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Creating a Culture of Ick.

I don’t normally weigh in on such things as the politics of sport, but well, it hit me in the face and cannot help but be commented on. There are probably no answers here for those seeking them. Perhaps Googling them such is the desperation. Australia wants to know, when the hell did our sports people turn into such prima-donna poo heads?

When?

WHEN!?

Well perhaps it was around the time you put them on the pedestal where they could do no wrong? Or when they were talked up, talked about and pushed until every single one of them cracked on the pool deck like emotionally wrung out teenagers. Some of them were actually teenagers. But maybe it was then.

Maybe it was when commenter’s of the game tried to play down and even normalise a player calling the umpire an f’ing cheat? Say we’ve all done it. Maybe we didn’t get caught. The penalty of an 11 week suspension is too harsh. This one only got 5 weeks, this one a 5 minute game penalty. Umm excuse me, what the hell!? Maybe it was then.

Maybe it was when confessed criminals {after all drugs ARE illegal here} are lorded around like the best thing since sliced bread while continuing to get themselves caught up in drama after drama never seeming to suffer any real consequences for their actions. Taken to rehab, let out and is on holidays. Paraded out to say sorry with the contrition of a 2 year old who knows no boundaries. Maybe it was then?

Oh. My. Gawd! REALLY?

So sports managers and coaches, if you want my advice, if you really are out there Googling for answers {please be doing that!} listen to this. Make them good people. Show them from a young age that winning is great, losing graciously takes guts too. Teach them to be fair, to communicate effectively and to wind down from the pressures of being the best. You make rules and set consequences that are enforced. Teach them to be kind and loyal, strong and warm. Teach them to be flawed humans not some kind of demi-god.

That’s how you shift the culture you numpties.

Ask any mother raising a 2-3 year old. It’s not rocket surgery but it does take something. And I’m talking to you too you rock stars, reality tv prince and princesses and wannabe celeb-utantes. Stop making a fool of us, it’s time to pull your socks up. This is getting embarrassing.

Suger

2 responses to “Creating a Culture of Ick.”

  1. pioneerpat1 Avatar
    pioneerpat1

    Going to say this from the States, is that when you have a bunch of people who had their butts wiped since they were 12, they think that they are better than the rest. It is not about becoming a role model or even a decent person, it is about MAKING MONEY for the players and WINNING for the clubs. I have always said if a serial killer could ball, some team will find a place for him. I played against a bunch of future NBA players in high school and a couple were straight up thugs, but because they could ball people overlooked it.

    It is strange that you brought this up because I had to explain this to my 15-year-old son as he asked why I pulled him from travel ball and I told him that my job as a parent is not to turn you into a pro athlete but into a good human being with all the things that you said above. A little background: About six years ago he was playing in 9-10 year-old baseball league, his coach started up a travel ball team (elite baseball) and my ex got him involved. I wasn’t too thrilled but went along with until three things happened: 1) I learned the coach had lied about his resume. He was telling the kids one thing and by luck I was in the position to find out the truth; 2) He totally embarrassed my son during a game and that is a no-no. The coach tried to pooh-pooh it by saying that this is what happens in the majors. Well bozo, these are ten-year-old’s, not the major leagues; 3) They played a tournament in weather that was dangerous for the kids. The air temperature was 101 degrees and the temperature of the field was like 140 degrees. Again the coach said it would make the kids tougher. After that I pulled him and he (and his mother) thinks that it will cost him a pro baseball career.

    I told him that I would rather him have integrity in his life than money and fame.

    Sorry for being so lengthy.

    Reply
    1. Melissa Walker Horn Avatar
      Melissa Walker Horn

      Don’t apologise, I’m glad you shared this. Sometimes I think people forget the teeny tiny percentage of people who will ever EVER make it to the majors and sacrifice so much in pursuit of it. Not that we shouldn’t go after what we want, but at what cost? I personally think that a 10 year old will always want to be a pro baller or astronaut or something, it’s up to parents to keep a dream alive while teaching them how to be great people first.

      Reply

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