| that comparison and comtitipeon result in one of two things pride or shame both of which are undesirable. Is there a third option that is acceptable and even desired? One of the other aspects that drives me towards challenge instead of comtitipeon is something I hear over and over again. A player or coach will be commenting on a negative reaction that they participated in or observed and the statement will be made, it is just that I or he/she is so competitive . I don't know if I have ever heard the characteristic of competitive used as a positive, unless it was part of a tool kit needed to prove superiority and worth. But most of us in coaching will admit that if a player is marked by his competitiveness he be an asset for putting games in the win column, but will most likely be the one that has the most fouls or yellow cards and the player we have to sit on to keep under control, even in practice. I also think it is interesting to contemplate on the situation many of us have seen concerning the Special Olympics. A runner is winning with an opponent challenging hard when that opponent trips and falls. Even the toughest of us are moved to tears as we watch the runner that is winning stop, turn and help his challenger up, only to lose the race because of his actions. What is it in us that moves most of us to say that is a profoundly right thing that was done, while balking at what should be done in real comtitipeon? I have also been challenged by the wives and children of players and coaches known for their competitiveness . Most of them would say there is a priority system that leaves them lonely and abandoned, and again the phrase that rises to the surface as the explanation of their sadness and anger . . . he is just so competitive .But I do like the question you leave us with Craig, has comtitipeon been hijacked and can we take it back and redefine it in a positive light? And I wonder, what would sports look like in our culture if that was a possible outcome?
|
