Just for Kicks (9 page)

“That's my dad,” Brian muttered. “He might have been a star, except he injured his back.”

Mr. Fleet nodded.

I suggested cautiously, “It would be all right if the parents behaved themselves.”

Our coach smiled. “Go on.”

I took a deep breath. “If we get red cards for doing bad fouls, spectators should get red cards, and be suspended, for rude behaviour. We think that's a reasonable demand, isn't it?”

“I guess so,” Mr. Fleet agreed.

“But we can't red card the parents.”

Our coach's mouth twitched. “I may be able to arrange for someone to show red cards or yellow cards to parents who don't behave,” he said slowly. “But there's no point in my doing anything if you're on strike.”

“I think we can negotiate a settlement,” I said.

15

We trotted onto the pitch to warm up at the same time as the Pleasant Harbour players turned away from their coach. He looked at our coach, shaking his head and holding his arms wide. Mr. Fleet jogged across and they spoke quietly. Zebediah Lord arrived and joined the coaches.

Cuz bounded up to us, Chip, Olaf, and Meredith following. Cuz grabbed me in a fierce hug.

Julie held her arms out and said, “Sorry, Cuz.”

They hugged and then they both started crying.

“Why are you crying?” I asked.

“'Cause,” said Cuz.

The twins linked arms with Chip and steered him back across the field.

“You've had your hair cut. It looks nice,” said Jessica, leaning on Chip's shoulder.

Chip blushed.

“There was an old soccer game on television last night,” said Jillian. “It was so old the colours looked faded, and the players were wearing really short shorts. It was from 1966. I think it was the World Cup final.”

“That would be England and West Germany,” said Chip. “Germany scored a last-minute equalizer, but England scored twice in extra time to seize a dramatic victory.”

“You know
so
much about soccer,” Jillian breathed.

Olaf called, “Toby — quick!” He pointed into the trees beside the trail. “A pileated woodpecker. Can you see it? Look through these.” He took his binoculars from around his neck and passed them to me.

Mr. Fleet waved us over and said, “Shay, I want you to lead the team out. And Julie, your suspension has to stand.”

“I know.”

“But Referee Lord would like to speak to you.”

We lined up behind Shay while our friends from the Harbour clustered around Coach Ferret again, and Julie trotted to Referee Lord. He spoke quietly to her. Julie nodded. He passed something to her. She grinned.

Quan's dad held a megaphone to his mouth and announced, his voice crackling and tinny, “Please welcome your referee for this afternoon's championship game — Mr. Zebediah Lord.”

Referee Lord, in his black outfit, his silver whistle hanging around his neck, strode onto the pitch and stood with his arms folded, looking sternly from one set of supporters to the other. A smattering of uncertain applause greeted him.

Quan's dad announced, “Let's hear a Pleasant Harbour welcome for our visitors — the Brunswick Valley Mechanics.”

As Shay led us onto the field, a huge cheer rose from our supporters, and an opposing chorus of boos and jeers from the home spectators.

A piercing whistle blast silenced the crowd.

Zebediah Lord nodded to Julie. She ran across to the Pleasant Harbour supporters and held up a yellow card.

The referee thundered, “The home supporters receive a yellow card for rude behaviour. Two yellow cards add up to a red card, and a red card means I will suspend you from watching the game.”

“You can't do that,” called Meredith's dad.

“As the referee appointed to oversee this game, I have the authority to close it to spectators who are guilty of rude behaviour,” Referee Lord intoned.

Meredith's dad opened his mouth but closed it when her mom, standing beside him, dug her elbow in his ribs and said, “Keep quiet, loudmouth.”

Julie trotted back to the referee. He pointed to the announcer, who continued, “And now please welcome — your home team — your very own — Pleasant Harbour Incisors!”

This time a mighty cheer rose from the home crowd as Chip led our friends forward. Referee Lord glared at the silent visiting supporters until, first Linh-Mai's dad, then Mrs. Fiander, broke into applause. Referee Lord nodded and smiled as others joined in.

Quan's dad announced, “The Pleasant Harbour Incisors and the Brunswick Valley Mechanics will now play for the first Fundy Junior Soccer League championship.”

Mr. Price shouted, “We're champions already because we won the first game.”

“No, you didn't,” came through the megaphone from Quan's dad.

“Yes, we did,” Mr. Price retorted.

“Didn't,” came through the megaphone.

“Did.”

“Didn't.”

Zebediah Lord strode to Quan's father and took the megaphone from him. Julie held up the yellow card as the referee thundered through the megaphone, “The two of you receive a caution for rude behaviour. If I have to talk to you again, you will receive a red card and will be suspended from watching the game. Do I make myself clear?”

“I suppose,” Mr. Price muttered. He looked across at Brian, who, with his back to his dad, was kicking the goalpost fiercely, and added, “Yes. I understand.”

Brian looked round and grinned. He jumped and swung from the crossbar.

“Sorry, Mr. Referee,” said Quan's dad.

As we took our starting positions, Zebediah Lord looked across at Mr. Fleet. I saw him raise his eyebrows, and our coach, looking back, give a little nod.

