Sportsmanship

silence = violence

Went down to the playground near the beach yesterday and happened to see a bit of junior cricket (under-14s?) at the oval.

I saw two dismissals. The first boy came off the field and threw his bat 3 metres, swearing, and ripped his pads and helmet off. The second (soon after) smashed the stumps over with his bat, and did the same performance off the field. Nobody did or said anything - not the umpires, coaches, parents, nor team mates.

I never saw anything like it in 6 years of junior cricket playing.

Are these little fellows copying their professional counterparts? Or their parents? Why didn't anybody at least approach the second little batsman, as he sat alone for the following 20 minutes with his head in his hands?

The parents and coaches evidently think the violent displays are normal and need no comment. They do not have the skills to comfort or talk when it is most needed. I imagine them saying to one another:
- he'll be right
- let him work it out on his own
- he's a bit upset, leave him alone

Silence is the greatest form of violence - and these young people are not learning to express themselves; to communicate how they are feeling. These gatherings show what an aggressive society we are. You see the cowardice, the inability to communicate, the uncontrolled angry outburts, then the internalization of pain. The playing didn't exhibit any characteristics of togetherness, teamwork, mentorship, or respect that are so often espoused as being benefits of sport.