I’m Not Scouting U9 Soccer
There’s a fine line between dedication and insanity, and apparently, I’ve been walking it. As you may be aware, I spend a good deal of time helping coach my daughter’s soccer team and generally paying attention to the youth soccer scene in Missouri (and elsewhere), and everybody in the Permanent Equity office knows it. That’s the context you need for this story.
Recently, my soccer-playing daughter landed her first soccer-refereeing job in the u9 division at the Show-Me State Games. Understandably, she was nervous. So I showed up to watch because I was proud of her and wanted to see how she did and also to be there just in case any overenthusiastic parents (you know who you are) questioned her calls.
Unbeknownst to me, our Managing Director Emily was also at one of those games because her nephew was playing. When she spotted me watching the game perhaps a little too intently, she approached and asked “What are you doing here?”
Not only was she suspicious, but it was clear she thought there was a non-zero chance that I was doing something crazy and/or creepy – like scouting a u9 soccer match.
“I came to watch [my daughter] referee,” I said and pointed at the girl who Emily knows is related to me.
“Oh, that’s awesome!” Emily replied, her relief apparent. Because if I had been doing what a small part of her thought I was doing, it admittedly would have been a bit much.
I don’t know that there is a profound lesson here, but it is a funny story. What is also true is that the line between dedication and insanity is indeed fine, and when you’re pursuing something zealously, it helps to surround yourself with people who aren’t afraid to tell you when you’ve crossed it. Even if you haven’t. Which I haven’t. But if I do, I trust Emily will tell me.
– Tim
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