Winning at all costs? I have been enjoying a little bit of eSports in my spare time. In a recent game of F1 (Formula One racing game), I overtook another online racer. Unfortunately, on the next corner, I was taken out by this player, and both of our cars were damaged, so I was turned into a spectator for the rest of the race. I was a little disappointed by this, and it made me start thinking about my ethics in sport and how they differ from other participants. Trevor Chappell famously rolled a Cricket ball on the final ball of a limited-overs international game. New Zealand needed 6 runs off the last ball. Was this bad sportsmanship? The rules at the time allowed it, so is it just exploiting an opportunity? I wonder, over time, if he has questioned his own standards. Vinoo Mankad is known for pausing his bowling action to take the bails off the non-striker’s end if the batter was out of his crease. But, again, this didn’t break the game’s laws. Still, the Australian media reported it as unsporting and not in the spirit of the game. So do we question his ethos?
He also identified the importance of character when he pointed out that players should be more concerned with character than their reputation as “character is what you really are, while reputation is merely what others think you are”. This reminds us of the power of sport for young people, but it also reminds us that we are coaching the whole person, not just the result. So what can we, as coaches, supporters and administrators do? We can encourage an understanding and a commitment to fair play. We can insist on ethical behaviour on (and off) the field. We can reframe negative behaviour towards officials and the opposition. We can do all of this, even if those who play at an elite level don’t. At FCAC our core values include excellence. In sport we have an opportunity to display excellence in terms of our results but also in terms of our attitude. We are at the grassroots of sport and engaged in the development of young people. Who knows, maybe one of our players will remember the guidance from a coach or support person, and it could be an impactful moment for that individual.
In touch football, the opposition player can call the referee saying they have touched you when they haven’t. The fact that there is even a term for when you didn’t get touched, but the opponent called it a “phantom touch”, makes me think that this act happens reasonably often. Is the game so important that honesty is compromised? This, therefore, begs the question. What example does this set for our children? So many FCAC students are involved in sports. As coaches and support roles, we need to ensure our conversations are not only about the result, but about playing the game in the spirit it is intended. Sport is an excellent medium for teaching students about teamwork, character and trying your hardest. John Wooden, arguably the greatest basketball coach of all time, said, “Success comes from knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming”.
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Article by Mr Adrian Elmes Acting Director of Sport
