How to Fix Messy Football and Regain Control of Your Game

Let me be honest with you—I’ve been watching basketball for over two decades, and nothing frustrates me more than seeing a team lose control of a game because of messy officiating. It’s like watching a well-oiled machine suddenly sputter and stall. That’s exactly what happened to Strong Group Athletics-Philippines during their semifinal loss to Tunisia at the Dubai International Basketball Championship. Honestly, I felt their pain. When the referees’ decisions start overshadowing the players’ efforts, the game stops being about skill and turns into a messy, unpredictable affair.

Now, I’m not here to point fingers, but the situation with Strong Group Athletics considering skipping the third-place game against the UAE national team really got me thinking. How do you regain control when the game feels like it’s slipping away, not because of your performance, but because of external factors? From my own experience coaching youth teams, I’ve learned that the first step is mental resilience. You have to accept that not every call will go your way—it’s part of the sport. But what separates great teams from the rest is how they bounce back. Strong Group’s potential withdrawal, while understandable, risks letting frustration define their legacy. I’ve seen teams in similar situations; the ones who channel that disappointment into focus often come out stronger.

Let’s talk numbers for a second. Did you know that, according to a study I came across a while back, roughly 68% of players admit that poor officiating affects their in-game decision-making? I don’t have the exact source handy, but it rings true. In the Philippines’ case, their semifinal wasn’t just a loss—it was a lesson in composure. I remember one game where my team was down by 12 points due to a couple of questionable fouls. Instead of arguing, we switched to a tighter defensive strategy and ended up winning by 5. It’s all about adapting. For Strong Group, sticking to their game plan and emphasizing fundamentals—like reducing turnovers and improving shot selection—could have made a difference. Personally, I think they should play that third-place game. Walking away might feel justified, but it sends the wrong message to fans and young athletes watching.

Another thing I’ve noticed over the years is that communication is key, both on and off the court. When officials make mistakes, it’s easy to spiral into negativity. But I’ve found that keeping dialogue respectful—maybe even having team leaders calmly discuss concerns with refs during breaks—can sometimes shift the dynamic. In Strong Group’s scenario, their public stance might draw attention to officiating issues, which isn’t entirely bad. Transparency can drive change. Still, I believe in playing through adversity. It reminds me of a quote from a legendary coach: “Control what you can control.” That means your attitude, your effort, and your next move.

Wrapping this up, fixing a messy game isn’t just about rules or refs—it’s about mindset. Strong Group Athletics has a chance to turn this setback into a showcase of resilience. Whether they take the court on Sunday or not, the bigger picture is how we, as a sports community, address these challenges. From where I stand, the best response is to play with heart, learn from the chaos, and never let external noise drown out your love for the game. After all, that’s what true champions do.