Narrative Essay

Soccer with Maussie
-A narrative essay help to explain the abstract ideas of soccer, but is also used as a learning tool due to rich details and its ability to evoke empathy in the reader.

A few days ago I was rummaging through my father’s garage. Any time I’m over there I always offer to clean in exchange for gallon milk jugs that have been filled with loose change. So, this time it was the garage. No one lets shit pile up like my father. I spent half the day re-arranging golf clubs, fishing lures, books, tapes, books on tape, films, shoes, tools, and more golf stuff. I was almost done when I came across a box of old film reels and a projector. Turns out, it was footage of my grandfather Ab playing soccer.
My Grandpa Ab was the son of English immigrants and had often mentioned the sport, but had never been able to bestow his love of the game upon any of us grandchildren. During the depression, his family was forced to relocate to the Midwest and thus became isolated from most, if not all, overseas culture. I remember him always trying to explain the game to my grandmother Mildred. We call her Maussie.
And now as Maussie spent most of her days holed up in the east wing of a nursing home, without my grandfather, waiting with anticipation for mealtime or craft hour, it made perfect sense to watch these tapes with her. As I thought a while longer, it occurred to me that the things that really made soccer-the thrill, the suspense, the primal violence-all of these things were a stark contrast to the life my grandmother was leading. I thought of how she must sit, day after day, disengaged while watching the sun move slowly across the patch of lawn outside her window. I thought of how the only thing she lacked was mobility, but she didn’t need that to experience the game of soccer. Her age and her history, the lack of naiveté- I believed this is what made soccer perfect for her.
I arrived at the nursing home just after lunch. This is because anyone schooled in nursing home etiquette understands that it is very uncouth to impede mealtime. I walked in just in time to see my grandmother, now 4’8”, standing up, beating her cane against the window shades.
“Maussie, do you need any help…what are you doing”? [Our conversations always began with me speaking louder than normal, yet not quite shouting.]
“Just closing the shades,” she yelled back as she beat against the window some more.
There she was- the sedentary, but very ornery little lady that was my grandmother: Ninety-two-years-old and still full of most of the spunk, vitality, and aggression of her youth.
“There”. She made a slight sigh as she reversed herself backwards and slowly sat down in her lay-z-boy rocker.
I began to tell her about what I had found in the garage as I started to set up the small projector in the tiny space. Like I mentioned before, my grandpa was always talking to Maussie about the game, but I was convinced she knew nothing because most of their conversations appeared very one-sided. My grandfather was terribly good at carrying on conversations with himself. So I decided I would just let the tapes run, and take a shot at explaining the game to her:
“Okay Maussie, so soccer, there’s two teams and they play against each other. Each team has a goal, and they’re all trying to kick the ball into each other’s goals. That’s basically the entire point of the game: to get the most goals. But, they, the players, can only use they’re feet. Except the goalie: he’s the guy that guards the goal, and he can touch the ball with his hands…. but not if it came from one of his teammates, only if it’s a person from the opposite team trying to score. So, have you got that much?”
“What Lyn…”, she said my name but she wasn’t looking at me.
“What”? She was staring at me now, pleasantly but blankly, “Okay, I’ll go on then… Um. Let’s see, then-I almost forgot about the officials. The men in black uniforms; they are the referee and the linesman. The referee is the big guy. He calls all the shots, and the linesman are kinda like his assistants. Plus they let him know if he’s missed something that’s happened on the field. And sometimes, when it gets interesting, they’ll dole out yellow cards and red cards- but only if a player gets rowdy. The yellow card just tells the player to straighten up, but the red means the player is kicked out of the game. They call it being sent off. Remember this Mauss: two yellows equal an automatic red. They don’t screw around. Is this making any sense yet?”
I think she said, “Mm, hmm.”
“Grandma, can you hear me?”, I spoke a little louder this time.
“Yea,” she said as she leaned over to retrieve a blanket she had been sitting on, “I can hear you.” She continued to look beyond me. She began to rock in her chair a little. I fidgeted for a minute, thinking maybe I was being bothersome…nah, of course not. I decided to continue.
“Alright, so let’s see…there’s an attacking team, and a defending team. Both have players playing in a formation, it’s called 4-4-2 because, besides each team’s goalie, there are two forwards, four midfielders, and four defenders. But, they also call them a bunch of other things like a forward could be an attacker, because all an attacker is, is someone trying to score. And see, midfielders could be called wingers if they’re close to the wings of the field…that just means near the sidelines. The defenders are associated with even more names like fullbacks, central defenders, sweepers, and stoppers… It seems to go on and on, but basically it just means that they’re all trying to stop the opponent from getting the ball into their net… “
“This is fun, right Maussie?”, I tried to jingle myself around to get her attention.
At this point there was a pause.
“What?” She kept rocking.
Well. Okay. I looked at my watch and thought to myself for a minute. I haven’t covered any of the rules yet…
“Laaawws of the Gaaayyme!” I said in a loud choir voice as I lifted up my hands to praise Jesus, thinking maybe this might re-instate her attention, or at the very least serve as self-entertainment.
“Fouls first. Most fouls are given out because someone is acting stupid, or doing something that could-you know- hurt somebody else, that kinda thing. Then, if a foul is committed-there’s a free kick. Free kicks are direct or they’re indirect: the only difference is that the direct kick lets you head straight for the goal, and with the indirect kicks, you have to pass it to someone else before trying to score. And…also, if someone touches the ball with their hands-remember Mauss, only the goalie can touch it with their hands-that’s a foul! The other team gets an indirect free kick…sweet huh?”
Okay, so what’s next? I began to recount my story so far in my head. Well, I haven’t said anything about offsides?
So now I guess I was getting a little disgruntled. How in the hell am I going to explain offsides?
“Lyn…”
I don’t even think she heard anything I said? Well, I could start with being in front of the second last opponent thing.
“Lyn…”
No, that’s not going to work because I’m not even sure what they mean by that. Um. Or maybe just what is not offsides first, that way-
“LYN!”
“What Maussie?”
“…You know…it’s a direct free kick.”
“What’s a direct free kick? Yea, like I just taught you…a direct free kick?” I smiled at her.
“When somebody uses their hands”, she began to pet her palms, “ to touch the ball, the other team gets a direct free kick.”
As I tried to figure out what just happened, a small giggle passed over the wily little lady. She paused for a moment and then said quietly to herself, “and that’s called a fake.”

