What's fair...?

I'm a true believer that sports provide kids a parrallel between competition and "adult" life.  I know there are certain people who say that, "it's just a game".  I respect that...I disagree, but I respect that.  In any sporting event, you can draw a parallel to real "adult" life in which they/you can translate into experience.

This brings me to Bishop Gorman.  Bishop Gorman, in laments terms, is a MONSTER when it comes to High School sports.  If you don't know who they are, feel free to look over their history here -----> (Bishop Gorman).

This past year, Gorman won the 2011 State Football Chip (slang for Championship)

Won the 2011 Boys State Hoops Chip

and won the 2012 State Baseball Chip too...

Now, is this "fair" to the other schools in Nevada?  What's fair?  Is fair a level playing field?  Is it everybody has an equal shot at winning?  This is where I have pros and cons...

Pros:
1. Life isn't fair.  Period.
2. It IS a school (regardless if they recruit or not).
3. Every day of your life provides a lesson.  So if you don't like losing, don't do it.

Cons:
1. Public Schools have to play with what they have.
2. Public Schools are at an automatic disadvantage.
3. Creates division instead of competition.

In short, without standing on my soapbox, schools in EVERY district should play with who lives in their district.  But in sports as in real life, this isn't the case.  Progressive thinkers do what they can to gain an advantage.  This leaves the Nevada public schools at a great disadvantage.  But as in "adult" life, you have to adapt to your environment and keep moving forward.  Life isn't fair guys, sometimes sports isn't either.  You can either cry and complain, or you can get back on your grind and get busy...



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Playing the Game with a Little League H.E.A.R.T

This past weekend I went to go watch my cousin play in his T-ball league.  I absolutely love sports, so it really doesn't matter to me what I'm watching, as long as the players play hard, keep the complaining to a minimum and play their H.E.A.R.T's out.

As I'm watching these little guys and gals play, I can't help but notice that most of them are completely clueless to the rules of the game, but they really DON'T care...they are out there to have a good time!  Some may or may not actually "enjoy" playing, but the looks on their faces wouldn't give that away.

Most of these kids are playing their first year of organized ball and are out there on the diamond to experience a true game.  Regardless if score is kept or not, they are learning sportsmanship and the basic rules.  Most of all, they are learning how to play hard, smart, as a team and with H.E.A.R.T!

It's sad that as most kids get older, they lose the basic concept of how the game should be played (see the previously mentioned characteristics...) and the joy of the game which keeps them involved.  These youngsters showed a ton of enjoyment during their 3 innings and generally kept huge grins on their faces.

So let's not let this simple lesson that a bunch of 4-6 year old's have shown us...The game (any game) is about having fun and playing with H.E.A.R.T.  If you do this, even in a loss, you'll know that you gave it your all and that's all that matters.

Dayton Little League Giants

Dayton Little League White Sox