Running up the score

Every now and again we will hear a news story about some crazy lob-sided sports match up. In January 2011, a girls high school basketball team won by an astounding 105 points. It was a 108-3 victory for the Christian Heritage girls' basketball team of Riverdale, Utah over the West Ridge Academy of Jordan, Utah. Coach Rob McGill apologized but also claimed that playing softer and slower would have been an even bigger insult. Some people claim that sports has this "unwritten rule" when it comes to running up the score. Where does the line get drawn, and at what level? When does competitiveness get taken too far? When does sportsmanship factor in? Personally, I feel that at least at the College and Professional level, running up the score should not be an issue because of the level of eliteness. At the youth and high school levels, running-up the score should be something that is often not seen. These are the levels where there are different competition levels, and coaches and parents should be teaching sportsmanship and fundamentals. Nothing is more degrading to a young athletes self-esteem than being embarrassed by the opposition. Check out the Utah story here!


Also, check out this video from the Christian Heritage girls basketball blowout....
Pouring it On