Today I was reminded of one of the truly awesome and wonderful aspects of youth curling bonspiels (tournaments) - when the kids go through the door out onto the ice, the game is ENTIRELY up to *them*.
No adults are allowed out on the ice. No coaches. No parents. No one.
Just the youth.
Unlike other youth team sports there are no coaches helping call the shots or determine the flow of play. There is no one to consult with. (Although we are nearby if there is a rules question that needs addressing or if there are safety issues.) From the initial start with a shaking of hands and a coin toss all the way to the end... it is entirely up to the kids.
The strategy. The scoring. The flow of the game. The making of the shots. The interpretation of the rules.
All of it... by them.
Of course we as coaches work with them to teach them all the different aspects of the sport and to prepare them for the games.
But when they go through that door... it is entirely up to them!
We are left to just watch from behind the glass... to celebrate... and sometimes to cringe... but there is absolutely nothing we can do but watch!
Pretty awesome for the kids!
