I’ve been reminded this week of two common and very enduring characteristics of people in general.
Both characteristics I have seen as a result of our players meeting last Tuesday after training.
The first human characteristic I’ve been reminded of is that rumor, innuendo and gossip are all considered the “truth” and are certainly delivered a heck of a lot quicker than the real story gets delivered!
I guess it’s similar to a headline … a lot of our news is delivered with a headline to get our attention and few people get into the story detail to find out what it’s really about. It seems easier to pass the headline on than it is to pass the story on.
Often, the headline belies the detail … ever heard of “Chinese Whispers”?
Of course these days, the rapid transfer of information via email, the internet through forums such as face-book and my-space as well as mobile phone texts, has information dispatched and distorted at a hugely more rapid rate than the old days at Primary School sitting around in a circle whispering messages to the person next to you.
The 40 or so players, coaches and committee who were at the meeting ALL know exactly what was discussed and that it really wasn’t bad news at all !!!
For those who weren’t at the meeting, or who were there and have got the message wrong … the message is – WE ARE BEING CAREFUL and we’re making sure NOBODY IS UNCERTAIN – and THAT IS ALL!
From the outset of season 2009, in fact just days before the first game, all our plans were thrown into disarray with the A.K.Lines pavilion redevelopment commencing. Unable to use the building as normal meant that income was going to be limited for 2009 … really, we were not permitted to use the building at all. On occasion though, we managed to stretch the boundaries a little.
From the moment the builders fence was erected, we decided to make do with the hand we were dealt, announcing to all at the Club before the first game that this year would be a “lean year” to say the least.
Everyone was asked to help, understand and tolerate the inconvenience around the place.
Looking back now, there were really only a few occasions when we were cursing the “the bloody builder”, “the bloody Council” or the “bloody showers” – I certainly took a cold shower last week … if the players had to have a cold shower then it’s only fair I had to put up with it too …. ARGHHH BRRRRR !
Only a few weeks to go now till the last game but if the showers are cold again, then I’ll take a cold shower again!
The other characteristic I’ve experienced this week has been one that far too often we forget about.
And that is, when times get tough, we discover and are reminded, that generally, people are good!
As those who were at the meeting last Tuesday will know, those most affected by the announcements are obviously the players.
Over the last couple of days, I have been approached by a few, who have offered to help in the most generous way they can … my response to them was delivered with utmost appreciation … I’m getting emotional thinking of it now as I write … I apologize to these wonderful men for me needing to be reminded that there are a lot of good people around.
We are so lucky to have these guys at our Club and I feel quite humbled by their individual gestures and selflessness.
They asked and I promised not to reveal who they are but that too shows their character … they don’t want any fuss made. However, as I needed this reminder, I feel it necessary to remind others too of the goodwill around our Club.
The WATSONIA FOOTBALL CLUB has a bright future so long as these people and others like them are around. Again, I thank each of you.
2010 is already starting to look good for us … the building starts when the building is done!
Thank you everyone
RICK LeGASSICK
GO WATS!!!
Last Modified on 10/08/2009 17:05