- May 25, 2010
- 1,070
- 0
Sometimes details are important, sometimes they're not. Going to choose 'not' again on this one, as it relates somewhat to previous drama I also didn't feel like outlining. lol
Although I can be acutely aware of its presence, I don't do drama very well. I also don't like poor communicators, especially when the absence of clear communication gives the appearance of impropriety. However, when facing deadlines established by those on higher rungs of the decision-making ladder, you take the situation you've been handed and deal with that immediately...and then when/if time allows, examine the mistakes(?) which led you there in the first place.
To put it bluntly, although we all want the best for our future superstars
, I'm into letting talent, ability, and desire speak for themselves. And while I know full well (cliché alert) that life isn't 'fair' and have no problem teaching my child that the world is what it is and that each of our lives is what WE - not other people - make of it, I would like to trust that the people I'm entrusting my child to would at least make an honest (key word) effort to keep the process fair, even when making hard decisions.
That's my own fatal flaw, I'll admit.
My resumé: I'm a total team player. I support all the girls I see playing the game, could care less whose team they're on, what league they're in, how good they are. I'm hands-on in helping with all but one fundraiser each year (date conflict). I'm there for pre-season field prep. I still help with field prep for games. I sponsor the league. I support the umpires, because theirs is one of the most thankless jobs in the world (despite the incredible pay nowadays! lol). I'll often thank them for helping our girls learn the rules of the game. I acknowledge all the coaches (except the one jerk) and wish them the best.
I'm not saying all that to boast, nor am I looking for a pat on the back. I'm just one of those guys you can count on, even though I am not a coach.
That being said, I don't schmooze or politick when it comes to my child. Sure, had to do a little extra footwork this season (long story), but there was no gamesmanship involved on my end nor did I badmouth anyone in the process, despite knowing a little about what had gone on here. I didn't have all the facts, wasn't interested in hearing them all, and I certainly wasn't going to make any decisions based on hearsay (at least not at the time).
I don't gossip, and while it may be a part of many people's lives, I'm not into it. In short, no, you're not going to see me hanging out behind the snack bar gossiping with other parents or coaches or board members, nor am I going to be on the phone discussing other children or parents with anyone else. Maybe my sharing here on the forum is a form of gossip, but I choose to post anonymously, and never mention any names.
So, my purpose for writing is to get feedback from some of you on how/if/when you decided to stop being stubborn and join the 'in crowd' - whatever that means for rec sports - or to hear how others of you may have stuck to your guns and refused to play silly high school games.
About me: I'm extremely stubborn and have sort of built my brand in my business around being my own man. BUT, my life is no longer about just me...and that's the crux here. My wife says it's my ego and she could be right, but given the abundance of non-rec softball options in this area, do I really need to even think about becoming a schmoozer to garner better local opportunities for my little all-star, given that she's got 1, maybe 2 seasons left in rec ball?
Although I'm hard-headed, I am that 'do pretty much anything for his daughter' kind of guy, so I'm certainly willing to listen.
Although I can be acutely aware of its presence, I don't do drama very well. I also don't like poor communicators, especially when the absence of clear communication gives the appearance of impropriety. However, when facing deadlines established by those on higher rungs of the decision-making ladder, you take the situation you've been handed and deal with that immediately...and then when/if time allows, examine the mistakes(?) which led you there in the first place.
To put it bluntly, although we all want the best for our future superstars
, I'm into letting talent, ability, and desire speak for themselves. And while I know full well (cliché alert) that life isn't 'fair' and have no problem teaching my child that the world is what it is and that each of our lives is what WE - not other people - make of it, I would like to trust that the people I'm entrusting my child to would at least make an honest (key word) effort to keep the process fair, even when making hard decisions. That's my own fatal flaw, I'll admit.
My resumé: I'm a total team player. I support all the girls I see playing the game, could care less whose team they're on, what league they're in, how good they are. I'm hands-on in helping with all but one fundraiser each year (date conflict). I'm there for pre-season field prep. I still help with field prep for games. I sponsor the league. I support the umpires, because theirs is one of the most thankless jobs in the world (despite the incredible pay nowadays! lol). I'll often thank them for helping our girls learn the rules of the game. I acknowledge all the coaches (except the one jerk) and wish them the best.
I'm not saying all that to boast, nor am I looking for a pat on the back. I'm just one of those guys you can count on, even though I am not a coach.
That being said, I don't schmooze or politick when it comes to my child. Sure, had to do a little extra footwork this season (long story), but there was no gamesmanship involved on my end nor did I badmouth anyone in the process, despite knowing a little about what had gone on here. I didn't have all the facts, wasn't interested in hearing them all, and I certainly wasn't going to make any decisions based on hearsay (at least not at the time).
I don't gossip, and while it may be a part of many people's lives, I'm not into it. In short, no, you're not going to see me hanging out behind the snack bar gossiping with other parents or coaches or board members, nor am I going to be on the phone discussing other children or parents with anyone else. Maybe my sharing here on the forum is a form of gossip, but I choose to post anonymously, and never mention any names.
So, my purpose for writing is to get feedback from some of you on how/if/when you decided to stop being stubborn and join the 'in crowd' - whatever that means for rec sports - or to hear how others of you may have stuck to your guns and refused to play silly high school games.
About me: I'm extremely stubborn and have sort of built my brand in my business around being my own man. BUT, my life is no longer about just me...and that's the crux here. My wife says it's my ego and she could be right, but given the abundance of non-rec softball options in this area, do I really need to even think about becoming a schmoozer to garner better local opportunities for my little all-star, given that she's got 1, maybe 2 seasons left in rec ball?
Although I'm hard-headed, I am that 'do pretty much anything for his daughter' kind of guy, so I'm certainly willing to listen.
