1) The document discusses the lifestyle of competitive paintball players and the passion and sacrifices required, including traveling extensively, enduring physical hardships, and putting the sport above other parts of their lives.
2) It describes how players are addicted to the raw emotions and primal nature of the sport. Only those with extreme dedication who train constantly and strive to improve make it to the top levels of competition.
3) It argues competitive paintball players should be more vocal about their passion for the sport in order to grow awareness and understanding beyond just the paintball community. They should take pride in their sacrifices and accomplishments.
Female athletes are paid significantly less than their male counterparts despite doing similar work. This is partly because women's professional sports receive much less broadcast coverage and media attention. The article argues that low salaries and lack of coverage form a cycle, since fewer viewers means less demand and sponsorship for women's leagues. It calls for investing more in broadcasting and promoting women's sports to increase fan bases and revenues, which could then support equal pay.
The document discusses the significant pay gap between male and female professional athletes. While women now have professional leagues for many of the same sports as men, their salaries are much lower. For example, a starter in MLB may earn millions per contract, while a starter in women's pro softball earns around $30,000. It argues this pay inequality is unfair given that female athletes dedicate as much time and effort to their sport as males. It also claims that lower viewership and sponsorship of women's sports is partly due to lack of coverage on TV and online, making it difficult for female athletes to gain more fans and financial support. The document concludes more should be invested in female athletes to help close the gender pay gap in
This document discusses social media use in sports. It provides examples of both positive and negative impacts, as well as opportunities and risks. Guidelines are outlined for athletes and organizations regarding transparency, comments on other athletes, and sponsorships. Research is presented showing fans are more likely to purchase brands endorsed by athletes on social media. The power of storytelling and developing personal brands is discussed. Overall, the document advocates for a strategic approach to social media that balances openness with responsibility.
The document provides information about sports writing. It discusses the different elements of sports writing such as action, conflict, and vivid descriptions. It also contrasts the stylistic differences between sports writing and news writing, noting that sports writing has more freedom of style when using modifiers. Additionally, it offers tips for writing sports stories, including using conventional and unconventional leads, and provides examples of leads that highlight the best player or a key play.
Johnnie Kilbane provides a detailed account of his training regimen as the former featherweight champion to prepare for an important title bout against Benny Leonard. His day begins at 5am with a 6 mile run followed by cold water plunges. He spends his afternoons sparring and doing conditioning exercises. His training includes 45 minutes of boxing with his manager and sparring partner, followed by rope skipping, bag work, and medicine ball exercises. He plays baseball daily for stress relief and conditioning. He follows a strict diet and gets massages before sleeping by 9pm. Kilbane emphasizes the importance of both physical and mental preparation to be in peak condition for the big fight.
The document discusses various aspects of games and sports competitions. It addresses questions about what defines a game, why there are no female players on some teams, why people get passionate about watching others compete, what defines a team, and why spectators cannot join the game on the field. It notes that games involve competition for fun or reward, and explores reasons for gender imbalance and spectators' investment in teams, noting competitive drive and identification with local teams. It defines a team as people working together toward a shared goal and explains that allowing spectators on the field could create dangerous crowding and interfere with play.
Michael John Carley recounts pitching poorly in a semi-pro baseball game at age 48, giving up multiple runs. Though internally composed, his pitches were missing their targets due to a hole in the mound. His 17-year-old son watched from the dugout. During the outing, a spectator yelled "Hey pitcher, you suck!" reflecting Carley's worst performance. Carley has Asperger's Syndrome but keeps his diagnosis private from his teammates, using baseball as an escape from discussing autism professionally.
The document is a first-person account from an NFL player reflecting on their career and legacy. Some key points:
- The player takes responsibility for their own actions and choices, not blaming external factors for pushing them into a dark place.
- They describe themselves as a "reaper" feared by competition and the subject of whispers in locker rooms. Their career has been marked by sacrifice, punishment of the body, and relentless ferocity.
- At the end of their career, the player says they will not fear its end, but instead leave "like a hero going home," roaring their own "death ballad." Their legacy will be one of tremendous effort and intensity.
