We are in a crisis of character, to be sure. My husband, Jeff, loves baseball and managed his sons' teams for many years. Once they aged out, he became an umpire. His knowledge of the game is encyclopedic and his judgement is superlative. Moreover, he wanted to serve the game, and the youth, as an example. Last week the abuse at the plate and on the bases by the coaches—and the parents—was so severe (for the nth time) he decided he's had enough. He says he believes that the imposition of rules is now perceived as an impediment to victory and thus should be challenged and flouted at every juncture vs. a benefit of having a knowledgeable and impartial arbiter to make—as best they can—fair and impartial decisions. A micro example of the macro, I fear.
We are in a crisis of character, to be sure. My husband, Jeff, loves baseball and managed his sons' teams for many years. Once they aged out, he became an umpire. His knowledge of the game is encyclopedic and his judgement is superlative. Moreover, he wanted to serve the game, and the youth, as an example. Last week the abuse at the plate and on the bases by the coaches—and the parents—was so severe (for the nth time) he decided he's had enough. He says he believes that the imposition of rules is now perceived as an impediment to victory and thus should be challenged and flouted at every juncture vs. a benefit of having a knowledgeable and impartial arbiter to make—as best they can—fair and impartial decisions. A micro example of the macro, I fear.
Yikes -- that is terrible. But not surprising, sadly. If those people don't like rules, they're not going to like what's coming.
yes, character still matters, very timely post