As some of you will be aware, I have discussed violence and discipline in sports in a previous blog. Unfortunately, several incidents have happened in the last few weeks, which have forced me to reopen the discussion. I have played in several different sports leagues in this city. The sports include soccer (obviously), ball hockey, basketball, and even ultimate Frisbee. I’ve played them from the time I was a youth, into beer leagues, to men’s leagues, and even varsity. That being said, for all the fun I’ve had, I’ve also witnessed some terrible sportsmanship.
The worst league I’ve played in to date has been the ball hockey league I currently find myself in. The Greater Sudbury Ball Hockey League has demonstrated some of the worst acts of poor sportsmanship that I’ve ever seen. One could argue that it’s a league based on hockey, and hockey is a violent sport, but that argument is ridiculous.
For two years I’ve played pick-up games of ball hockey on Sundays, and I have NEVER witnessed a malicious attack in those games. One might say that the GSBHL is more competitive, so the action gets more intense, and tempers flare. Anyone who plays in the GSBHL will know it is not exactly a league of hidden gems as far as talent is concerned, so this argument holds no water. I have also heard it said that some of the players are out of shape, and therefore play a dirtier game to try and keep up with their faster competitors. I don’t think being slower means one has to play dirtier, and I’ve seen a lot of players who aren’t in the best of shape play very effectively against fast opponents without fouling them. There is an acceptable way to use the body in ball hockey.
The lack of sportsmanship in the GSBHL takes away the fun part of sport; namely, friendly competition. Last night, Skater’s Edge (my team) had the privilege of facing off against the League Commissioner’s team, Cleaning Wave, in a playoff game. The game was a rough one, to say the least. It’s worth noting the League ‘does not allow,’ which is to say their rules claim it is illegal, to initiate body contact. The referees began the game calling even the small infractions, which is the way a league needs to be policed. As the game wore on, the refs stopped calling the body contact for the most part, and it spiraled out of control. [Notice the similar theme with my previous blog; the ref losing control of the game, and the players being unprotected].
There is a history behind the incident I am going to describe that is worth noting. A new friend of mine, Brandon, created a ball hockey league for the upcoming summer. Upon seeing his creation, and the areas he could use help in, I joined his executive team. The GSBHL is seeing the newly-formed SBHL (Sudbury [Southend] Ball Hockey League) as a threat to its league. Not only has Brandon been in touch with the GSBHL, but I have posted a link to their website on our Facebook page AND we’ll be playing on a day that allows players to participate in both leagues (we’re a Sunday league; they’re a Tuesday/Thursday league). Also, I have recommended friends to play in the GSBHL in the past, although I would not do so again with the way the League has been going.
The GSBHL’s response to the new league has been hostile, to say the least. I can’t speak to Brandon’s experiences in dealing with their league, but I can speak to my own. A man by the name of Chris Ryan Leblanc posted on the SBHL’s facebook page, representing the GSBHL. I quote, “andy why are you trying to lowball our league why dont you talk to jay and colaborate on one summer season?” I found the lowball comment to be mildly offensive, as I am not the one who created the new league, and had never spoken poorly of the league, or its operating officials either.
I replied, “Chris, I’m not trying to lowblow the GSBHL, and I think your attempt to paint this league that way is offensive. Players can play in both league (look into it; we’re scheduling games on Sundays). Do your research, and don’t start trying to imagine there’s a war going on with the GSBHL. I play in that league, and have enjoyed it.” His response afterwards was vulgur, and was removed from our facebook wall.
This brings us to last night’s game. The incident occurred near the beginning of the third period during a faceoff. First, a player on their team, wearing number 61 (my number in this league also) walked up to me as the play was winding down and elbowed me. I asked him why he would elbow me, and he walked away. I told him it was ridiculous, and he replied “then why don’t you do something about it, 61?” as he walked off to go sit on the bench. On the next faceoff, Chris and I were both out for our teams. He looked at me and said “Why the fuck are you here? Don’t you have your own league to play in?” I explained that I posted a link to this league on our Facebook wall, and I have no problem with this league. He stared at me like a pit-bull reading an astrophysics textbook, and mockingly said, “Sure.”
I paid my registration to play in the GSBHL, I deserve to play my games and not worry about being harassed by a man in his twenties who’s IQ aligns with his age. If his IQ aligned with his weight, he’d be cooking with gas, as the expression goes, but I digress.
My shift ended and I went to the bench. I discussed the exchange with my teammates who felt it was ridiculous. It is worth nothing the League Commissioner heard the exchange, and that Chris is a part of the GSBHL’s executive. What follows is even worse.
My friend Alex is the most prolific scorer on our team, which is widely known. We’re winning 6-3, or something around there, and Alex has the ball deep in their end. Chris pushes Alex and sends him flying to the ground. A scrum ensues with pushing from both teams, and the refs (finally) end the game. The teams part, with some chirping going both ways, when Chris drops a serious threat. He informs Alex that next time he hits him; Alex will not be able to get back up. HE SAYS THIS WHILE STANDING BESIDE THE COMMISSIONER OF THE LEAGUE. No word from Commissioner Jay, and no suspension incoming. No discipline handed out whatsoever.
Let’s just say, that if something happens where Chris injures somebody next game, the League could be held accountable for negligence. Should Chris decide to assault anybody, it would be premeditated assault, obviously. The legal implications of this should not be taken lightly by the League (as it has been so far).
Both teams worked their way back to their goaltenders for the traditional hand-shake following the game, but Chris and their goalie left the rink without shaking hands. Most of Cleaning Wave shook our hands after the game, and played a clean, competitive game. However, some of their players demonstrated terrible sportsmanship, and were downright embarrassing in the way they behaved.
I can understand the role of the agitator in professional sports, even if I find them in a gray area as far as ethics are concerned. In a beer league, they are laughable. It is a shame that sports sometimes attract morons, who have a way of ruining the friendly, competitive nature of sports for the people that play for enjoyment.