Something in the way you described the situation leads me to believe you aren't the head coach. Only makes a difference in what courses of action are available to you. Either way I wouldn't bow my head or recite the prayer. I would have no problem being respectful of the tradition though.
The prayer at the end of practice does serve a non-religious function. I always considered it a means of ensuring cohesiveness of the team after spending the afternoon taking each others' heads off. There are secular ways to do this of course.
One way is to replace the prayer with an anecdote demonstrating esprit de corps. Share the history of the game by providing examples of historic gridiron battles that reflect the relative disposition between your team and the upcoming opponent. Are you rallying an underdog to face a superior squad? Are you afraid of a trap game against a weaker, but potentially dangerous team? Do they know who Vince Lombardi is other than his name being on the Super Bowl trophy? There's so much to choose from.
Take the opportunity to address the kids about general behavior, particularly in light of the fact that renowned players are constantly making the news for off the field asshattery. It never escapes my attention when famous players fondly recall the influence that great coaches had on their personal development.
Anyway, food for thought.
The prayer at the end of practice does serve a non-religious function. I always considered it a means of ensuring cohesiveness of the team after spending the afternoon taking each others' heads off. There are secular ways to do this of course.
One way is to replace the prayer with an anecdote demonstrating esprit de corps. Share the history of the game by providing examples of historic gridiron battles that reflect the relative disposition between your team and the upcoming opponent. Are you rallying an underdog to face a superior squad? Are you afraid of a trap game against a weaker, but potentially dangerous team? Do they know who Vince Lombardi is other than his name being on the Super Bowl trophy? There's so much to choose from.
Take the opportunity to address the kids about general behavior, particularly in light of the fact that renowned players are constantly making the news for off the field asshattery. It never escapes my attention when famous players fondly recall the influence that great coaches had on their personal development.
Anyway, food for thought.