“Everybody ready?” asked Referee Lord.

From my position at centre, I looked around at my friends on the pitch, at the parents on the sidelines, at the sparkling harbour across the road, and the Mountain Road winding up into the trees on the other side of the Harbour Field.

“Enjoy your game,” said Referee Lord.

I watched Olaf place his binoculars carefully in the back corner of his net.

Zebediah Lord blew his whistle, said, “Play on,” and strode to the side of the field.

“Where's Mr. Lord going?” asked Cuz.

I understood, just as I now understood which Toby I wanted to be. “Simple,” I said. “He's giving us back our game.”

The crowd burst into cheers and applause as I took the kickoff. From the corner of my eye, I saw Conrad and Ma and Mr. Sutton join the cheering crowd.

Shay's grandad looked over at the referee watching from the sideline. He nodded and smiled.

Copyright © 2010 by Robert Rayner

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishers acknowledges the support of the Ontario Arts Council. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund for our publishing activities. We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, which last year invested $20.1 million in writing and publishing throughout Canada. We acknowledge the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Media Development Corporation's Ontario Book Initiative.

Cataloging data available from Library and Archives Canada

James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Pub lishers
317 Adelaide Street West
Suite 1002
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 1P9

www.lorimer.ca

ROBERT RAYNER is a former elementary school principal in St. George, New Brunswick. He worked as a journalist in Cambridge, England before turning to education. His books featuring the kids of Brunswick Valley include
Walker's Runners
, nominated for the Ann Connor Brimer Award,
Just for Kicks
and
Falling Star
both Hackmatack Award nominees, and the Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice selections
Suspended
and
Miss Little's Losers.

http://personal.nbnet.nb.ca/raynernr/

Other Books by Robert Rayner:

Falling Star

Libby on Strike

Libby's Got the Beat

Miss Little's Losers

Out of Sight

Scab

Suspended

Walker's Runners

Other books you'll enjoy in the Sports Stories series

Basketball

o
Fast Break
by Michael Coldwell

Moving from Toronto to small-town Nova Scotia was rough, but when Jeff makes the school basketball team he thinks things are looking up.

o
Camp All-Star
by Michael Coldwell

In this insider's view of a basketball camp, Jeff Lang encounters some unexpected challenges.

o
Nothing but Net
by Michael Coldwell

The Cape Breton Grizzly Bears prepare for an out-of-town basketball tournament they're sure to lose.

o
Slam Dunk
by Steven Barwin and Gabriel David Tick

In this sequel to Roller Hockey Blues, Mason Ashbury's basketball team adjusts to the arrival of some new players: girls.

o
Courage on the Line
by Cynthia Bates

After Amelie changes schools, she must confront difficult former teammates in an extramural match.

o
Free Throw
by Jacqueline Guest

Matthew Eagletail must adjust to a new school, a new team and a new father along with five pesky sisters.

o
Triple Threat
by Jacqueline Guest

Matthew's cyber-pal Free Throw comes to visit, and together they face a bully on the court.

o
Queen of the Court
by Michele Martin Bossley

What happens when the school's fashion queen winds up on the basketball court?

o
Shooting Star
by Cynthia Bates

Quyen is dealing with a troublesome teammate on her new basketball team, as well as trouble at home. Her parents seem haunted by something that happened in Vietnam.

o
Home Court Advantage
by Sandra Diersch

Debbie had given up hope of being adopted, until the Lowells came along. Things were looking up, until Debbie is accused of stealing from the team.

o
Rebound
by Adrienne Mercer

C.J.'s dream in life is to play on the national basketball team. But one day she wakes up in pain and can barely move her joints, much less be a star player.

o
Out of Bounds
by Sylvia Gunnery

Jay must switch schools after a house fire. He must either give up the basketball season or play alongside his rival at his new school.

o
Personal Best
by Sylvia Gunnery

Jay is struggling with his running skills at basketball camp but luckily for Jay, a new teammate and friend has figured out how to bring out how to bring out the best in people.

Figure Skating

o
A Stroke of Luck
by Kathryn Ellis

Strange accidents are stalking one of the skaters at the Millwood Arena.

o
The Winning Edge
by Michele Martin Bossley

Jennie wants more than anything to win a gruelling series of competitions, but is success worth losing her friends?

o
Leap of Faith
by Michele Martin Bossley

Amy wants to win at any cost, until an injury makes skating almost impossible. Will she go on?

o
Ice Dreams
by Beverly Scudamore

Twelve-year-old Maya is a talented figure skater, just as her mother was before she died four years ago. Despite pressure from her family to keep skating, Maya tries to pursue her passion for goaltending.

Gymnastics

o
The Perfect Gymnast
by Michele Martin Bossley

Abby's new friend has all the confidence she needs, but she also has a serious problem that nobody but Abby seems to know about.