Female athletes are paid significantly less than their male counterparts despite doing similar work. This is partly because women's professional sports receive much less broadcast coverage and media attention. The article argues that low salaries and lack of coverage form a cycle, since fewer viewers means less demand and sponsorship for women's leagues. It calls for investing more in broadcasting and promoting women's sports to increase fan bases and revenues, which could then support equal pay.
The document discusses the significant pay gap between male and female professional athletes. While women now have professional leagues for many of the same sports as men, their salaries are much lower. For example, a starter in MLB may earn millions per contract, while a starter in women's pro softball earns around $30,000. It argues this pay inequality is unfair given that female athletes dedicate as much time and effort to their sport as males. It also claims that lower viewership and sponsorship of women's sports is partly due to lack of coverage on TV and online, making it difficult for female athletes to gain more fans and financial support. The document concludes more should be invested in female athletes to help close the gender pay gap in
This document discusses social media use in sports. It provides examples of both positive and negative impacts, as well as opportunities and risks. Guidelines are outlined for athletes and organizations regarding transparency, comments on other athletes, and sponsorships. Research is presented showing fans are more likely to purchase brands endorsed by athletes on social media. The power of storytelling and developing personal brands is discussed. Overall, the document advocates for a strategic approach to social media that balances openness with responsibility.
The document provides information about sports writing. It discusses the different elements of sports writing such as action, conflict, and vivid descriptions. It also contrasts the stylistic differences between sports writing and news writing, noting that sports writing has more freedom of style when using modifiers. Additionally, it offers tips for writing sports stories, including using conventional and unconventional leads, and provides examples of leads that highlight the best player or a key play.
Johnnie Kilbane provides a detailed account of his training regimen as the former featherweight champion to prepare for an important title bout against Benny Leonard. His day begins at 5am with a 6 mile run followed by cold water plunges. He spends his afternoons sparring and doing conditioning exercises. His training includes 45 minutes of boxing with his manager and sparring partner, followed by rope skipping, bag work, and medicine ball exercises. He plays baseball daily for stress relief and conditioning. He follows a strict diet and gets massages before sleeping by 9pm. Kilbane emphasizes the importance of both physical and mental preparation to be in peak condition for the big fight.
The document discusses various aspects of games and sports competitions. It addresses questions about what defines a game, why there are no female players on some teams, why people get passionate about watching others compete, what defines a team, and why spectators cannot join the game on the field. It notes that games involve competition for fun or reward, and explores reasons for gender imbalance and spectators' investment in teams, noting competitive drive and identification with local teams. It defines a team as people working together toward a shared goal and explains that allowing spectators on the field could create dangerous crowding and interfere with play.
Michael John Carley recounts pitching poorly in a semi-pro baseball game at age 48, giving up multiple runs. Though internally composed, his pitches were missing their targets due to a hole in the mound. His 17-year-old son watched from the dugout. During the outing, a spectator yelled "Hey pitcher, you suck!" reflecting Carley's worst performance. Carley has Asperger's Syndrome but keeps his diagnosis private from his teammates, using baseball as an escape from discussing autism professionally.
The document is a first-person account from an NFL player reflecting on their career and legacy. Some key points:
- The player takes responsibility for their own actions and choices, not blaming external factors for pushing them into a dark place.
- They describe themselves as a "reaper" feared by competition and the subject of whispers in locker rooms. Their career has been marked by sacrifice, punishment of the body, and relentless ferocity.
- At the end of their career, the player says they will not fear its end, but instead leave "like a hero going home," roaring their own "death ballad." Their legacy will be one of tremendous effort and intensity.
This document discusses recreational sport management. It begins by defining recreational sport as involvement in sport during leisure time, either as an active participant or spectator. There are five main programming areas of recreational sport management: instructional sports, informal sports, intramural sports, extramural sports, and club sports. The document then examines participants and locations, benefits, trends, and types of tournaments used in recreational sport management like single elimination and double elimination. It emphasizes that recreational sport is intended to provide enjoyment for people of all ages and abilities.
The document is a profile for Demetrus McCray and his company Mac Sports International. It describes McCray's background in sports operations and his goal of using sports to empower youth and build community. It outlines Mac Sports' programs like customized camps and skills training for at-risk youth, as well as a correctional facility outreach program providing football and basketball skills and mentoring. The company aims to identify exceptional athletes and prepare them for success through focused individual instruction.
