Keep Playing, Fairly

To the Editor,

This letter is a response to the February 13, 2006, letter entitled “Lead by Example.”

As parents, we understand the need to try to keep a runaway scoring game in balance, but at the same time we don’t believe we should have to ask the players to stop playing. Games, as well as practices, are times for players to improve their skills. The team has a balance of girls — some who have never played basketball before, and others who are quite talented. Our coach works with all of them to improve their individual skills, whether they are the most or least talented players. Our understanding of the league basketball rules is that when one team is 15 points ahead, they are not to press on defense and are to try and keep the score in balance. Our coach did this by stopping the use of fast breaks on offense, increasing his team’s offensive passing, placing less assertive players at the guard positions, and designating the weaker shooters to shoot. There was no bragging on the part of the coach, players, or parents, who at all times exhibited good sportsmanlike conduct towards the Gaels players and coach. And to clarify a point, the parents cheering for players to shoot were encouraging the lesser skilled players — some of whom had only one or two baskets the entire season.

The coach’s main goal is for the girls to have fun and they enjoy themselves in every game — win or lose. We believe all the girls in the league demonstrate great sportsmanship qualities, which they have learned from parents, teachers, coaches, and other players. Our coach has certainly played a part in instilling this quality in our children and the many others he has coached over the past four decades here in Newtown. We are all very grateful to him for teaching the game to our children. He is a true leader in this community.

Finally, it is very unfortunate that one individual feels the need to attack the integrity of this fine man. Perhaps she should learn something about sportsmanship herself.

Mary Clavette

& Jim O’Sullivan

3 Foxhollow Lane, Newtown

& 54 Butterfield Road, Newtown                         February 21, 2006