Point After: Play The Game With Class
Playing with class means respecting your opponent, your coaches, your teammates, and the game itself.
DULLES, VA - As the 2009 football season draws to a close, it is safe to say we have seen more issues this year with sportsmanship being called into question, than in any season before. Just this past weekend, a fight at the end of the game between Handley and Goochland made the Washington Post's headlines, and has stirred quite a controversy.
In every game, there are opportunities to show sportsmanship, and opportunities to be unsportsmanlike. Too often, the latter is chosen.
This season, I personally have seen numerous flags thrown for unsportsmanlike penalties. In fact, many more than in years past.
The reason is unclear, but I have a hunch, and those reading this that were born after 1980 may not like what I have to say.
We live in a time where the youth in this country feel entitled, and their respect for authority, and the integrity of the game, is not what it used to be. I witnessed that on Saturday at Handley, where a couple of young men took what was a great football game, and tarnished it by causing a fight.
The melee was not as bad as it has been hyped by some, but that's not the point. It could have been extremely dangerous to the players, coaches, and fans walking on the field, and it should have never happened.
It was frustrating to watch, but not surprising. All game long both teams were jawing back and forth, and at one point, there were 3 unsportsmanlike penalties called on one play. If I had to guess, a minimum of 6 or 7 unsportsmanlike penalties were called during the entire game.
As the legendary John Wooden said years ago, "Sports do not build character. They reveal it."
Saturday's skirmish revealed some character from both sides that wasn't anything to be proud of, and that's unfortunate.
Both teams are coached by quality men. Tony Rayburn and his staff at Handley do a great job of teaching the game, and they stand for what's right. Goochland's Todd Fowler displayed his character when he spent 10 minutes screaming and yelling at his players for their behavior after the skirmish. It was clearly something he didn't stand for, nor condone.
Coaches can only do so much, and on Saturday, they did everything they could to keep things from spiraling out of control, but it still wasn't enough.
Before the first half ended, Fowler huddled his entire team after they had been equally to blame for several unsportsmanlike penalties on a play.
He read them the riot act, and it lasted the entire timeout. Did it change what happened at the end? Not a bit.
Players ultimately have to care enough about the game, and playing it with class in order for those kind of situations to be diffused. Instead of joining in on the trash talking, teammates should step in and pull their buddy back from the ordeal. That's how it is supposed to happen. After all, a penalty of this nature in a key situation can cost your team a victory.
You win with class, and you lose with class, and you always show respect for your opponents. Sure there are times where stuff is said, and it gets heated, but after the game you have to let it go.
That didn't happen on Saturday, and instead of talking about a big win by the Judges, two communities are arguing about something that should have never transpired.
My point in writing this column is not to toss blame, or point a finger at the perpetrators. I have the video, and I know how it unfolded. I know who started it, and I know how it escalated.
But I chose not to put it on our website because it is not what's good about this game, or about high school sports.
Every player must understand that while you are on the field play, the way you behave reflects not only your character, but that of your team, and your community.
Have some pride in playing with class, and treat your opponents with respect. Tackle them hard, and then help them up. Shake their hand, and congratulate them on a great effort when the game is over.
Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, they all behave this way. Why shouldn't you?
If you want to be respected as truly a great player, a great team, or a great person, that is how it is done.
Don't be the guy that costs your team the big game, or even that state title ring. Play the game with class, and give your teammates an example of how it's supposed to be done.
As with any situation like the one witnessed on Saturday, there is an opportunity to learn and become better.
Hopefully that happens, and we can all see this 2009 football season finished on a strong note, one without any further skirmishes other than those allowed within the rules of the game.
If you would like to comment on Andy's Point After, you can e-mail him at GamedayMagazine@aol.com.....