--0 THE DUALITY OF SPORT ffo11w11 beings seek ekstasSilvaGraf83
--
0
THE DUALITY OF SPORT
ffo11w11 beings seek ekstasis, a "stepping 011t~ide" of th eir 1w111wl,
111111ulr111e experience. If they 110 lunger find ecstasy in a synagogue,
clwrc/1, or 111osq11e, they look for it i11 dm1cc , lllll5ic, sport, sex, or
drugs.
- Karen Armstrong, historian of religions
Spol1 is a u;i11do11; 011 a clw11gi11g soqety.
- Dmicl Halber~tam , author
For sol/le people, baseball i\· like a religion . It has all the ele111e11ts:
a creation story, falls from grace, redemption, prophets, heretic5,
icons, lituals, te111JJ!es, u:ors/1ip, sacrifice, miracles, sar,iors a11d si11-
11ers-lots of si111wrn.
- John Longhurst, Wi1111ipeg ( Manitoba ) Free Press
Soccer is like a 90-111ir111te anxiety dream--<Jnc of those fnistrating
dreams u:hen you 're trying to get somewhere but something is a/u;ays
in the iuay. This is yet another icay soccer is like life.
- Simon Critchle>·, English professor of philosophy
CHAPTER I
l
Sports are not just physical contests, yott know,_tl~ ey are also sociol
ogy. They are a reflection of the people and soczetzes that play th em.
-Mike Seccombe, Australian journalist
The thrill ofcicton; and the agony of defeat-the human drama of
athletic competition .
-Jim McKay for ABC's Wide \Vorld of Sport
The subject of this volume is sport in US society. To guide this inquiry,
I ham organized the book around two themes: that sport has positive
and negative consequences, that is, sport is both fair and foul; and
that sport is a microcosm of society. Each of these themes brings into
sharper focus the paradox that, on the one hand, we love sport and are
fascinated by its magical qualities, yet sport has troublesome qualities
as well. This leads to confusion, as sportswriter Gary Smith has written:
All this confusion does it signal a society lost in the wilderness . . . or one
finally mature enough to look at questions it has always shut its eyes to?
m~ mine.I gnaws at the bone, at every last bit gristle. Beneath it all , he
can !> ense \\'hat's going on , the vague feeling that people are beginning
to ham that their love of sports-the sense of escape and belonging that
the:' prmide- is doubling back on them like some hidden undertow,
pulling the m out to sea. 1
THEME I: SPORT IS FAIR; SPORT IS FOUL
Sociologist Jay Coakley observes that Americans believe in what he calls
the "Great American Sports Myth," which is "the widespread belief that
all sp01ts are essentially pure and good, and that their purity and good
ness are transferred to those who participate."2 This is the message given
at a typical high school sports banquet honoring the school's athletes .
The guest speaker, with examples, humor, and sincerity, extols the many
\i1tues of sports participation. The implications of the "Great American
Sports M)th " are, foremost, that sports participation builds ch_aracter.
Second, if there are problems, they are because of a few "bad apples,"
3 TH ...
--
0
THE DUALITY OF SPORT
ffo11w11 beings seek ekstasis, a "stepping 011t~ide" of th eir 1w111wl,
111111ulr111e experience. If they 110 lunger find ecstasy in a synagogue,
clwrc/1, or 111osq11e, they look for it i11 dm1cc , lllll5ic, sport, sex, or
drugs.
- Karen Armstrong, historian of religions
Spol1 is a u;i11do11; 011 a clw11gi11g soqety.
- Dmicl Halber~tam , author
For sol/le people, baseball i\· like a religion . It has all the ele111e11ts:
a creation story, falls from grace, redemption, prophets, heretic5,
icons, lituals, te111JJ!es, u:ors/1ip, sacrifice, miracles, sar,iors a11d si11-
11ers-lots of si111wrn.
- John Longhurst, Wi1111ipeg ( Manitoba ) Free Press
Soccer is like a 90-111ir111te anxiety dream--<Jnc of those fnistrating
dreams u:hen you 're trying to get somewhere but something is a/u;ays
in the iuay. This is yet another icay soccer is like life.
