Captain (sports) facts for kids
In team sports, a captain is a special player chosen to lead the team. This title often shows that the player is highly respected by their teammates. Sometimes, being a captain is mostly an honor. Other times, the captain has important jobs during the game. These jobs might include helping with team strategy or making sure everyone works together.
Being a captain means your teammates see you as a leader. It's a position that shows trust and respect.
Contents
What Does a Sports Captain Do?
A captain's exact role can change depending on the sport. However, many captains have similar duties.
Talking to Officials
In many sports, captains are the main players who talk to the game officials. This could be about understanding the rules or asking about a specific play. They act as a link between the team and the referee.
The Coin Toss
At the start of many games, the captains from both teams meet with the referee for a coin toss. This toss often decides which team starts with the ball or chooses which side of the field they want.
Leadership on the Field
A captain is usually a strong leader on the field. They encourage their teammates and help keep everyone focused. They might also help solve problems or calm down players during a tough game.
Different Roles in Different Sports
The responsibilities of a captain can be quite different from one sport to another. For example, a captain in association football (soccer) might wear an armband. A captain in ice hockey might wear a special letter on their jersey.
- In martial arts, a class lead instructor might be called a captain. They work under the main teacher or a senior belt.
Images for kids
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Lionel Messi, as captain of the Argentina national football team, wearing a captaincy armband on his left arm
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Connor McDavid, as captain of the Edmonton Oilers, wearing a captaincy patch on the chest of his jersey
See also
In Spanish: Capitán (deporte) para niños
