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Reply-To: <jdcp@bigfoot.com>
From: "Duncan Pocklington" <jdcp@bigfoot.com>
To: <britdisc@csv.warwick.ac.uk>
Subject: Into the Lions Den - bringing the game into disrepute
Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2001 07:38:25 -0000
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OK, it would be easy to become judgemental, high and mighty, holier than
thou, but I shall try and remain objective.
Drugs in Ultimate - this is not the first time this issue has been raised,
and I'm sure it isn't the last, but lets think about what we are doing here.
It is something I feel very strongly about and would like to see our sport
doing something positive and accepting that we have social responsibilities.
Fact: most kids, from the age of 14, have already encountered drugs, soft or
otherwise, at youth clubs, schools, from their older siblings, and know
where to get them.
Fact: people make their own decisions about whether or not they want to use
drugs, sometimes they do it because they want to experiment, rebel, they
like it, or they may feel forced to by peer pressure - "everybody else is
doing it".
Fact: players at all levels are known to smoke dope, some do it before
during and after playing, others don't, leaving it for the party.
Fact: players at all levels do not smoke dope, many don't smoke tobacco,
others don't even drink.
Fact: because of the way the media likes to operate our sport will be judged
on our stance on issues such as social inclusion, drugs tolerance, NOT how
fast it is, how fit you have to be and how great it is to watch a top level
(or any) game.
Fact: if and when our sport is accepted as an Olympic event our players will
be subject to random drug tests which will not only pick up performance
enhancing substances but will also detect illegal drugs, be they cannabis,
ecstasy or something harder. (The snowboarding incident was resolved - I
believe - on the basis the individual had not actually smoked anything
himself, he had absorbed the fumes from his buddies he socialised with.)
Fact: other sports, that attract funding, sponsorship, tv and media
coverage, take a very hard line on drugs, witness recent incidents resulting
in fines and suspension.
I have coached a junior team and was always very aware of the drug issue, I
made it clear this was a form of behaviour that I would not tolerate on the
team, they respected this, and yes, they may have been experimenting away
from the team, but it was nothing to do with Ultimate.
And my point is? I personally am appalled at the lack of judgement shown
here by the hosts. What message are you giving out? It does not project the
image that I (and I would've thought you ) want for this sport.
Finally, well done to the team and individuals who organised and ran what
was obviously a popular and successful event.
To the person who had the great idea for the trophies - grow up, its not
funny and you haven't helped promote the sport you love to play.
Sadly (to me anyway) it appears that drugs are an integral part of the
Ultimate culture. I hate the idea that the drugs side of things might
actually attract people to our sport. It's not why I play ultimate.
I accept that drugs are part of our society and have many friends who like
to sit around the campfire and spliff up. Personally, I don't join in but I
respect their right and they respect mine.
What happens now (besides loads of replies that may or may not agree with
me?) Lets have some positive action on this one.
BUF we're waiting
Sarah Pocklington