I coach a 17-18 year old team and we were at a showcase tournament this weekend and played against some very talented teams. We couldn't have asked for better competition. I left the tournament with a sour taste in my mouth though, because we were unfortunate enough to play against some of the most arrogant, trash talking, unsportman-like teams that we have ever played against. Perhaps it's the age or something, but it was ridiculous!
Players were taunting other players, mocking and trash talking to other team's coaches, throwing bats, cursing at players while shaking hands after the game, etc. In fact the team that won our pool was so bad, the tournament director decided not to allow them to move on to the semi-finals because of their on-field actions. (They let a team that had the same record, but lost on a tie breaker advance instead.) What's worse was that the coach acted as though he had no idea what his players were doing.
It was extremely rewarding to our team that we were not only able to beat this particular team, but also the following morning before our next game, the director came and spoke to our team and explained his decision to not let them advance, and to congratulate our team for not being sucked down to that team's level. He also reiterated to the guys that not only do you never know who is watching you--but listening as well!
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