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Summer 8 Ball Tournament
Our Summer Billiards tournament deadline will be May 29th. The tournament will begin on June 4th. Registration is open now, so remember to sign up.
Campus Rec 101: Sportsmanlike Conduct
Maybe it's because I'm old school and I had a different set of heroes. I grew up watching Walter Payton, Tim Brown and Michael Jordan in a day before Allen Iverson and the "And 1 Mix Tape Tour" when it seemed that being a decent human being was also an important role in being a pro athlete. Now this humanitarian integrity has been replaced with exotic end zone celebrations, fantasy stats and players who would sooner walk over a fallen opponent than help them up. It's become more about showmanship than sportsmanship. The days of the Barry Sanders “act like you’ve been there before” handing the ball to the official after a touchdown mentality have been replaced with the chest pounding “everybody look at me” attitude. And it trickles down to all levels of competition. It goes from the pro game to the college game to recreational sports and all the way down to little league. And it's aggravating to see the game change the way it has since I was taught what was important. So maybe that's why I have so very little tolerance when I walk out on the court to see students bad mouthing and demeaning their fellow students. The presence of a ball in the setting of an athletic arena does not give anyone the right to treat their fellow man with any more disrespect than they would in a classroom, on a bus or at a job.
For the most part, I’m incredibly pleased with the sportsmanship of almost every player in the intramural program. Most teams have acted with class and appreciation for the program that we run and patience toward our officials as they learn the trade. I just get annoyed with the occasional lapse in judgment when people think they can hide behind the phrase “It’s just part of the game.” Above all else, you are a person living in a society. Like John Wooden said, “Sports do not build character. They reveal it.” Part of being an adult is being accountable for your actions at all times and without exception. I would personally love to see a league where all the teams were gracious in victory and defeat, respectful of their teammates and opponents and appreciative of the officials and the staff and the job that they do to make this league what it is. But I can’t force that upon you. You decide for yourself what is important to you.
Dustin Fisher, Assistant Director
Campus Recreation and Wellness
dfisher@ubalt.edu
| For more information about our programs, contact Dustin Fisher at dfisher@ubalt.edu or call 410-837-5591. |