- Simon Critchle>·, English professor of philosophy
CHAPTER I
l
Sports are not just physical contests, yott know,_tl~ ey are also sociol
ogy. They are a reflection of the people and soczetzes that play th em.
-Mike Seccombe, Australian journalist
The thrill ofcicton; and the agony of defeat-the human drama of
athletic competition .
-Jim McKay for ABC's Wide \Vorld of Sport
The subject of this volume is sport in US society. To guide this inquiry,
I ham organized the book around two themes: that sport has positive
and negative consequences, that is, sport is both fair and foul; and
that sport is a microcosm of society. Each of these themes brings into
sharper focus the paradox that, on the one hand, we love sport and are
fascinated by its magical qualities, yet sport has troublesome qualities
as well. This leads to confusion, as sportswriter Gary Smith has written:
All this confusion does it signal a society lost in the wilderness . . . or one
finally mature enough to look at questions it has always shut its eyes to?
m~ mine.I gnaws at the bone, at every last bit gristle. Beneath it all , he
can !> ense \\'hat's going on , the vague feeling that people are beginning
to ham that their love of sports-the sense of escape and belonging that
the:' prmide- is doubling back on them like some hidden undertow,
pulling the m out to sea. 1
THEME I: SPORT IS FAIR; SPORT IS FOUL
Sociologist Jay Coakley observes that Americans believe in what he calls
the "Great American Sports Myth," which is "the widespread belief that
all sp01ts are essentially pure and good, and that their purity and good
ness are transferred to those who participate."2 This is the message given
at a typical high school sports banquet honoring the school's athletes .
The guest speaker, with examples, humor, and sincerity, extols the many
\i1tues of sports participation. The implications of the "Great American
Sports M)th " are, foremost, that sports participation builds ch_aracter.
Second, if there are problems, they are because of a few "bad apples,"
3 TH ...
This document discusses the differences between marketing at the major league and minor league levels of sport. It begins by comparing the experiences of fans at major and minor league games. Major league fans expect high-quality play and perfection from star athletes, while minor league fans prioritize entertainment value and a fun experience.
Next, it examines how the leagues themselves contribute to these different fan emotions and experiences. Major league teams advertise star players and quality of play, while minor league teams like the Florence Freedom emphasize affordable prices and promotional events. The document then discusses how companies are recognizing opportunities to sponsor minor league teams to reach new audiences.
Finally, it proposes research methods for minor league marketers to better understand their target audiences. This
The alien tour guide explains to the confused alien that a baseball game is occurring in the stadium below. The guide proceeds to answer 5 questions from the alien to describe the game and human behaviors around sports. The guide explains that a game is a conflict between opponents following rules, there are no female players due to separate sports leagues, and fans feel passionate because sports build community around their team. A team works together to defeat opponents, and spectators cannot join the players on the field because they are professionals requiring skill. Thinking like an alien tour guide forces deeper consideration of human values and assumptions around competition and community in sports.
This document discusses recreational sport management. It begins by defining recreational sport as involvement in sport during leisure time, either as an active participant or spectator. There are five main programming areas of recreational sport management: instructional sports, informal sports, intramural sports, extramural sports, and club sports. The document then examines participants and locations, benefits, trends, and types of tournaments used in recreational sport management like single elimination and double elimination. It emphasizes that recreational sport is intended to provide enjoyment for people of all ages and abilities.
The document is a profile for Demetrus McCray and his company Mac Sports International. It describes McCray's background in sports operations and his goal of using sports to empower youth and build community. It outlines Mac Sports' programs like customized camps and skills training for at-risk youth, as well as a correctional facility outreach program providing football and basketball skills and mentoring. The company aims to identify exceptional athletes and prepare them for success through focused individual instruction.
--0 THE DUALITY OF SPORT ffo11w11 beings seek ekstasSilvaGraf83
--
0
THE DUALITY OF SPORT
ffo11w11 beings seek ekstasis, a "stepping 011t~ide" of th eir 1w111wl,
111111ulr111e experience. If they 110 lunger find ecstasy in a synagogue,
clwrc/1, or 111osq11e, they look for it i11 dm1cc , lllll5ic, sport, sex, or
drugs.
