This past week presented many signs of winter quickly approaching at Hampton-Dumont High School. Girls basketball practice started last week. Parent teacher conferences have concluded. Quarter 2 is in full swing. The HDHS Variety Show was presented this past weekend. The weather outside is getting colder and wrestling and boys basketball starts on Monday.
As I watched the Iowa Hawks play on TV today I was reminded of my visit to Kinnick Stadium last Saturday to watch the Hawks lose to Northwester in a big upset. Even though I really enjoyed the atmosphere of a big time Division I football game I was more than annoyed with the comments and sportsmanship of some of the spectators around me. As our HDHS winter sports will be in full swing in a matter of days I feel compelled to post about our local sportsmanship.
A week after I went to the Iowa game I can still recall the comments from spectators that were said over and over. A middle aged lady with her two daughters (one a college students and the other a middle school student) routinely yelled "Run the fumble play." Her comments were directed at the Hawkeye football players, I think, though I don't know what she thought the "fumble play" was. I suspect she thinks it is a play in which she expects one of the Hawkeye defenders to cause a fumble? However, I'm not sure and I'm certain the Hawkeye defenders couldn't hear these drunken pleas either. If it was just that easy to cause a Division one offensive player to fumble the ball by running the "fumble play." Now... I've coached high school football and don't claim to be the world's greatest coach but I'm confident I have never ran a play because someone in the crowd reminded me of it. So, I'm pretty sure the highest paid Big 10 coach and highest paid state employee, Kirk Ferentz, is going to listen to a lady in the crowd with no coaching experience. Furthermore, as a basketball official I have never changed my call because of something someone in the crowd reminded me of. If anything, my desire to officiate and not listen to people in the crowd is solidified because of instances like this.
Another gentleman behind me made a more disturbing comment over and over during the game as well. This guy, who was with his wife and parents or parent in-laws, kept yelling "break their bones." First, I couldn't believe this guy was making this comment over and over throughout the ball game. Second, I couldn't believe his wife didn't tell him to shut up. Third, I couldn't believe that his parents or parent in-laws didn't quiet him. Last, why didn't I say something to him? I probably should have made the comment to him, "Hey do you know that my brother is out there, I don't appreciate you wanting him hurt." I would have liked to see what his reaction to a comment like that would have been. I just can't believe that some fan is so into the team that they truly want someone from the other team hurt. Ironically, the Hawks QB was the one getting hurt and potentially costing Iowa to lose the ball game.
Most of the other adults around us at the ball game were well mannered and seemed to really enjoy the game. Whether it's professional, college, or high school sports it truly shocks me to see so many examples of professional people lose their minds by the comments they make and poor sportsmanship they display. All of this jeopardizes their reputation and truly has minimal, if any, impact on a sporting contest. So, why do people act this way? Why don't people say something to their friends when they act so irresponsible? A ticket is not a right to lose one's mind but rather a pass into watching a sporting event and cheering FOR one's team. As this winter sports season starts at H-D I remind you to keep your head and cheer for the bulldogs.
Here are some concluding thoughts for one to consider about sportsmanship:
1. Teams win with the same officials that other teams lose with.
2. If one blames officials for a loss, they best be prepared to give officials the credit if their team wins the ball game.
3. When you yell at anyone involved in a sporting contest, you are yelling at someone elses child.
4. Is it more important to win a high school ball game or represent your school, family, and self in positive fashion.
5. How can we expect our student-athletes to act responsibly if our fans chose not to?
Download Don't Blame the Ref
Download Benefit_of_Activities_Handout
Download Conduct_Counts_Parents_Code_Handout
Thanks for being a positive fan this winter. And, thanks for representing your self, family, our school, and community as a class act! GO BULLDOGS!!!
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