Isn’t it boring to sit all day and watch sports? I am of course not talking about one day cricket on TV. I am right on the field, watching ultimate frisbee and had no clue about the game rules. My teenaged son chose to play the game, this year after his swim and dive team games were abandoned in winter due to the pandemic.
Immigrant parents have to learn many things, which they might think have no values, keeping their traditional mindset. Who would like to sit whole day in the field, seeing boys throwing the disc catching / throwing around. At the end aiming to pass the disc to the teammate in the end zone, which that team is attacking to score a goal.
The game seems to be similar to soccer, except ball is replaced by a disc. The disc is thrown/caught by hand etc.. Around me many parents/grandparents were sitting and shouting go.. go.. supporting the players. I was odd man out, busy with my iPhone trying to console myself, Khalique, there is no age bar to learn. Don’t feel shy, catch hold of some people and ask question about game rules. Being Minnesotan nice, they will give you smile, and help you explain the basic game rules.
It is pandemic time, can I go closer to them, it is noisy lots of shouting to cheer players going around. The Governor, removed the mask mandate in open areas for vaccinated people, I have no mask. Not sure what they will feel, having all these question in mind, was making me nervous. Well in this country it’s absolutely fine to say I DON’T KNOW and be truthful, you will find answers and get help from others.
Is it your shyness holding you back? Pandemic can be a better excuse to not go closer to ask question. While I was keeping my finger busy to type all these gossips, suddenly supporters around me started shouting as if something decisive happened. I also started clapping and cheering the players. Soon my son came to me and said Abba (Dad) we WON.
At the end there was a photo session got opportunity to take team pictures. Interacted with team coach and made a comment that, I might not have to introduce myself (as my teenager was the only player with immigrant origin). I was honest in accepting the fact that as a parent have to do my homework to better understand the game rules. Ultimately the game will be more interesting to watch. One parent hearing my comment smiled and said, game rules are bit confusing, this is our first year, we are also learning. Just cheer the players, whenever you notice the excitement on the field.
As immigrant sometimes we undermine ourselves, just do your homework and next time you can educate others about the game rules for sure 🙂
Wonderful n cheers to the wonderful spirit of the story😀👍
I started writing down one thing at the end of every day — what I actually managed to do. Not a to-do list, not plans. Just one small win. It’s surprising how quickly it shifts your perspective.