The Goal Line Stand (Div 5) – Week 5

On Discipline

 

John Locke wrote that we are poor judges in our own cases.

 

A couple of weeks have passed since the FPF disciplinary committee levied what were perceived to be heavy suspensions on three players. I considered commenting on the decisions themselves as well as on the backlash the decisions received on various channels (including Facebook – the classiest of forums) previously to this moment, but chose to display patience. For although those things we may say in the heat of the moment are often the most honest, they are also the most subject to change. After more than two weeks, our perceptions of the decisions are clearer, and the time has allowed for a more complete, thorough, and thoughtful response.

 

Three players from a range of divisions (Division 5 not included) were suspended by the league’s disciplinary committee for different – yet similar – reasons. The purpose of this being discussed, then, in a 5th Division article is not merely for the availability of information, but for the lessons learned therein. It is a testament to our maturity (though ironically being one of the younger divisions) that our community remains free of suspensions and excessive major penalties. The following should serve as a sort of manifesto that governs conduct on and off the field as representatives of FPF.

 

If we can agree that participation in a recreational sports league such as FPF can be compared to other structured social situations such as work or school, then we can also agree that our rights, privileges, and responsibilities can be – and most often are – similar. Our workplace and post-secondary school environment are places we choose to be. Moreover, they are places we are fortunate enough to be participants in. For, we know that no individual is guaranteed employment or post-secondary education. One must merit their place and then earn their privilege to remain. If, for example, an employee or student would physically assault or mentally harass any member of their work or school environment (be it a superior, peer, or subordinate), they would certainly be subject to termination or expulsion.

 

Since this is what the players in question engaged in (reasons and motives notwithstanding, as they would not in work or school), suspensions are a logical conclusion. Furthermore, rather than being permanently terminated or expelled (indefinite timelines) as in the context of work or school, their suspensions were finite, ranging from 3 weeks to the remainder of this season (6 weeks). Through this lens, the disciplinary committee was relatively lenient in these cases. It begs the question: why should some players be given the privilege of participating when they have behaved in a way that essentially alleviates them of this privilege? This is not to say that lifetime bans should be the norm. However, the question remains relevant.

 

Therefore it follows that: It is not your right, but rather your privilege to play in a recreational sports league. Your responsibilities in such leagues towards others are the same as in other social environments, and not negated by the context of competitive sports.   

 

Many people who have been burdened by the suspensions (the suspended players, their teammates, proponents of a hands-off disciplinary system, and those compelled to vigilante justice) have complained that the prices paid for the misdeeds were too severe. The reasoning here lies in the causes of the reprimanded actions – the alleged provocation. However, sometimes a punishment must be administered on the merits of the action in question without consideration to the provocation. Moreover, the punishment should fit the crime. This is very difficult to argue against. There are very few provocations that legitimize the use of violent physical force or exaggerated verbal abuse (both of which are forms of assault). The provocations in question do not fall under this category.  

 

Therefore it follows that: Deviation from acceptable behavior ought to result in a fitting punishment as would be found in comparable societal atmospheres.

 

In addition, FPF is a socially responsible entity. This means that it considers more than the quality of the gaming itself (or your hurt feelings) when making decisions. Player, staff, and spectator well-being are all factors which are critical to the functioning of the league. Players who have clearly demonstrated that they have stepped outside of generally accepted decorum should, therefore, be subject to some sort of reproof. To suggest that this is a “man’s game played by men” is at best false and at worst hypocritical when arguing against suspensions. For men playing a man’s game should engage in the basic tenets of respect and mutual consideration. True men would understand the limitations that a recreational sports league entails, and therefore allow for the democratic processes to take their course. The manliest thing to do, then, is to allow for the disciplinary committee to make unbiased decisions using as many resources as possible.  

 

Therefore it follows that: FPF ought to exercise its right to suspend players when it deems that the continued participation of this player poses a threat to others and the league itself. In extreme cases, FPF should impose harsh repercussions up to and including lifetime bans.

 

In conclusion, we will review this argument in its most succinct form:

 

1) It is not your right, but rather your privilege to play in a recreational sports league.

 

2) Your responsibilities in such leagues toward others are the same as in other social environments, and are not negated by the context of competitive sports.    

 

3) Deviation from acceptable behavior ought to result in a fitting punishment as would be found in comparable societal atmospheres.

 

4) Therefore, FPF ought to exercise its right to suspend players when it deems that the continued participation of these players poses a threat to others and the league itself.

 

5) Therefore, in extreme cases, FPF should impose harsh repercussions up to and including lifetime bans.

 

The preceding paragraphs have not argued for the innocence of the players on the receiving ends of the suspended acts. These players may or may not merit punishments of their own. However it does not follow from this that suspended players have a legitimate reason to challenge or discredit the decisions undertaken in their cases. The greatest good for the greatest amount of people involved necessarily includes sober suspensions.

 

If you disagree with this, remember: we are poor judges in our own cases.

 

Weekly Recap

 

Tyrant Win Bolsters B-South

 

With their win over the J’s, the Tyrants officially put the B-South division on the map. This win also challenges B-North for the toughest division in Conference B. John Kaliotzakis’ 84% completion rate was unheard of prior to this game. This boosts his average completion rate for the season to 75.6%. The league still may not have a clear picture of Kaliotzakis, however, because he’s only thrown in two Tyrants game thus far. 17 of Kaliotzakis’ 21 completions went to David Lobe (8) and Karl Belafi (9). The Tyrants face a different kind of QB in week 6 than they did in week 5. Hai Minh Luong’s pocket-passer style may have lulled the Tyrants’ alternating rush into a deep sleep. Perhaps this rush-by-committee-type defense is the perfect way to deal with the Tebowesque Chris Rivest.

