Maturity=Respect for others

[Donny Lutz]

Young stars in all sports tend not to respect their elders and other players in general. When they lose it was bad luck, bad rolls, etc. - never that they were out-played. As we mature we learn to respect others and give them credit when deserved. Most of us. We all know a couple of legendary pool players who are clearly beyond their prime, but believe they're still the best. And believe it or not, still believe that women can't play!

 

[RickVaughn]

I think it just as easily goes the other way. I've walked in to tourneys and played old timers that didn't give me an ounce of respect, even after I beat them. What's great about pool though is you get competitive play from all age ranges. Respect cuts both ways. I've learned a lot from the more mature players at my hall and I've also taught people the same age. The best players know this and keep an open mind.

 

[jeffrieders]

response to maturity-respect for others

I play in a weekly apa 9-ball league, one of my teammates is an older gentleman who has played for many, many years. His eye is not what it once was, however, his table savvy is far superior to almost everyone he plays against. I see the (usually much younger) opponents sometimes celebrate when they think they have played a good safe, or made a run-out against him. He regularly acknowledges good shots by his opponent, but I notice, that it is not a two-way street. I don't know exactly if it is because he is older, or that younger players just aren't respectful, but sometimes I see when he plays a good safe, or finishes his pattern run-out, the younger opponent often rolls his eyes (then racks the balls). I personally have learned much from him about the game, but also about respect in pool and for life.

 

[Ratta]

Donny,

that s just a matter of bad education- bad manners, easy said. I don t know how big that problems is in the USA. But in here in germany this is also sometimes a problem. I know 2 instructors which would immediatley stop instructing a young guy who would act respectless, comin too late to training, or being not nicley (not matter to who, may it be trainer, opponent or who else).

I try this also with my students. Showing respect, no matter to who.... is a fundamental thing i expect from everyone.