Riding

o
A Way with Horses
by Peter McPhee

A young Alberta rider, invited to study show jumping at a posh local riding school, uncovers a secret.

o
Riding Scared
by Marion Crook

A reluctant new rider struggles to overcome her fear of horses.

o
Katie's Midnight Ride
by C. A. Forsyth

An ambitious barrel racer finds herself without a horse weeks before her biggest rodeo.

o
Glory Ride
by Tamara L. Williams

Chloe Anderson fights memories of a tragic fall for a place on the Ontario Young Riders Team.

o
Cutting It Close
by Marion Crook

In this novel about barrel racing, a young rider finds her horse is in trouble just as she's about to compete in an important event.

o
Shadow Ride
by Tamara L. Williams

Bronwen has to choose between competing aggressively for herself or helping out a teammate.

Soccer

o
Lizzie's Soccer Showdown
by John Danakas

When Lizzie asks why the boys and girls can't play together, she finds herself the new captain of the soccer team.

o
Alecia's Challenge
by Sandra Diersch

Thirteen-year-old Alecia has to cope with a new school, a new step-father, and friends who have suddenly discovered the opposite sex.

o S
hut-Out!
by Camilla Reghelini Rivers

David wants to play soccer more than anything, but will the new coach let him?

o
Offside!
by Sandra Diersch

Alecia has to confront a new girl who drives her teammates crazy.

o
Heads Up!
by Dawn Hunter and Karen Hunter

Do the Warriors really need a new, hot-shot player who skips practice?

o
Off the Wall
by Camilla Reghelini Rivers

Lizzie loves indoor soccer, and she's thrilled when her little sister gets into the sport. But when their teams are pitted against each other, Lizzie can only warn her sister to watch out.

o
Trapped!
by Michele Martin Bossley

There's a thief on Jane's soccer team, and everyone thinks it's her best friend, Ashley. Jane must find the true culprit to save both Ashley and the team's morale.

o
Miss Little's Losers
by Robert Rayner

The Brunswick Valley School soccer team haven't won a game all season long. When their coach resigns, the only person who will coach them is Miss Little … their former kindergarten teacher!

o
Corner Kick
by Bill Swan

A fierce rivalry erupts between Michael Strike, captain of both the school soccer and chess teams, and Zahir, a talented newcomer from the Middle East.

o
Just for Kicks
by Robert Rayner

When their parents begin taking their games too seriously, it's up to the soccer-mad gang from Brunswick Valley School to reclaim the spirit of their sport.

o
Play On
by Sandra Diersch

Alecia's soccer team is preparing for the championship game but their game is suffering as the players get distracted by other interests. Can they renew their commitment to their sport in order to make it to the finals?

o
Suspended
by Robert Rayner

The Brunswick Valley soccer form their own unofficial team after falling foul to the Principal's Code of Conduct. But will they be allowed to play in the championship game before they get discovered?

o
Foul Play
by Beverly Scudamore

Remy and Alison play on rival soccer teams. When Remy finds out Alison has a special plan to beat Remy's team in the tournament, she becomes convinced that Alison will sabotage her team's players

Swimming

o
Breathing Not Required
by Michele Martin Bossley

Gracie works so hard to be chosen for the solo at synchronized swimming that she almost loses her best friend in the process.

o
Water Fight!
by Michele Martin Bossley

Josie's perfect sister is driving her crazy, but when she takes up swimming — Josie's sport — it's too much to take.

o
Taking a Dive
by Michele Martin Bossley

Josie holds the provincial record for the butterfly, but in this sequel to
Water Fight!
she can't seem to match her own time and might not go on to the nationals.

o
Great Lengths
by Sandra Diersch

Fourteen-year-old Jessie decides to find out whether the rumours about a new swimmer at her Vancouver club are true.

o
Pool Princess
by Michele Martin Bossley

In this sequel to Breathing Not Required, Gracie must deal with a bully on the new synchro team in Calgary.

o
Flip Turn
by Monique Polak

When the family situation takes a grim turn, swimmer Victoria finds help — in and out of the pool — from the person she least expects.

o
False Start
by Sandra Diersch

Caitlynn makes a deal with her grandfather to join a swim team if he'll stay and watch all of her practices. But after Grandpa has a stroke, Caitlynn doesn't want to keep up her end of the deal.

Track and Field

o
Mikayla's Victory
by Cynthia Bates

Mikayla must compete against her friend if she wants to represent her school at an important track event.

o
Fast Finish
by Bill Swan

Noah is fast, so fast he can outrun anyone he knows, even the two tough kids who wait for him every day after school.

o
Walker's Runners
by Robert Rayner

Toby Morton hates gym. In fact, he doesn't run for anything — except the classroom door. Then Mr. Walker arrives and persuades Toby to join the running team.

o
Mud Run
by Bill Swan

No one in the S.T. Lovey Cross-Country Club is running with the pack, until the new coach demonstrates the value of teamwork.

o
Off Track
by Bill Swan

Twelve-year-old Tyler is stuck in summer school and banned from watching TV and playing computer games. His only diversion is training for a triathlon race … except when it comes to the swimming requirement.

o
Mud Happens
by Bill Swan

Matt wants to change schools so he can be coached by the head of a team of elite runners. But is there such a thing as too much, too soon?