Photo courtesy of the Elgin Department of Public Property and Recreation

The best skills — and attitudes — highlight all-star competition.

By Paul Jamieson

The Elgin Recreation Department's Adult Basketball League consists of 42 teams playing in seven divisions. Although the philosophy of the program is recreational in nature, the competitive spirit often runs quite high.

This factor, combined with the community's varied economic and racial characteristics, sometimes leads to overly aggressive behavior and violence during games. In an effort to curb these problems in a new and unique way, an all-star game was added to the season schedule.

Developing sportsmanship

The primary goal of this season-ending game was to foster communication and contact among competing players. The secondary purpose of the game was to promote sportsmanship throughout the season. This was encouraged by using both sportsmanship and skill in selecting the teams. League officials hoped that the game would turn the competitive nature of the players into a positive force.

As the conclusion of the regular season neared, anticipation for the all-star game grew. When the player selections were made by the league staff, the topic of sportsmanship became popular.

Many involved in the leauge commented positively when it became apparent that some talented players were not selected because of poor atti-

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Illinois Parks and Recreation                                 9                                     September/October 1985

Winning
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tudes. The two coaches for each team were selected on skill (record) and sportsmanship. The league tournament immediately preceding the all-star game, normally a period of many discipline problems, was abnormally restrained. Several individuals felt that this was due to the positive influence of the all-star players.

A successful venture

On the night of the game emotions were high. Players arrived as much as 90 minutes early. Fans, families and

The game progressed better than anyone — staff, players and fans — could have hoped for. The lead changed hands numerous times throughout the contest. Play was consistently fast, hard and clean. Slam dunks, blocked shots and 30-foot jumpers seemed to happen every trip down the court.

But also happening in the midst of the game was season-long opponents becoming teammates. Players who had for years gone against one another suddenly began to pull for each other.

The final score of 99-97 indicated that the game was exceptionally competitive. The smiles and handshakes after the final buzzer indicated that the game had begun the camaraderie for which it was designed. The successful all-star game was the start of a tradition.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paul Jamieson is the athletic supervisor for the Elgin Department of Public Property and Recreation.

Illinois Parks and Recreation                                 10                                     September/October 1985