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SPORT. Competition? Or Just Fun? In the Minneapolis based UTNE Reader, (www.utne.com) February 2000 issue, Jay Weiner Star Tribune sportswriter espoused, “How can we reclaim sports from corporatized pro sports, professionalized college sports and even the out-of-control kids sports?” How? In a four step plan Weiner suggested how we can reclaim sports. Number one on the list was to deprofessionalize college and high school sports. He suggested that “brawn over brains and fighting” is the reflection in our mirrors. According to Weiner, “Humanizing an institution that mimics our culture won’t be an easy task." Hockey is classified as “one of the fastest body contact games.” Most injuries occur from body contact, contact with the stick and contact with the puck. Injury rates are up, attitudes are hostile and sportsmanship is replaced with intimidation. But, aren't we supposed to be having fun? Kids want to play for fun. But, competitiveness takes over real fast. Fun turns into performance. Did we forget the valuable lessons kids learn from playing: hand eye coordination, intellectual processing, skill building, agility and friendship? Playing any sport carries risk. Players and parents in the amateur levels of ice hockey consider these factors play a significant role in the reduction of injuries: Good sportsmanship Since checking and illegal infractions are the cause of most injuries, teaching the seriousness of hitting from behind, accountability and sportsmanship, playing by the rules rules and reeducation in areas of injury prevention could reduce injuries. Communities, parents and coaches should work together to uphold the highest standards of behavior both on and off the ice. Let’s take back the game for the fun of it. (c)Copyright 1998-2000 |