When an esteemed athlete retires from the game, one of the aspects of the game they end up missing the most is the camaraderie that was shared with teammates. The sense of belonging and security that is part of the fellowship teammates share is the essence of being part of something larger and more important than oneself--being part of a team.
In the more competitive environments however, we see forces opposing each other that by their nature pull against the spirit of camaraderie, sportsmanship and fellowship.
Win-Loss records and individual statistics inherently conspire to pollute an environment of cooperation between individuals within a team as well as opposing teams. Playing time is determined by production. Advancement is determined by wins and losses.
Some coaches even feel as if their players are "soft" if they lend a hand to life a fallen competitor during a game. When I officiate basketball games, we emphasize to the coaches and captains that good sportsmanship is an expectation knowing that once the ball goes up, many times competition rules the day over cooperation and camaraderie. In youth sports, especially in the travel team level, this can lead to a "win or quit" choice for players if the emphasis on competition is too high.
It almost seems at times as if we are sending a mixed message when we expect players to simultaneously "pull together as a team" at the same time we expect them to "tear the opponent apart".
It is a delicate balancing act and in some respects we should not be surprised when players and coaches occasionally fail to find the proper mix. When we do pre-game meetings with teams and captains and review the emphasis on sportsmanship, I occasionally mention to the players that I understand that the game is important and that although their uniforms are different, they are all basketball players. If they were on the same team, they would likely be the best of friends. Hopefully, before the fur flies, they get a spirit of the Golden Rule inside them. They can still play hard, but not cross that line between fair play and overly aggressive or dirty play.
Coaches, players and fans should be more satisfied if their participation results not in producing winning records, but producing winning athletes.
There is a difference.
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FELLOWSHIP - But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin - 1 John 1:7
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. - Philippians 2:1-4
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