- Karen Armstrong, historian of religions
Spol1 is a u;i11do11; 011 a clw11gi11g soqety.
- Dmicl Halber~tam , author
For sol/le people, baseball i\· like a religion . It has all the ele111e11ts:
a creation story, falls from grace, redemption, prophets, heretic5,
icons, lituals, te111JJ!es, u:ors/1ip, sacrifice, miracles, sar,iors a11d si11-
11ers-lots of si111wrn.
- John Longhurst, Wi1111ipeg ( Manitoba ) Free Press
Soccer is like a 90-111ir111te anxiety dream--<Jnc of those fnistrating
dreams u:hen you 're trying to get somewhere but something is a/u;ays
in the iuay. This is yet another icay soccer is like life.
- Simon Critchle>·, English professor of philosophy
CHAPTER I
l
Sports are not just physical contests, yott know,_tl~ ey are also sociol
ogy. They are a reflection of the people and soczetzes that play th em.
-Mike Seccombe, Australian journalist
The thrill ofcicton; and the agony of defeat-the human drama of
athletic competition .
-Jim McKay for ABC's Wide \Vorld of Sport
The subject of this volume is sport in US society. To guide this inquiry,
I ham organized the book around two themes: that sport has positive
and negative consequences, that is, sport is both fair and foul; and
that sport is a microcosm of society. Each of these themes brings into
sharper focus the paradox that, on the one hand, we love sport and are
fascinated by its magical qualities, yet sport has troublesome qualities
as well. This leads to confusion, as sportswriter Gary Smith has written:
All this confusion does it signal a society lost in the wilderness . . . or one
finally mature enough to look at questions it has always shut its eyes to?
m~ mine.I gnaws at the bone, at every last bit gristle. Beneath it all , he
can !> ense \\'hat's going on , the vague feeling that people are beginning
to ham that their love of sports-the sense of escape and belonging that
the:' prmide- is doubling back on them like some hidden undertow,
pulling the m out to sea. 1
THEME I: SPORT IS FAIR; SPORT IS FOUL
Sociologist Jay Coakley observes that Americans believe in what he calls
the "Great American Sports Myth," which is "the widespread belief that
all sp01ts are essentially pure and good, and that their purity and good
ness are transferred to those who participate."2 This is the message given
at a typical high school sports banquet honoring the school's athletes .
The guest speaker, with examples, humor, and sincerity, extols the many
\i1tues of sports participation. The implications of the "Great American
Sports M)th " are, foremost, that sports participation builds ch_aracter.
Second, if there are problems, they are because of a few "bad apples,"
3 TH ...
--
0
THE DUALITY OF SPORT
ffo11w11 beings seek ekstasis, a "stepping 011t~ide" of th eir 1w111wl,
111111ulr111e experience. If they 110 lunger find ecstasy in a synagogue,
clwrc/1, or 111osq11e, they look for it i11 dm1cc , lllll5ic, sport, sex, or
drugs.
- Karen Armstrong, historian of religions
Spol1 is a u;i11do11; 011 a clw11gi11g soqety.
- Dmicl Halber~tam , author
For sol/le people, baseball i\· like a religion . It has all the ele111e11ts:
a creation story, falls from grace, redemption, prophets, heretic5,
icons, lituals, te111JJ!es, u:ors/1ip, sacrifice, miracles, sar,iors a11d si11-
11ers-lots of si111wrn.
- John Longhurst, Wi1111ipeg ( Manitoba ) Free Press
Soccer is like a 90-111ir111te anxiety dream--<Jnc of those fnistrating
dreams u:hen you 're trying to get somewhere but something is a/u;ays
in the iuay. This is yet another icay soccer is like life.
- Simon Critchle>·, English professor of philosophy
CHAPTER I
l
Sports are not just physical contests, yott know,_tl~ ey are also sociol
ogy. They are a reflection of the people and soczetzes that play th em.
-Mike Seccombe, Australian journalist
The thrill ofcicton; and the agony of defeat-the human drama of
athletic competition .
