Rivalries get heated. Competitors step up and compete even a little harder when there is a rivalry on the line. That little extra is what makes rivalries so compelling for the athletes as well as the fans.
Last night the US men’s soccer team played Mexico. According to many US players, no game is bigger to play in than the US v Mexico game, especially in Mexico. While the fans in both countries often cross the line of sportsmanship to chant inappropriately during the game, and the play on the pitch does get heated, the rivalry brings out the best in most of the players.
A few years ago, I had a chance to see the best in two youth players realize they weren’t enemies, just competitors. They had competed against each other since they were 12 and still compete against each other in college. Their games were always battles, and while most players and parents appreciated the good games, there were parents and players who crossed the line from fan and participant, to poor sports.
One day while they were in their late teens the two competitors were sitting with a mutual group of friends at a BIG tournament. They had never interacted before except as competitors. They began to talk to each other as friends and not rivals. They realized that even though they have always competed against each other, they didn’t hate each other. They realized they had much in common.
They both trained equally hard in and out of season. They both loved and respected the beautiful game. They were both leaders on their teams. They both give back to the sport by coaching youth teams. They both made sacrifices to compete at the highest level. They were both competitors. They both wanted to win.
Since that meeting, whenever they compete against each other, there is always a warm embrace before the game. Then they go at each other. Whatever the result, they shake hands and embrace after the game, too. They respect each other as competitors and as people. That is the best of sports.
We must teach our kids that competition, while passionate, is not personal. We must teach our kids to respect the game and those who play it, even when they are on the other team.