The “spirit” of Badminton involves a proper attitude concerning the game
– a perspective that considers, for one, that there are no opponents – only participants. Aspirants, if you prefer, demanding the best of themselves… working, perhaps, in a sort of conflicting harmony – the barometer of excellence being determined by doing the best we can… extending ourselves to pursue the limits of our abilities and endurance. The ultimate in ourselves being shown on the court and off the court as well.
Why do we play Badminton? If all there is to the game is winning or losing, perhaps we should consider a different perspective.
Our involvement in “our game” demands an outlook that considers the psychological aspect… sportsmanship being a prime requisite. There is among us a great sisterhood and brotherhood that embodies the needs and aspirations of the entire Badminton family… a family (closely knit) with a mutual purpose and a significant mutual bond. We bring to the game a total desire and total application that lifts ourselves within the game to be everything we can be – no quarter asked, no quarter given. We give our very best – NO LESS! We, thereby, bring to life the “spirit”!
Camaraderie and esprit de corps are the benchmarks of a quality Badminton player. Spirited players readily compliment other players on good shots, take care to maintain the tempo of the game by refusing to be abusively effusive with a win or a loss… by readily exchanging a handshake before and after the game. No ethical player would consider a questionable line call and should readily retrieve the bird from his side of the net. Accept your bracket designation with proper decorum. Cooperate with the desk. Maintain and abide by the dress code. Be on time for your matches… give your fellow player consideration in all aspects of the game. Maintain proper court presence. These are the marks of a Badminton player extraordinaire.
All of us have been the recipients of good fellowship, instructions from other players, benefits from hard-working officers and tournament committees who have indefatigably volunteered their services (for the love of the game) and overseers during our apprenticeship. Therefore, we owe something back to Badminton… out of the sense of fair-play (if for no other reason) we should PUT SOMETHING BACK INTO THE GAME! We should feel that spirit of obligation by replacing what we have extracted from Badminton.
The natural inclination is to “let George do it” – however, George is saying the same thing – so whatever needs to be done just doesn’t get done. Taking a quote from John F. Kennedy, “Let’s not ask what Badminton can do for us, but what we can do for Badminton.”
From a negative standpoint, no one appreciates the pouting of a loser, the downgrading criticism of a partner’s play, improper deportment on the court or any demonstration lacking character. It detracts from the “spirit” of the game. Everyone suffers and Badminton does too.
Badminton people are special people… the atmosphere of the game, in our chosen sport, is disseminated in such a way that everyone is affected. Good play and good sportsmanship is contagious. The enjoyment is diffused to one’s partner, to the audience, to everyone – creating a total spirit, admired and appreciated and imitated so that everyone’s appreciation of the game is enhanced!
In Badminton, the golden rule is completely applicable – your conduct and your appreciation of the spirit of Badminton will most generally reflect the treatment and consideration other players will give you. Give others the respect you would like for yourself… the results will be amazing.
Conversely, if by chance, you have been mistreated or abused within the game, double your intention to return special consideration to that player – the other player will get the message and the problem stops there. Then everyone benefits. It’s character building and it’s praiseworthy.
Christian endeavor will be related to others by the example we set… Badminton is an elitist sport and the quality of the sport is determined by the class of its constituents. In the final analysis, we should all be able to say to ourselves – “BADMINTON IS BETTER, BECAUSE I PLAYED THE GAME!
It’s your appreciation and love of the game that means something, because…
YOU ARE BADMINTON!
YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE
WITHIN YOU IS THE SPIRIT OF BADMINTON!
Permission is granted to duplicate at your discretion
Dick Witte, Badminton Wizard
[email protected]