Integrity in Non-Professional Sports
Dennis AuBuchon
September 09, 2008
Non-professional sports or amateur sports as some may recognize are the backbone of teaching children the rules of various sports. For the purpose of this article, non-professional sports are those leagues, which are not part of the leagues in which schools participate. Leagues in schools and those outside of schools have the same purpose/benefit. The difference is how they are managed. The quality of the administrators and the decisions they make can and do have an affected on the future of kids who participate in them. The focus of kids playing in these sports is to learn how to play the game by the rules. Sometimes adults get in the way of kids playing the game by making decisions that are inappropriate and violate the intent of the sport.
Recently, a news event identified a situation, which in my opinion should never have happened. While I am not going to discuss the specifics of this case I will discuss the principle involved. The incident involved a 9-year-old boy doing what he loved to do pitching. The administrators of the league involved made decisions, which I feel are not consistent with the intent of any league to help kids learn how to play the game. Every child who wants to pay in a baseball league or any other sport has the right to play in the position for which he/she is best suited. The right to play also includes the right to choose a team on which to play if there is room available, the qualifications are met and the team wants them. League administrators have no right to dictate a position or team. Several principles are involved with this incident and will be the focus of this article.
Several questions are involved with the issues in the referenced incident. The questions will be discussed individually but I first must make the following statement. I must state that the discussion of the questions listed below is not a reflection on all leagues whether they are a part of a local, national or international organization. The point of this article is that common sense must prevail and allow players to play positions for which they have talent without interference from league administrators. The incident referenced in this article brings to the front the question how much authority should league administrators have in managing a league. The dictatorial nature of the decisions made should cause concern for all leagues to reevaluate their rules and the authority of administrators.
Do league administrators have the right to dictate what position a player is allowed to play based on his/her ability whether they are good or bad?
Do league administrators have the right to punish good talent by dictating a player´s choice of teams?
Do league administrators have the right to disband a team based on a disagreement?
Do league administrators have the right to make their own rules and apply them when they want?
Do league administrators have the right to ban a team from championship playoffs when their record proves they have earned it?
While I understand, the safety concerns mentioned in the incident referenced when kids play a sport such as baseball they run the risk of being hit with the ball. This occurs even in professional sports. It is part of the game and while you can try to minimize the risk involved, it is wrong to take an individual out of a specific position simply for the safety concern for other players. It violates their rights to play the position for which they are suited and could affect the chances to play professional sports if the desire is there in the future. Part of playing in leagues such as baseball allows individuals to develop their talents. Restricting or removing individuals from positions for which they have talent will affect them later in life and is wrong. I feel the key issue is that the pitcher is too good and teams do not want to play against them for that reason. I also understand the position of parents trying to protect their children. However, they are not going to be able to protect them their entire lives and they must learn that not everything in life is easy. It is natural for parents to want to keep their kids safe but when children are playing a sport certain conditions exist, which are part of the sport and should not be manipulated. The purpose of a sports league such as the one mentioned should mirror the rules and actions in professional sports. Professional sports teams play against all levels of talent in a league and in non-professional sports leagues the same should apply. When teams refuse to play another and forfeit the game it teaches nothing positive. It promotes the philosophy to walk away rather than compete and learn from the experience. Teams as a rule have various levels of talent, which is what makes them a team. It is wrong to alter the talent makeup of a team and thereby affect their ability to compete in a league. The questions identified above are discussed in the following paragraphs.
The first question to be discussed is whether league administrators have the right to dictate what position a player is allowed to play. The ability of a boy to pitch in the manner for which he is capable should not be restricted simply because he is too good. Common sense must be present in leagues of this nature along with the principles of integrity. Integrity involves treating people with respect and kids of this nature deserve to be respected for the talents they possess not have their talent suppressed by being forced to play another position. It does not allow them to develop as individuals, which could affect their chances to play professional sports in the future.
Another question is whether league administrators have the right to punish talent by dictating on which team on a child will play. Granted there are requirements to play on teams such as residency requirements, which it appears in this case to be met. Non-professional leagues provide a great resource to allow kids to learn about the sports in which they are interested and the rules that apply. When league administrators affect the intent of the league it sends the wrong message that if you are too good for a particular team then you must play on another. This in effect punishes a child for being too good which is totally against all principles of common sense and fair play.
The next question involves the authority of league administrators to disband a team that has made a commitment to play. While there are appropriate rules in league play disagreement with league administrators is not a reason for disbanding a team. Taking such action penalizes a team that has been playing together. I find it rewarding when a team stands up to league administrators when decisions are made that have no justification other than to penalize a team for not making the requested changes. Actions to penalize teams in league play when they will not submit to unethical and inappropriate decisions have no place in league play.
Another question involves the right of league administrators to establish their own rules and apply them as they see fit. While this may not necessarily be the case in this example, the appearance says it is. Rules are to be established at the beginning of a season so that everyone knows what they are. They should be applied equally across the board. The main point of league play is to learn the rules of the game, which should be the same as they are in the applicable professional sport. This is the proper way for players to learn the sport. Having comparable rules to professional sports with appropriate differences for non-professional play helps teams better understand the concept of the game.
