider. Unfortunately getting hurt is in the nature of the game. Part of our program is to teach the players how to train to avoid injury as much as possible, but unfortunately it is inevitable in a high-contact sport.
Please remember that everything that happens, it's because of ONE PERSON, not an entire team and not an entire organization - One Person. We are not going to attack an entire organization or team - we are better than that and it will not be tolerated. Again, we control US, not THEM.
We appreciate the continued support of our players, coaches, and families as we work to build a culture of respect and responsibility. We truly feel like we have the best football family there is and we value all of our families who have been with us since our start, and all the new wonderful families that have joined us this season. We are committed to being part of the positive change that is absolutely needed in youth sports today.
It's time to press on to what's ahead.
We are SWARM. ALL IN. TOGETHER. EVERYDAY.
Media Contact:
Director, Swarm Sports Academy
[email protected]
