Prayer circles

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Aug 10, 2016
686
63
Georgia
When DD went to a State tournament for All Stars a few years ago we were first introduced to prayer circles after the game. They all seemed to do them at the All Star World Series as well. Teams don’t really do them in our local rec league so it’s not something we’re used to. In DDs last two TB tournaments, the teams did them as well.

Just curious if this is just a southern thing or if it’s done all over. And what your thoughts are about them. TBH, we don’t agree with making the entire team do it because not everyone is the same religon and shouldn’t be expected to say the same prayer.

DD stood outside the circle after one game but her HC said she should stand with her team at the next one. DH talked to him and HC said he would talk to the team about their thoughts.

Does anyone know how they became a thing?
 
Jun 29, 2013
589
18
Haven't seen any, outside of a men's slow pitch game involving a church team. I have no issue with anyone doing them and wouldn't mind seeing them become a thing. I don't like the not so subtle coercion though, it has to be completely voluntary IMO, you shouldn't have to talk to the coach about this at all.
 
Oct 5, 2015
91
18
I think this is more of a regional thing. Just like how Southern teams seem to congratulate the other team across the pitching mound rather than crossing home place. I'm pretty sure my kids encountered prayer circle in games against teams from the South over the years.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Seemed to start 10 or so years ago.

DD sits out. Dw is nuts, me am OK.

She does not have any Issue with other players but she just wants to play softball.
 
Jul 22, 2015
851
93
Happens after most tournament games we play in Texas, and after some HS games. Always initiated by the girls and I don't think I've ever seen anyone sit one out, but I don't know that anyone would notice if they did. They normally just recite the Lord's prayer. As a Christian it certainly doesn't bother me, but I don't know that I necessarily support it because I don't really believe it means much to any (or many) of the girls.
 
Nov 29, 2009
2,975
83
In all the years I've been coaching I've only seen one team do it. Some of my players asked me if they should go. I told them it was totally up to them if they wanted to participate. Only a couple did.

When my DD's were first starting out in rec ball they were playing a team from another state in post season play. They other team did some kind of dance thing before their games. The wanted our girls to participate. None of them wanted to. The parents from the other team thought it was sacrilegious our girls did not want participate. Oh well...

I have my opinions about religion and have never tried to infer them to any team I've ever coached.
 
Apr 28, 2014
2,316
113
We see them a great deal down south and especially in Georgia. I think it's great. Girls of all religious backgrounds are invited and never seen any pressure.
 
Aug 10, 2016
686
63
Georgia
We see them a great deal down south and especially in Georgia. I think it's great. Girls of all religious backgrounds are invited and never seen any pressure.
The issue I see is that they says the Lord’s Prayer. All religions shouldn’t be forced to say it. I know they don’t have to say it but I’d be curious how Christians would feel if they recited a Islamic prayer instead.

I fully support DD not standing in the circle but am afraid others would see it weird. Especially because we’re in the South..
 

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