The last question to be discussed is the action to ban a team from playing in the championship playoffs when their record says they have earned it. Recognition of the winner is tainted if they have not earned the championship based on play against all teams who have qualified for the playoffs. Teams who earn a right to play in playoffs should be afforded the opportunity. In professional sports, teams play all year and earn a spot based on their records. Disqualifying a team based on refusal to submit to an unjust and inappropriate decision is wrong. To be a true championship team they must play against all teams who have earned the right to participate in the playoffs.
In summary league administrators, have several responsibilities. Many may appear to be routine such as the requirement to maintain the administrative records such as number of hits, runs, wins and losses. They also are normally responsible for the maintenance of playing fields, making sure players have the appropriate safety equipment and establishing/enforcing the rules of the league throughout the season. The rules and responsibilities in place for both administrators and coaches must be ones which establish integrity principles. Once teams are established, they should not be manipulated to redistribute the talent. When a team has more talent or performs better as a team it is wrong to require members play other positions or be transferred to other teams. It is also inappropriate to take action to disband a team for refusing to accept inappropriate decisions by league administrators. While it is important to have rules and enforce them, it is unjust for league administrators to take retaliation on a team or coach. The example referenced in this article appears to give the impression that retaliation was involved. Retaliation is inappropriate from the level of league administrators and does not project a positive image of the league or those who are involved in managing it.
Non-professional sports leagues provide great benefits in helping kids learn the proper way to play various sports. It is important that kids learn not only how to play the game but the rules and teamwork involved. Non-professional sports leagues play a significant role in the development of kids that may one day play professional sports. The example identified earlier in this article was in effect punishing talent. Removing a player from a position, which is benefiting a team, is both inappropriate and wrong. Talent should be rewarded not punished. Teams have varying levels of talent and teams must be willing to play all teams in a league. This should be part of the requirement to participate in a sports league. Parents who do not want their kids to be subjected to the risk of a particular sport should not allow their kids to play it. I understand the principles of being a parent in wanting to protect their children. There is always going to be risks in life with sports activity but it does not mean or should mean that we restrict our children from playing them.
Parenting is not easy for some individuals and in certain conditions, it is more difficult. We as parents must let our children experience life with the difficulties. Playing sports helps kids develop as individuals. Kids who play sports in a league environment develop their talents, learn what it means to be part of a team and learn to apply themselves to something in which they have an interest. Sports are not the only way kids can develop as individuals but for those who want to participate in sports leagues it provides great opportunity. Another point to make is that we as parents should not force our kids to play sports if they have no interest but we should encourage them if they do. One last point to make is league administrators are in a unique position to be a part of helping kids develop their talents and their actions should not restrict their participation where they are most suited.
Recently, a news event identified a situation, which in my opinion should never have happened. While I am not going to discuss the specifics of this case I will discuss the principle involved. The incident involved a 9-year-old boy doing what he loved to do pitching. The administrators of the league involved made decisions, which I feel are not consistent with the intent of any league to help kids learn how to play the game. Every child who wants to pay in a baseball league or any other sport has the right to play in the position for which he/she is best suited. The right to play also includes the right to choose a team on which to play if there is room available, the qualifications are met and the team wants them. League administrators have no right to dictate a position or team. Several principles are involved with this incident and will be the focus of this article.
Several questions are involved with the issues in the referenced incident. The questions will be discussed individually but I first must make the following statement. I must state that the discussion of the questions listed below is not a reflection on all leagues whether they are a part of a local, national or international organization. The point of this article is that common sense must prevail and allow players to play positions for which they have talent without interference from league administrators. The incident referenced in this article brings to the front the question how much authority should league administrators have in managing a league. The dictatorial nature of the decisions made should cause concern for all leagues to reevaluate their rules and the authority of administrators.
Do league administrators have the right to dictate what position a player is allowed to play based on his/her ability whether they are good or bad?
Do league administrators have the right to punish good talent by dictating a player´s choice of teams?
Do league administrators have the right to disband a team based on a disagreement?
Do league administrators have the right to make their own rules and apply them when they want?
Do league administrators have the right to ban a team from championship playoffs when their record proves they have earned it?
While I understand, the safety concerns mentioned in the incident referenced when kids play a sport such as baseball they run the risk of being hit with the ball. This occurs even in professional sports. It is part of the game and while you can try to minimize the risk involved, it is wrong to take an individual out of a specific position simply for the safety concern for other players. It violates their rights to play the position for which they are suited and could affect the chances to play professional sports if the desire is there in the future. Part of playing in leagues such as baseball allows individuals to develop their talents. Restricting or removing individuals from positions for which they have talent will affect them later in life and is wrong. I feel the key issue is that the pitcher is too good and teams do not want to play against them for that reason. I also understand the position of parents trying to protect their children. However, they are not going to be able to protect them their entire lives and they must learn that not everything in life is easy. It is natural for parents to want to keep their kids safe but when children are playing a sport certain conditions exist, which are part of the sport and should not be manipulated. The purpose of a sports league such as the one mentioned should mirror the rules and actions in professional sports. Professional sports teams play against all levels of talent in a league and in non-professional sports leagues the same should apply. When teams refuse to play another and forfeit the game it teaches nothing positive. It promotes the philosophy to walk away rather than compete and learn from the experience. Teams as a rule have various levels of talent, which is what makes them a team. It is wrong to alter the talent makeup of a team and thereby affect their ability to compete in a league. The questions identified above are discussed in the following paragraphs.
