Seriously! Sometimes I wonder if some people could get any more intense when it comes to sports and winning. A couple of 16 and 17 yr-old boys were so into it and quite relentless really. One kid smacked his younger sister in the face so hard (and at a very close range) that I tried to get him pulled from the game. Later, I attempted to explain to these guys that they didn't have to throw the ball as hard as they possibly could, and that how they treated the girls would eventually come back to them. It was a little interesting since just last week I was sitting with these same guys and talking about dating etiquette. The girls were pretty good sports about it, red, swollen faces and all. I can tell you that had I been there at age 15, then I probably would have been out in the hall texting my friends instead of playing for sure.
Anyway, I made a mental note as a "Boy Mom," that I need to teach my boys that games (such as dodgeball), are meant for fun and that taking things too seriously will ruin it, AND make you look lame in front of the ladies in the process...
To be fair, I've seen a lot of recent examples of poor sportsmanship in women too. Maybe you've heard about the women's soccer player from New Mexico (Have you seen these highlights? Crazy!): http://blogs.usatoday.com/gameon/2009/11/new-mexico-womens-soccer-player-elizabeth-lambert-suspended-for-physical-play-vs-byu.html.
And then there was the embarrassing display at my son's soccer game where one mother got upset at an "elbow" to her son and started yelling at the refs and and then at her son to "take out" the opposing player...seriously? My kid is seven. They only thing I'm teaching him to "take out" is the garbage!
I don't know about you, but for me,
Poor Sportsmanship (obnoxious behavior) = Not Cool!
Can't we all just play nice?
6 comments:
The picture I really wanted to see was you in your costume, Tams! I must say that I am mightily disappointed. ; )
I agree about the being too aggressive thing. I don't know how many women I know who have been embarrassed by their husband or boyfriend. I always tried to make sure sports watching and playing was part of my dating routine, so I would know if I should run the other way or not. It has much to do with why I married who I did.
Sorry to disappoint! I didn't even think to take a photo. Maybe I'll re-create the look at the next family sporting event... p.s. I'm starting tennis lessons in January. I'm excited!
I am so with you on the over-competitiveness thing. Sooooo unattractive. What I can't figure out is how, if we all find it so repellent, these guys end up marrying, reproducing, and perpetuating the behavior in their sons? But I guess Tam's soccer story shows that it's not just the guys who are guilty.
Tennis lessons? Awesome! I would love to do that one of these days. Hey-- now we'll be able to play doubles with you guys. Fun!
I agree! Our kids love their sports, be we are constantly having to reaffirm that good sportsmanship trumps jerky parents on the sidelines. Some people can get way too intense! Thankfully, they've had great coaches who have taught them that winning isn't everything and being a good teammate and competitor is just as important!
Do you think it's a problem that I'm just as competitive? Maybe not aggressive... but, still!
I'll just have to teach my daughter to throw at all of the boys' heads.
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