Young Players & Attitudes

[sjm]

When somebody signs up for a tournament, why not give out a sheet along with anything else that you distribute that has some basic rules for SPORTSMANSHIP to make the Fury Tour a cut above the others. Maybe they'll think it's kinda hokey in the beginning, but then again maybe some of it will start to sink in after a while. It doesn't have to be a long laundry list, but just a few things here and there to remind individuals that winning is great, and losing isn't fun...but everyone wins through courtesy and respect.

Lake Michigan Fury, welcome to our forum.

I recommend paying very close attention to this excellent post of our esteemed forum colleague Drivermaker, because many need to be taught what constitutes acceptable demeanor, etiquette, and sportsmanship. Still, history has shown this won't be enough. There has rarely been a pool tour that hasn't paid at least lip service to these issues, generally suggesting that action will be taken against violators of any code of conduct established.
Almost without exception, these principles get compromised by the failure of tour directors to take disciplinary action against violators. Don't waste your time establishing a code of conduct unless you intend to enforce it. If you are willing to enforce it, you're a rare breed in our sport, but a breed we need more of.

 

[lakemifurytour]

intelligent attention

Lake Michigan Fury, welcome to our forum.

I recommend paying very close attention to this excellent post of our esteemed forum colleague Drivermaker, because many need to be taught what constitutes acceptable demeanor, etiquette, and sportsmanship. Still, history has shown this won't be enough. There has rarely been a pool tour that hasn't paid at least lip service to these issues, generally suggesting that action will be taken against violators of any code of conduct established.
Almost without exception, these principles get compromised by the failure of tour directors to take disciplinary action against violators. Don't waste your time establishing a code of conduct unless you intend to enforce it. If you are willing to enforce it, you're a rare breed in our sport, but a breed we need more of.

I made a book specifically for the players. This book as explained in a previous thread explains all of that is expected from the players. And, YES, I do enforce the rules and the code of conduct. When a player is way out of line - throwing cues and using abusive language for everyone in a 5,000 sq ft building to hear - I give them time to cool down after their match. I actually make them sit with me or take them to an area of privacy and explain to them that the behavior displayed is unacceptable, that it sucks to loose, but it happens. They are given a warning and explained the code of conduct and what the consequences are for the future. Amazingly, out of the 8 young men and older men all have returned to the tour with the exception of one and ALL have shown a 360 turn around. Why have a tour with rules without enforcing them is beyong me.........

 

[Scott Lee]

We do. The players are bound to a Code of Ethics that includes violations of throwing equipment etc. I established a book just for my players and it encompasses RULE, CONDUCT, HOME OFFICE INFORMATION,HISTORY OF THE TOUR, PLAYERS WHO CAN PLAY AND WHO CANNOT, POINT STANDINGS, PICTURES, ETC.

And yes I put articles I feel that are important to the game. I think the professor in me is coming out here. I am really looking for suggestions and advice on how to help my players and I welcome them all.

DaveK...This is a good point. When I was an APA L.O. over 10 yrs ago, sportsmanship was a KEY element, and every time I had end-of-session or end-of-year league tournaments, EVERY player had to SIGN the 'rule's sheet', acknowlegding that they understood the rules, and MORE IMPORTANT, understood the consequences of breaking the rules...you get 86'd out of the tournament! Period...end of arguments! If you are not doing this, you might think about it. If you ARE doing this, and you're not living up to your own rules...well, you know how to fix that! Age is irrelevant to bad manners and poor sportsmanship. If you 'do the crime', expect to 'do the time', imo!

I'm also a professional instructor, and I ALWAYS teach my students (of any age) that "getting angry", while it may seem 'natural' or even 'okay', will almost always have a detrimental effect on your ability to play your best (this is true for the majority of players...except pros, who can sometimes focus on their anger, and use it to pump themselves up, are excluded). Like someone else said, it's not whether you get mad or not, it's how you let it affect your attitude at the table!

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com