Final Process Flow

Shown is the final Process Flow diagram. After several group critiques, as well as being shown to the same 3 users that evaluated the concept map, I arrived at a stage of completion. However, after printing out the first copy it became evident that the lines running parallel needed to be distinguished from each other due to heavy visual confusion. I merely added a value change that alternates between the lines to make the diagram easier to read, and was thus finished with the Process Flow diagram.

Finished Concept Map

Shown is the final concept map. Upon the finishing of this version, I showed the map to 3 different users and asked them to evaluate its contents and clarity. 2 of my users were unaware of most, if not all, of the intracacies involving soccer and my 3rd evaluator was somewhat informed about the game and its structure. After these reviews, I corrected the elements that seemed to provide more trouble than information, and was then completed with the concept map.

Refined Concept Flow: Illustrator

This is the final format that I decided upon that will be used as the framework for the final concept map. The cyclical structure is the most fitting, I believe, for soccer due to the very high turnover rate between the offense and defense. Furthermore, the overall structure is very clear and uncomplicated that allows an opportunity at each section of the circle to go into more detail in near proximity. I next created my final version in illustrator.

Refined Concept Flow: Illustrator

Once the whiteboard and paper iterations reached a certain fidelity, I then moved into illustrator to create a more clear and concise version of my "post-it note" map. This is what I came up with.

Process Flow: one of many attempts

Shown is one of the first iterations of the process flow that has actually become cohesive!

