Remember, It is Recreation Ball. Leave Ego at Home

Stress, the silent, loud, unhealthy entity

It is everywhere. No one can hide from it, no one can avoid it, even the Monks of Tibet, nor a Zen Master. Stress can be found in many forms like worrying about what to make for dinner to a family tragedy and everything in between.

Some people can handle stress such as a Pilot — my son Aria Davenport, The Captain, is a Pilot and there is no way I could handle what he does; whereas, he tells me that being an umpire “is too much stuff for me to worry about, Dad.” Stress and the handling of it are different for everyone.

Either way, Stress is not good for our health and well-being, but what can we do about it? First thing is to stop adding unnecessary stress into your life. Keep the focus on what is really important in your life and not the fluff that does not matter.

As an umpire, I see players, teams, and sometimes fans get stressed over a play or a call and lose control of their emotions when they disagree or are upset about something a player on the other team did or said. It is understood that this game is a sport where two teams contend against one other and the players want to do their best, have fun, and hopefully win, putting the players on a thin wire waiting for it to break.

However, that does not excuse or allow anyone to become belligerent, irritating, and aggressive. Losing ones temper and control of their emotions is childish, especially when this is a recreation league and no one is getting paid. You just look down right silly, immature, and stupid in front of your friends, wife, girlfriend, or parents.

- - - It is just a game!

Thank You for allowing me to have a front row seat to watch you have fun, play ball, and see some exciting plays and watch you grow as a player, a team, and a softball community! - gerald martin davenport - WNCSSA Coed President

Remember: Lights on for safety.