-Jim McKay for ABC's Wide \Vorld of Sport
The subject of this volume is sport in US society. To guide this inquiry,
I ham organized the book around two themes: that sport has positive
and negative consequences, that is, sport is both fair and foul; and
that sport is a microcosm of society. Each of these themes brings into
sharper focus the paradox that, on the one hand, we love sport and are
fascinated by its magical qualities, yet sport has troublesome qualities
as well. This leads to confusion, as sportswriter Gary Smith has written:
All this confusion does it signal a society lost in the wilderness . . . or one
finally mature enough to look at questions it has always shut its eyes to?
m~ mine.I gnaws at the bone, at every last bit gristle. Beneath it all , he
can !> ense \\'hat's going on , the vague feeling that people are beginning
to ham that their love of sports-the sense of escape and belonging that
the:' prmide- is doubling back on them like some hidden undertow,
pulling the m out to sea. 1
THEME I: SPORT IS FAIR; SPORT IS FOUL
Sociologist Jay Coakley observes that Americans believe in what he calls
the "Great American Sports Myth," which is "the widespread belief that
all sp01ts are essentially pure and good, and that their purity and good
ness are transferred to those who participate."2 This is the message given
at a typical high school sports banquet honoring the school's athletes .
The guest speaker, with examples, humor, and sincerity, extols the many
\i1tues of sports participation. The implications of the "Great American
Sports M)th " are, foremost, that sports participation builds ch_aracter.
Second, if there are problems, they are because of a few "bad apples,"
3 TH ...
This document discusses the differences between marketing at the major league and minor league levels of sport. It begins by comparing the experiences of fans at major and minor league games. Major league fans expect high-quality play and perfection from star athletes, while minor league fans prioritize entertainment value and a fun experience.
Next, it examines how the leagues themselves contribute to these different fan emotions and experiences. Major league teams advertise star players and quality of play, while minor league teams like the Florence Freedom emphasize affordable prices and promotional events. The document then discusses how companies are recognizing opportunities to sponsor minor league teams to reach new audiences.
Finally, it proposes research methods for minor league marketers to better understand their target audiences. This
The alien tour guide explains to the confused alien that a baseball game is occurring in the stadium below. The guide proceeds to answer 5 questions from the alien to describe the game and human behaviors around sports. The guide explains that a game is a conflict between opponents following rules, there are no female players due to separate sports leagues, and fans feel passionate because sports build community around their team. A team works together to defeat opponents, and spectators cannot join the players on the field because they are professionals requiring skill. Thinking like an alien tour guide forces deeper consideration of human values and assumptions around competition and community in sports.
1. The First Rule - A Modern Expose on the Reality of the Sport; Locker Magazine.
I traveled countries. I experienced different cultures. I met people, shared experienced and saw
places I never would have. I got high off the emotions. I celebrated the accomplishments and was
scarred by the disappointments. I was addicted. I chased the highs and ran from the lows. I went
to war. I went to war every weekend and I poured myself out across the field. I left pieces of me
scattered across them all. I left pieces of flesh strewn across blades of grass from bloody
knuckles and bleeding necks. Like a visceral place marker; something that said “I was here”. I
protected my brothers and closest of friends; sometimes people I had never met before. I bled. I
bled for them all. And I bled a lot. A sanguine sacrifice for unsung glory and respect between
barbarians. Gnarled creatures covered in hardened mud, sweat and dried blood. They resembled
humans but they were far from it, for these things; these things fought each other with merciless
ferocity. Something that would strip a man of every societal convention instilled in them
reducing him to a primal being, who knew nothing other than to kill or be killed.
