In many countries and especially in the U.S., sports are social phenomena, which seem to possess powers that break down many barriers. Sports stories are commonly related to perseverance, love, natural talent, heroic comebacks and the always-exciting victory of the good guys over the bad guys. But are the rules of today’s sports creating an atmosphere that no longer encourage these outcomes?
High school and collegiate athletic associations do well in establishing rules and creating the infrastructure that help keep different sports competitive but fair. Most rules have a foundation and are approved to aid in some way. However, there have been multiple occasions where the improper enforcement of rules hurt the game instead of develop it.
An example of this is the recent story of Bill Buldini, a high school football coach in Orlando, Fla. who thought he was doing the right thing when he took in a homeless member of his community and gave him a spot on his high school football team. The story attracted media attention, not because of the coach’s altruistic action, but because his job as head coach was at risk, including possible financial penalties on his stipend. Is this truly fair?
Despite the controversy, the story made people in the community question the validity of this specific rule established by the Florida High School Athletic Association. Most sports supporters in our communities will surely oppose how this rule is being enforced in this specific case. It is important for us to respect the rules as they are established, but it is not fair to disqualify an individual in need from playing high schools sports simply because someone gave him a roof over his head. This could ruin his opportunity to go to college. Also, is it fair to sanction a rookie coach who surely acted in the best of the intentions and is looking out for the wellbeing of a kid?
Stories like this are closing down our options of helping to create inspiring stories with happy endings, like the one delivered to us in the Hollywood hit movie “The Blind Side.” I’m sure Michael Oher can relate to the homeless boy in this situation. His life would have probably been ruined if the Tuohy family hadn’t taken him in. Removing him from a drug-infested and violent environment and giving him an education led to him to graduate from college and eventually play in the NFL.
His inspiring story is one of honor and respect, worthy of recognition. It became a well-known book that inspired director John Lee Hancock to develop the motion picture that ended up adorned gaining Oscar winning nominations. In America, we live and die to see real life, inspiring stories that keep the flame of hope lit. This is the whole essence of our nation.
The sole question is: Why do we continue to make it difficult for ourselves by establishing and enforcing rules with gray areas that do not benefit our com-munity? Michael Oher’s story wouldn’t have been possible if sanctions and disqualifications were placed as obstacles. Moreover, the absence of obstacles is what allowed the family to defy the status quo, showing strength and courage and enabled them to give the young man the necessary resources to shine.
Let’s give those individuals acting out of good intentions the possibility to step out and make a difference. Let’s work hard to continue to deliver the world with inspirational sports stories, filled with action, hope, and perseverance. Let’s establish rules that help those who once suffered to overcome their past.
