Football or Soccer as it is called in North America is the most played and watched sport in the World. In many of the developing countries, football is seen as a way to remove the person and their families to a better way of life. But, recently, professional football has taken a nose dive in sportsmanship that has ebbed its way down to grass root level.
In sport it's not just the rules that govern the mode of play; there is also the etiquette which underlies the spirit of the game. Sports enthusiasts will agree that there is no better sport than golf to observe etiquette at play. Players routinely report an accidental misdemeanor which they have committed while out of sight of any observer. They are then penalised so that no advantage is obtained. It's called being fair. To see this occur sends tingles down my spine and deeply enhances my appreciation of the game and of life itself.
Football is the source of most bad gamesmanship. There is barely any etiquette left in the game at all and it seems that this attitude of winning at all costs is seeping into other sports. It should be the other way round and that the good manners within golf were the source of inspiration for all of the sporting fraternity.
In a few weeks the new football season begins and what a contrast this will be. There will be abuse and physical violence on and off the pitch, petulance will be rife and cheating will be routine. So much will this behaviour strangle the purity of the game that one is forced to ask if this is sport at all. Perhaps it's time to call it something else in recognition of its no-holds-barred pursuit of victory over the opponent with complete disregard for the fundamental rewards that can be obtained from sporting activity. Things like discipline of mind, a sense of achievement, a close bond with the opponent and the exhilaration of participation.
Players need to understand that they are solely responsible for their actions on the field. Unsporting behaviour by players is mimicked by younger generations, especially at grass roots level who feel that if their footballing idols do it then why not them. It's time football grew up and tried to rid itself of the petulant stigma attached to it before football implodes with cheats and playmakers.
