“It’s all about the hardware” is a common statement in sports. It’s a often repeated catchphrase that has become ingrained in culture as a truth. I disagree.Winning and losing are motivation to continue. Winning in ametuer sports is not the only  final goal in my book.

I think that process matters. The path it took too get to the gold medal matters. In this day of cheating in sports, it matters — ask all the fans of Lance Armstrong. I think hard work, practice, and fair play are the hallmark of sports.

This includes the lessons of being part of a team, something bigger than yourself. I think that learning to follow rules and direction from a leader are essential. Discipline, sacrifice and determination are more character building lessons.

I also think learning how too win AND lose with grace, empathy and integrity are things that must be taught. Having respect for those who participate including refs, the crowd and fellow athletes is becoming a lost art.

I love to see my athletic events and have my team/ athlete win. However, I have become appalled at screaming parents at refs, coaches and other kid athletes. There us no room for name calling and swearing. There is no room for threat of violence either in word or in physical aggression. I have seen and heard both this year.

There is no excuse for teaching children to cheat. There is no excuse for coaches to lobby for academically ineligible players , that they may need , to win. There is no excuse for favoritism, harming the body or mind of a child to win. This is school or amateur sports after all.

It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it’s how you play the game, may be considered out of date by some. I think that there is wisdom in this statement. It’s about honesty, hard work , perfecting
skills and doing your best… not winning for amateurs, especially kids, from my perspective. Yes, I know life isn’t fair but that’s another post.