SERIOUS GAMES

Lessons Watched

An overarching feeling of Wordle goodness

Image by Robyn Jones from Pixabay

Fair warning, Wordle answer at the end.

I attended a middle school sporting event tonight. It may not have been the most exciting event I have ever attended, but that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t important.

I watched girls and boys exhibit sportsmanship, skill, and team spirit. I watched while these young people shook hands and talked in a friendly way to competitors on the other team. I appreciated the way that they conducted themselves as a team and as individuals. They were quiet at the appropriate times, and active at the appropriate times. I applaud the way that their coaches conducted the match professionally, created a safe and enjoyable environment, and helped them throughout the proceedings.

It was friendly yet competitive, challenging yet accessible, and civil even when a winner was announced. There were no challenges to the results.

Coaching is not something I aspire to, but I admire those who give their time in this way. If it’s done right, it’s another positive role model for kids to follow. And we all know that the world is lacking in positive role models these days.

Perhaps our upcoming political competitions should hire some middle school archery coaches to teach the players how to act civilly, speak politely, and shake hands authentically with the competition. I would suggest that the politicians in question be required to attend a match or two, but I suspect that they would end up embarrassing themselves and ruining the evening for these hard working children.

Thanks COACH.