 

Dodgers Winning Streak Taken Away

 

1 is still a streak. Duqueslin Pierre-Louis outgunned both Dodger QBs, throwing 0 INTs while watching his own team snag a whopping 6. Pierre-Louis also did a good job spreading the ball around – four of five receivers all shared the bulk of the workload. So what’s wrong with the Dodgers? On paper, this team should be challenging for the top spot in all of Division 5. Having been coached in high school by their leader, Erminio Iadeluca, I can all but know that it isn’t an issue with the game itself. Perhaps an inconsistent roster has people confused and roles reversed. They have a chance to find their stride against a struggling Blue Mountain State next week.  

 

Une victoire signée Les Buddays

 

Ils sont grands, rapides et ont des guns (ceux des gyms). Les Buddays ont défait Thunder 38-22 mercredi soir dernier. Léandre Éthier connait une excellente saison avec un ratio de 20 TD : 2 INT et l’a démontré encore une fois. Le point tournant de la partie, par contre, fut les 3 interceptions lancés par Frédéric Morissette; un QB remplacant pour Thunder. Peut-être que la partie aurait été différente avec Bruno Lavergne, mais on ne peut que stipuler rendu à ce point-ci. Néanmoins, Les Buddays continuent de dominer leur conférence avec leur record de 5-0; désormais une des seule équipe de Division 5 à être undefeated. Avec quelques parties dificiles à venir, Les Buddays devront step up s’ils désirent avec une saison parfaite. À voir !

 

By the Numbers

 

Chicks dig guys who know a lot about statistics – Chinese proverb.

 

30: Percent of all attempts resulting in a touchdown for the Coyotes.
47: Number of passes defended this week. 
26.09: Percent of all attempts resulting in an interception for the Crooklyn Dodgers.
22.875: Average number of points scored this week, limiting it only to offenses. If you include points scored by defenses, this jumps to 24.1875. 
12: Number of teams with a QB rating of over 100 in week 5.
1.03: Average number of sacks this week. Led by La Sauce and Lockdown with 4 sacks each. 
117: Number of touchdowns scored this week (101 in the air, 9 on the ground, and 7 in the defender’s hands)

 

Power Rankings

 

Chicks dig guys who are highly power-ranked – Chinese proverb.

 

No, I’m kidding. But admit, it’s cool to see your team’s name up here. Part of me keeps cheering for Les Buddays’ perfect season, and part of me secretly wants to see it broken. When will No Regard’s perfect season come to an end? Who chooses a name like “La Sauce”?

 

1. Les Buddays (5-0): Playing Thunder without Lavergne doesn’t prove anything. Nonetheless, they hold on to first spot. 

2. No Regard (5-0): The Big Birds were the first of a progressively more difficult schedule.

3. Coyotes (4-0-1): These guys are fun to watch.

4. Team Ethnik (4-0-1): David De Andrade is a double threat. This guy can run.

5. Big Birds (4-1): They stumbled this week. They must beat the Warhawks next week or this could be the beginning of a slippery slope.

6. Mean Machine (4-1): They’re only getting better.

7. La Sauce (4-1): Their continued use of former Division 1 and 2 players in Division 5 has people around the league muttering. (More on this next week).

8. Tyrants (4-1): Have quietly put together an excellent season. They sit atop their division.

9. Checkmate (3-2): Anthony Carbone looks fast enough to run the ball into Alex David’s hands and still have enough time for David to get extra yards.

10. Centurions (3-2): This week could be a turning point for these guys. Their experience is starting to show.

 

Predictions

 

Nostradamus predicted the end of world. So far he’s 0-1. I’m 12-3-0 (a perfect 5-0 last week. Now I know how Les Buddays feel.). No one’s written any books about me yet.

 

1. Mudsharks vs. Thunder: Thunder has lost 2 straight. Look for them to take out their frustration on the Mudsharks

2. Mean Machine vs. J’s: Hai Minh Luong is going to have to pull out all the stops to beat this athletic team. Look for Mean Machine to prove too much for the J’s. 

3. Big Birds vs. Warhawks: The Warhawks are underrated. They’ll be the second team to beat the Big Birds this season.

4.  Centurions vs. Spartans: The Spartans have blown up their last 2 competitors. But the Centurions will still come out on top.

5. Marvels vs. Les Buddays: This is more a plea to Les Buddays to remain respectful when it comes to the score. Les Buddays for the win.

 

———–

 

Every week I throw in a few lines about how much I enjoy receiving your e-mails. I encourage readers to send me whatever thoughts they may have about the week that passed. Whether your messages be positive, negative, or just plain incoherent, I do not discriminate. I’d like to share an e-mail I received a week ago. I feel it embodies the true essence of what FPF discourse should be all about. (N.B. The message has been represented here in its original form. All formatting, spelling, and grammar miracles are the author’s.)

 

Hello

Am miss sandra ,interested in you,I think we should use every chance to

find our happiness.

and wish to have you as my friend,

for a friend is all about Respect, ,

i intend to send you my picture for you, if you reply me.

thanks from sandra.

 

Absolutely.

You can reach me at [email protected]