Sportsmanship

I have been a referee for officially an entire year in the Department of Intramural Sports.  Part of the captain- talk I have to give before every game stresses one thing in particular.  Sportsmanship.  That is the most important thing on the field, it does not matter what sport it is or what level of intensity. 

Growing up, I have always learned to be respectful on the playing field. I remember if I would mouth- off to a referee, it would be because I strongly felt that he/ or she made the wrong decision.  Typically, I would then be yelled "shut up Abbey!," eventually I just learned.  No matter what I say to a referee, to an opposing player or my teammates, it will not make a difference in the last call.

What has happened to respect?  In this day in age, players can get a way with a variety of things.  Why?  Because we let them.

Let's take this example of a player on Creighton's basketball team.  He was suspended in January due to behavior.  Nothing else was ever told to the media.  I still wonder what could have made Altman so mad that he could no longer deal with it.  What is the final straw? I support Altman in his decision because I think there needs to be a change in the way athletes behave.

Tiger Woods

Woods used to be a spokesperson for a variety of products and be a role model for children.  He always had a smile on his face and as far as the public was aware, he had a perfect family life.  Completely wrong.  I have read a lot of articles on Tiger with people stating that he was influenced strongly by Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley.

Athletes act like they're superior and are on a different pedestal.  This happens in college where players off the court behave like they're special.  This needs to change.  People shouldn't want to play sports for the money, the fame and the behavior.  When young boys and girls find out about Tiger Woods, it only confuses them.

Maybe then, they can spit into their hand right before they shake their opponent's hands.  Or they can sing a song after they win, just to remind their opponents who won.  As this is all going on, the parents sit back and relax.  These little actions gradually grow as the player gradually gets better.

As a referee, you know the most important thing is respect and sportsmanship.  I will honestly say that participating in sports after reffing that I am a lot more cautious of my behavior.