The
latest episode of CBC Radio's This is That show discussed how the Midlake Youth Athletic Association in Midlake, Ontario has decided to eliminate the ball from its soccer program, in order to "further address some of the negative side of competition."
Keith Schultz, head coach (aka "Imagination Captain") of the Thundercats, the Midlake ball-less soccer team, is interviewed, and he explains that the course of the game is determined by "the kids' interpretation of what went down."
Schultz admits that he occasionally misses coaching traditional soccer (with a ball), but because "injuries are down and self-esteem is up," the Youth Association has judged its experiment with ball-less soccer to be a success — so much so that it's decided to extend the concept into the hockey program, by removing the puck.
The news report has sparked angry outbursts on message boards throughout the internet.
One guy complained that it was a symptom of the "Pussification of America" (he must have meant North America).
But, of course,
as Wikipedia notes,
This is That is a satire program "which airs comedic news stories presented in the style of a real CBC Radio public affairs program." In another words, this is yet another case of Satire Mistaken As News.
Pat Kelly,
This is That co-host, told
sportsgrid.com, "I guess it struck a nerve due to the sports theme. The response is still going strong."
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