Features

Start’em Young

Posted on: January 30, 2007

By Kim Ward

There is nothing better to destroy self-esteem than participation in competitive sports (at least for the uncoordinated or civilly inclined). Recently, some of my many children, both biological and step, have decided to participate in intramural basketball. Having been young and dumb, I also participated in sports as a child. Truth be told…I was awful. I was scared of the ball and had an aversion to violence: two things not highly regarded in the sports arena.

Then one day I realized something wonderful. If I hit someone in the groin I didn’t like with a large, heavy, leather covered ball on the court I might get a “technical foul”, a couple high fives and verbal support from the crowd. If I hit someone in the groin anywhere else I might end up in a detention center or at least on probation with the looks of disgust from a jury and county prosecutor. EUREKA, wanton violence against an enemy or opponent only cost a couple free shots or some lost yardage on the field or court. And it didn’t even sound bad because I was only “playing the game” which in no way would indicate something sinister. My coach even encouraged me “to go out there and have some fun” which is exactly what I did.

There was rarely a game I played in which I didn’t foul out or get a technical.

As I watch my children play, I hope and pray they understand what real fun is. It makes me feel great to see their apprehensions for the ball and aggression. Violence may have its place, but should not be encouraged or cultivated while playing ball. I love watching the kids play until some other parents starts acting like an idiot. They are easy to identify, usually by the amount of yelling they do at the ref. I wished it cost only a “technical foul” to do what I would really like to do to the parent that wants their kid to play aggressively and go for the ball. Wouldn’t it be great, sometimes I really miss the good ole days.

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