I must confess that I’m quite a sports nut. Whether I’m in the game or on the sidelines, I will give all that I’ve got when playing or cheering for my team. One athletic outlet that I especially take pleasure in is intramurals.
However, it’s sometimes difficult to enjoy the experience when another participant is behaving like an elementary kid. Frequently, I have encountered some intramural athletes who apparently think they are above acting properly. They fuss, cuss, whine and malign; in short, they make the game an unpleasant one.
When you act in an unsportsmanlike manner, you are ruining the event for the other team, the spectators, the officials and your own team. There is no handbook regarding behavior for intramurals; however, if it ever exists, it should include the following points.
First of all, no cry babies. Let’s face it, sometimes your team gets an unfair call or an unlucky break. Don’t impede the flow of the game by arguing with the opposing team or whining to an official every time you feel your team has been mistreated. Accept the bad with the good, and keep playing. Officials are more likely to make fair calls if a team shows respect for their decisions.
Being a know-it-all is also annoying to others. If you know every technicality of the sport’s rulebook, congratulations. You will be invaluable if a confusing situation occurs. Otherwise, keep the unsolicited information to yourself. Most people who play a sport know the rules and do not need you to remind them. If the other team doesn’t know the rules, offer assistance, but do not force information on others. Nothing makes a temper flare faster than insinuating that someone is unintelligent.
Another activity to avoid is chastising the other team’s fans. There is a difference between asking spectators to do something and yelling at them to get out of your way. Spectators come to support their friends. If you have a problem with an opposing fan, ask a member of the other team to deal with it. Your jurisdiction over fans extends only to your own. If the other team’s fans get out of hand, be the better person and ignore them.
If ever, there is rarely a need to curse while playing a sport. Nobody else wants or needs to hear an expletive. Use a little self-restraint and find a cleaner word to display your emotion. Better yet, employ a little self-control and don’t allow yourself to get upset. Channel that rage toward your performance. Also, there is never a call for vulgar name-calling between teams. Goading your opponent is unnecessary and unsportsmanlike.
Finally, play fair. I’m not just talking about cheating. Don’t rough up your opponent. Low blows and hidden shoves signify that a person thinks his skill is not sufficient. If violence is the only way you can succeed, you need to rethink your strategy.
I’m not using these guidelines to discourage competition or giving it your all. If you are a player, play your heart out. If you are a fan, cheer loud and encourage your team. But do not let the outcome of the game dictate your actions. Remember, the other team wants to win just the same as yours. Many other people are involved, and they want to enjoy the experience, too.