Decided Structure

Shown is the chosen structure for further refinement.

Revising A chosen Structure

Next I moved to writing the the major terms on post-it notes and re-arranging them to finalize a chosen structure.

Concept Flow: 3rd Attempt

Yet a 3rd attempt!

Concept Map: 2nd Attempt

Shown is the second round of iteration, generated initially from a classroom whiteboard.

1st Attempts: Concept Maps

Shown is the first rought draft of the concept map. The structure was first mapped out on a white board, and then copied down to save for future reference.

Matrix

As a group, we created a Matrix. This is a tool that allows the terminology associated with a topic to be organized, compared, and then marked. After it is completed, the main terms will reveal themselves: the rows with the most squares filled in. The terms can then be used to fill in the main branches of the concept map.

Terms with the most associations:
Statium
Goal
Cleats
Yellow Card
Red Card
Scoreboard
Penalty Shot
Ball
11 players
Offense
Defense
Forward
Fullbacks
Midfielders

Responses To: How do you play soccer?

I asked several people to explain to me, via e-mail, briefly how to play soccer, assuming that I do not know how: so far, after 3 responses, the explanations are quite varied on length and knowledge in general.

1. Hmmm I actually dont know a thing about soccer. I know that there is a goaly and just a bunch of other people. HA and they kick some kind of.....ball. HA Im really sorry that I dont know anything about it. But if I can help in any other way...be sure to let me know :)



2. Ummm....let's see how good I know the game myself-it's been a while! Well, first off, it can be played indoor or outdoor...but I'm assuming you only need to know about outdoor soccer. Each team is allowed 9 players on the field at one time. It usually consists of 3 forwards wich play at the midfield and are the one's who take the most shots on goal. Then there are 2 midfielders. There are 3 fullbacks that play closest to the goalie...and that makes up for all 9 players on the field. The objective of the game is to score on the opposing team.. I don't know how else to explain it! I'm so sorry! I think it's because I'm tired....haha

2. ok well, not that I am an expert on the game, but I guess I can try explaining what I do know...so obviously you have two teams...one team starts with the ball and the objective of it, obsioulsly is to score by passing the ball from one player to another and scoring on the opposing team's goalie...when the ball goes out of bounce, the opposite team (who did not drive the ball out of the court) either throws or hits it back into the court to one of his teamates...i am not sure where the limits are exactly, but its something like this...if the ball goes out of bounce around the goalie, then it is the goalie who shoots it back in...if the ball goes out of the court between the corner of the court and the outer line of the goalie section, then it is something called a corner shot, where the a player shoots the ball from the very corner of the court to one of his teamates that is standing close to the goalie, trying to score...a penalty (that is when one player tries to score without anyone blocking between him and the goalie) happens when somebody causes a serious foul on another player...there is also something called a yellow and a red card...its like warnings for fouls; two yellow cards equal one red, and a red card equals expulsion for 2 games i believe...in soccer u cannot touch the ball with your hands, thats consider a foul and the ball is automatically given to the opposing team...thats pretty much all i think i know about the game...pretty much just follow the ball, try passing it to another player, and ultimately score...half time, you switch court sides...each period lasts 45 minutes, plus any additional time the ref might add for time that the ball was not moving (since soccer watch never stops, unlike football)...ok thats it, i hope this helps...

My blog is currently in a transitional phase: as for now, look for better things to come 1/9/05.

"Magritte Said that one could not provide a valid explanation of something until one had explained that explanation."
- Bernard Noel quoting Rene Magritte.

Interview w/ Aaron Moulton [soccer expert]
Due to Aaron's absence from the States, I was limited to a few questions:

1.As far as associations/clubs/teams...what is the difference and how are these kinda things managed? Like england v. mexico...government based teams...?

His Reply: there are different levels of competition, one is national, the otehr international.the englaish national leagues are run by the English FA (Football Association) there are( best first) The Premiership, The championship, League1, League 2, The conference. The FA also manages the English national team. This is made up of all the ebst English players from around the world, these players can be playing in any league around the globe. The International tournaments are arranged by FIFA, the football world governing body.