Matty Marshall within the first few frames of “Sunday Drivers” set a tone and resonated a
message that would shape a generation of players. He explains the lure of the lifestyle which
engulfs the national and international player is too potent, too addictive to be passed. One
becomes addicted to this lifestyle and to this raw primal nature that the game offers even if it is
for a few moments. The ability to mute the outside world and to focus on the task at hand. The
aggression, the ferocity, the viciousness that the modern society has quelled within the masses
and has characterized as immoral or wrong is celebrated and rewarded within a controlled and
confined environment. That is not to misconstrue the tournament player as an individual who
carries a natural violent disposition, one prone to aggressive behavior should they be denied the
therapeutic release of the sport. Nothing could be further from the truth, instead the player is
encouraged to channel their inner competitive nature while promoting man’s natural desire for a
power struggle. That’s all it really is. A struggle between the two teams. A struggle to show who
is more dominant and deserving, which then in turn transcends into a fight. A grueling battle for
each point. So now it begs to question, why? What exactly is it that pushes the player to travel
thousands of miles, get little sleep on uncomfortable couches, sacrifice weekends; social lives
and years for the sport? What is it that gnaws at the soul of the individual forcing them to
persevere; to push through physical, mental and emotional barriers? Passion. This is where the
fire lies, not in the hopes of financial gain, not in the hopes of world renowned fame but in a
silent nod from a like-minded group of individuals. The bloody welts, abrasions coupled with
paint and mud stained hands become badges of honor. The universal sign that they belong to
something more, something unsaid but understood. The first rule of fight club is, you don’t talk
about fight club.
This passion creates an adrenaline deprived thirst, something only cured by this highly volatile,
extremely potent life style of the traveling competitive tournament player. This however is vastly
different from the players who are playing events for the sake of playing. This is not to be
confused with the teams who have matching jerseys competing to increase their social media
credibility. No, this is for the player who grinds week in and week out to win; to leave their
mark. This is the player who is working in the gym, doing drills on their spare time, reviewing
footage to maximize their potential as a top competitive player. From practices to tournaments
their bodies endure physical torment, deprived of nutrients, dehydrated and over worked to the
2. point where muscles burn with the pumping of what feels like battery acid; rebelling through
slowed function and motor skill. But they keep going, unmoved by the subconscious objection.
Typically you see this in upper echelon divisional athletes in division one and two. Though not
to discourage lower divisional players and teams, this sort of work ethic and dedication is
typically congruent among the players fighting to go pro. Complacency will take hold in the
lower divisions and players become accustomed to the competition and never really strive for
more. Grayson Goff of BKI Paintball and San Antonio X-Factor touches on this in his most
recent article, “F+ for Participation” which draws on the notion that the sport has become too
inclusive to celebrate lower divisional accomplishments which breeds a level of entitlement
among the lower ranks thus discouraging progress. As Goff explains, there should be no reason
the sport puts Division Five and Four players on a pedestal who then in turn feel as if they are
entitled to “a deal” or compensation to play their division. The harsh reality is that passion fuels
those at the upper echelons of the sport. Heart causes them to persevere through injury and
emotional barriers, the sooner others realize this the better the sport will be off as a whole. If the
player wishes to receive recognition and accolades for accomplishment, earn it. Fight to the top.
Interestingly those who grind their way to the top, or even just spend their weekends
travelling, practicing or competing are rather silent when it comes to their accomplishment or
their passion in a sport that they love. Often it is seen that these same players who earn their title
or rank simply just explain they are in the city or area for a “tournament”. Delightfully unspecific
and captivating. The sport as a whole is crippled with a lack of awareness and understanding at
public level. Within the microcosm of the paintball community, competitive paintball or Xball is
understood however within the macrocosm of the sport community it is widely regarded as
military simulation or para military wannabes. The competitive paintball player base as a whole
could be held accountable for this as more often than not the players do not take the time to
vocalize their passion or explain the game to educate the masses. The server that served the team
at dinner could potentially be interested but had not had any one to ask about it; that person may
be the next big thing, but if they are unaware they will never be given the opportunity. The sport
as a whole has made great advancements with webcasts and the commentating however to truly
make use of this and gain traction the player base needs to support it through public education.
This is a large part of what defines the tournament player’s life. How many missed birthday
parties, arguments with significant others, or sacrificing late nights with good friends in lieu of
early morning travel and practice; how much or how many of those justify talking about and
explaining the passion and commitment the upper echelons of the game requires. What differs
the professional athletes and semiprofessional athletes in other sports from paintball, both are
well versed in their craft but who carries and plays with more passion; those who has a vested
financial interest or those who do it because they want it more than the other guy. Be proud of
the sacrifice. Be proud of the sweat collected in practice and the blood lost in tournaments. Be
proud of the small circular bruised rings littered across the beaten post event body, they are
symbols of the struggle, they are metonymic of the fight. This is who you are. Own it.
The first rule of fight club is, you don’t talk about fight club.