While sipping a last one...
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A pretty good Czech beer at The Bily Kun...
We had three great games this Saturday, tight scores and spectacular performances by several guys. But alas, once again, an unfortunate incident tarnished the good image of our beloved league ... Although at the time, the crazy scene that ensued made me laugh, the gesture that caused and it and it’s consequences were no laughing matter and once again the disciplinary committee had to suspend a player.
I wondered what had happened to cause this pursuit worthy of a Bugs Bunny cartoon and which those who attended the game opposing the Avengers and the Shamrocks were able to witness : An Avs player with fire in his eyes trying to get his hands on the Shamrock’s player who looked like a rabbit trying to escape a hungry wolf, zigzagging all over the ice, coming very close to being caught … which would have not been good for his health and he knew only too well, seeking refuge from the referee who was trying to defuse the situation as best he could.
As a result: One Shamrock was sent to the locker room (and eventually suspended) and an Avenger ended up with one banged-up arm courtesy of a slashing of inexcusable force resulting in an injury causing the cancellation of a camera job scheduled for the evening after the game ...
It pisses me off to have to talk about this again, but it is essential to try and avoid escalating situations like this which made me think we should institute a "defusing protocol" to try and break in the bud any growing tension that could potentially lead to regrettable actions of this nature. It is never easy to tell when and why it started, just as well as to who started ... But we can feel that something is about to happen and that is when we must intervene ...
It could look like this: When a player feels that there is potential for disaster, be it from himself, a teammate or an opponent, he could notify everyone by yelling «Cut The Crap !» a non-descript early warning, a well known expression I know, but if used knowingly from everyone and echoed by others, a spectator or even the Ref. so everybody realizes that it's time for somebody to calm their nerves If not themselves, before any damage is done, ugly gestures and / or possible penalties called . Everything could be done in a few seconds, while team-mates could invite the pumped up guy(s) to go relax on the bench to defuse...Before it Starts ....
You may say that its pretty much like what is commonly seen in such situations, but I think if it becomes a "standard" or a and that it is done in prevention rather than reaction, as a kind of intended, universal «call to reason», there are chances that it works and it ends up with a hand shake rather than a punch in the nose... Without being naive, I still believe in the good will of guys in general, and I think there is no player of the LFA that wants to play in an unhealthy climate where cheap shots and abuse of any sort is rampant. That goes without saying. So just «Cut The Crap !»
By simply going to check on a guy after a play or if you think that a move that occurred might be misinterpreted, Iike a stick ending up in the wrong place after an attempt to retrieve the puck etc …More than half of this kind of bullshit could be avoided…
It's simply a matter of respect, which is the key to any healthy relationship whether on the ice or outside ... Think about it!
I hereby Proclame «the HockeyBrotherHood's Cut The Crap Initiative » officially Launched !!!
