In the competitive world of sports, the “handshake line” is an area of conflict. Why? Some may say it’s because the players are tired, or because the players want to go home and the line just takes up time. Although those reasons do come into play when it comes to an athlete’s post-game experience, the handshake line is an area of conflict for much greater reasons.
After more than an hour of hard-played, sweaty, intense competing, only one team will walk away with a victory. Despite the fact that the winning team is overjoyed and excited to be moving on the their next challenge, the other team is left exhausted and disappointed. Regardless of each team’s feelings, the two teams are expected to, after the game, get in a line and shake hands. After a game of any sport, it’s likely that emotions are running wild and adrenaline is still pumping. So why is it a good idea to have the adrenaline filled, emotional, overtired athletes shake hands after such an event? Here’s the answer to that question. It’s not.
In addition, how hypocritical can the basic rules of sports be? Fighting, or any form of trying to pursey an opposing player to fight, is not tolerated whatsoever and is avoided at all costs. However, when emotions are at their highest and fighting potential is most definitely there, the two teams are told to get together and bury the hatchet.
The handshake line isn’t entirely a horrible idea. Having it at the end of the game is the horrible part, but not the handshake line itself. A wise proposal is to continue having a handshake line, except make it at the beginning of the game instead of the end. The beginning of the game is not nearly as intense as the end of the game. The game itself has yet to happen and the adrenaline hasn’t kicked in yet. The two teams are on equal terms, there are no winners or losers, and the only emotions are excitement and maybe a little nervousness. It’s rare that an athlete is as angry in the beginning of the game as he or she is at the end of the game, that’s for sure. The handshake line would definitely be a lot more calm and positive if it was held before the competition and intensity of a game. Afterall, in the average day, do you shake hands with someone before or after you meet them?
Keeping in mind the athletes that absolutely feel like they should shake an opposing player’s hand after a well played game, that would still be allowed. We live in America, we have the right to do as we please, so if an athlete wants to shake hands, who are the officials to tell them they can’t? Just don’t make it a requirement for the players that really just want to go home to their families and get some rest.
After more than an hour of hard-played, sweaty, intense competing, only one team will walk away with a victory. Despite the fact that the winning team is overjoyed and excited to be moving on the their next challenge, the other team is left exhausted and disappointed. Regardless of each team’s feelings, the two teams are expected to, after the game, get in a line and shake hands. After a game of any sport, it’s likely that emotions are running wild and adrenaline is still pumping. So why is it a good idea to have the adrenaline filled, emotional, overtired athletes shake hands after such an event? Here’s the answer to that question. It’s not.
In addition, how hypocritical can the basic rules of sports be? Fighting, or any form of trying to pursey an opposing player to fight, is not tolerated whatsoever and is avoided at all costs. However, when emotions are at their highest and fighting potential is most definitely there, the two teams are told to get together and bury the hatchet.
The handshake line isn’t entirely a horrible idea. Having it at the end of the game is the horrible part, but not the handshake line itself. A wise proposal is to continue having a handshake line, except make it at the beginning of the game instead of the end. The beginning of the game is not nearly as intense as the end of the game. The game itself has yet to happen and the adrenaline hasn’t kicked in yet. The two teams are on equal terms, there are no winners or losers, and the only emotions are excitement and maybe a little nervousness. It’s rare that an athlete is as angry in the beginning of the game as he or she is at the end of the game, that’s for sure. The handshake line would definitely be a lot more calm and positive if it was held before the competition and intensity of a game. Afterall, in the average day, do you shake hands with someone before or after you meet them?
Keeping in mind the athletes that absolutely feel like they should shake an opposing player’s hand after a well played game, that would still be allowed. We live in America, we have the right to do as we please, so if an athlete wants to shake hands, who are the officials to tell them they can’t? Just don’t make it a requirement for the players that really just want to go home to their families and get some rest.