2. Also, who are the largest rivalries you can think of? ...Soccer has a historical reputation for being pretty violent.

Rivalries:england: Tottenham vs Arsenal(london derby) Manchester United vs Manchester City (Manchester Derby)
Italy: Roma vs Lazio (Rome Derby) Inter Milan vs AC Milan(Milan derby)
Spain: Real Madrid vs Athletico madrid( Madrid derby)
Scotland: Celtic vs Rangers( Glasgow Derby)
Argentina: Boca Juniors vs River Plate( Buenos Aires derby? I 'm not sure what city but they fukcing hate each otehr tehre are fan deaths at almsot every game from the riots.

[I've lifted this pic from Lisa]
Today, we created a board consisting of information concerning soccer in the most direct and indirect ways. Most often, style boards contain images that can be linked to the topic by cultural association only; however, we have included various terms, rules, and clarifications that strictly relate to the game of soccer.

Magazine Reviews

In continuing my efforts to become a soccer expert, I purchased two magazines: Four Four Two, and World Soccer. I guess my first question was what the hell does 442 mean? But then, through my foot ball expert Aaron and fellow classmates, I learned that it is a term associated with the generic formation of 4, 4, and 2 players. 2 forwards, 4 midfield, and 4 defensive players. After reading through most of the magazines as well as pinning up the content onto the wall, it became evident that most of the information was related to the pop culture guts of the game. Considering the magazine's demographic this makes sense. The next post will contain the pertinent information regarding the game!

I have since read this [some...or enough] book, realized it was worthless, and took it back to Barnes & Noble.

btw. thanks Daniel.

Next Steps: Rules & Regulations

I further read the "Laws of the Game 2005" which was last revised in July. The guidebook covers the 17 laws as well as associated information regarding assistant referees, additional instructions, as well as board procedures for members of the soccer associations. Most laws seem rather upfront, however some of the circumstances involved in "offsides" procedures are somewhat confusing. Moreover, most rules seem to have a rhythmic protocol, i.e. the throw-in, indirect free kick, and direct free kicks, are most often (excluding special circumstances) taken from where the last offense occurred, etc.

So, I guess I could say this: typically Im excellent at making things complicated, so this should be a pretty challenging task. (this is a sidenote: pictures are coming!)

Research to Date

I began my research online at the FIFA site and read both the "History of the Game" as well as the PDF version of the official "Laws of the Game".

The history of football dates back to the second and third centuries BCE in games that were performed during the Han Dynasty as well as a variety of similar games that can be linked to Japanese, Greek, Celtic, and Norman cultures. As the game evolved through the ages, it was mostly outlawed by most organized forms of government due to the affects the game had on its participants and surrounding environment. Most often, the games erupted into violence, which then turned into public property damage as well as public disturbances, etc. During times of war-100 Years' War specifically-the soldiers were prohibited from playing the game because it was deemed necessary that they practice archery instead.

In relativity to its existence, the regulation of soccer was quite recent: 1863. Before then, a variety of adaptations of the game existed: "Shrovetide football, as it was called, belonged in the 'mob football' category, where the number of players was unlimited and the rules were fairly vague (for example, according to an ancient handbook from Workington in England, any means could be employed to get the ball to its target with the exception of murder and manslaughter). Shrovetide football is still played today on Shrove Tuesday in some areas, for example, Ashbourne in Derbyshire. Needless to say, it is no longer so riotous as it used to be, nor are such extensive casualties suffered as was probably the case centuries ago." Ultimately in 1863, the rugby group parted ways from the centralized soccer associations in response to their overwhelming disapproval of carrying the ball.

Although the game was "persistently forbidden for 500 years", it was never fully suppressed. In the early 19th century, soccer became integrated with the public school system and this is seen as the point at which soccer became possible to organize and standardize.