The first question to be discussed is whether league administrators have the right to dictate what position a player is allowed to play. The ability of a boy to pitch in the manner for which he is capable should not be restricted simply because he is too good. Common sense must be present in leagues of this nature along with the principles of integrity. Integrity involves treating people with respect and kids of this nature deserve to be respected for the talents they possess not have their talent suppressed by being forced to play another position. It does not allow them to develop as individuals, which could affect their chances to play professional sports in the future.
Another question is whether league administrators have the right to punish talent by dictating on which team on a child will play. Granted there are requirements to play on teams such as residency requirements, which it appears in this case to be met. Non-professional leagues provide a great resource to allow kids to learn about the sports in which they are interested and the rules that apply. When league administrators affect the intent of the league it sends the wrong message that if you are too good for a particular team then you must play on another. This in effect punishes a child for being too good which is totally against all principles of common sense and fair play.
The next question involves the authority of league administrators to disband a team that has made a commitment to play. While there are appropriate rules in league play disagreement with league administrators is not a reason for disbanding a team. Taking such action penalizes a team that has been playing together. I find it rewarding when a team stands up to league administrators when decisions are made that have no justification other than to penalize a team for not making the requested changes. Actions to penalize teams in league play when they will not submit to unethical and inappropriate decisions have no place in league play.
Another question involves the right of league administrators to establish their own rules and apply them as they see fit. While this may not necessarily be the case in this example, the appearance says it is. Rules are to be established at the beginning of a season so that everyone knows what they are. They should be applied equally across the board. The main point of league play is to learn the rules of the game, which should be the same as they are in the applicable professional sport. This is the proper way for players to learn the sport. Having comparable rules to professional sports with appropriate differences for non-professional play helps teams better understand the concept of the game.
The last question to be discussed is the action to ban a team from playing in the championship playoffs when their record says they have earned it. Recognition of the winner is tainted if they have not earned the championship based on play against all teams who have qualified for the playoffs. Teams who earn a right to play in playoffs should be afforded the opportunity. In professional sports, teams play all year and earn a spot based on their records. Disqualifying a team based on refusal to submit to an unjust and inappropriate decision is wrong. To be a true championship team they must play against all teams who have earned the right to participate in the playoffs.
In summary league administrators, have several responsibilities. Many may appear to be routine such as the requirement to maintain the administrative records such as number of hits, runs, wins and losses. They also are normally responsible for the maintenance of playing fields, making sure players have the appropriate safety equipment and establishing/enforcing the rules of the league throughout the season. The rules and responsibilities in place for both administrators and coaches must be ones which establish integrity principles. Once teams are established, they should not be manipulated to redistribute the talent. When a team has more talent or performs better as a team it is wrong to require members play other positions or be transferred to other teams. It is also inappropriate to take action to disband a team for refusing to accept inappropriate decisions by league administrators. While it is important to have rules and enforce them, it is unjust for league administrators to take retaliation on a team or coach. The example referenced in this article appears to give the impression that retaliation was involved. Retaliation is inappropriate from the level of league administrators and does not project a positive image of the league or those who are involved in managing it.
Non-professional sports leagues provide great benefits in helping kids learn the proper way to play various sports. It is important that kids learn not only how to play the game but the rules and teamwork involved. Non-professional sports leagues play a significant role in the development of kids that may one day play professional sports. The example identified earlier in this article was in effect punishing talent. Removing a player from a position, which is benefiting a team, is both inappropriate and wrong. Talent should be rewarded not punished. Teams have varying levels of talent and teams must be willing to play all teams in a league. This should be part of the requirement to participate in a sports league. Parents who do not want their kids to be subjected to the risk of a particular sport should not allow their kids to play it. I understand the principles of being a parent in wanting to protect their children. There is always going to be risks in life with sports activity but it does not mean or should mean that we restrict our children from playing them.
Parenting is not easy for some individuals and in certain conditions, it is more difficult. We as parents must let our children experience life with the difficulties. Playing sports helps kids develop as individuals. Kids who play sports in a league environment develop their talents, learn what it means to be part of a team and learn to apply themselves to something in which they have an interest. Sports are not the only way kids can develop as individuals but for those who want to participate in sports leagues it provides great opportunity. Another point to make is that we as parents should not force our kids to play sports if they have no interest but we should encourage them if they do. One last point to make is league administrators are in a unique position to be a part of helping kids develop their talents and their actions should not restrict their participation where they are most suited.
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