…with Gary Moss

IT TAKES ALL KINDS.

Every day we meet a wide range of people with a wide range of personality types. Most of them go mostly unnoticed; they are just the other characters that fill the world stage on that day. We are generally indifferent to them and their actions. Sometimes we are turned on and notice someone. It could be a pheromone, something visual, or something that we hear them say. It could be an attraction but it can simply stir an appreciation, a gratefulness, a recognition, or a testimonial.

Finally, there is the possibility of experiencing the negative side of it all. Words and actions have the power to exact a reaction from each of us. You know what I’m talking about. You’ve been victim to it time and again and have surely acted out as a result.

CLASSIC SITUATION: Your opponent across the scrabble board is not following the rules (the way that you understand them). The opponent violates the same rule time and again. Not wanting to make a scene, you hold your tongue, but stew silently. Finally, you’ve had all that you can handle. You snap. You say something abruptly and raise the tone in your voice. Your opponent becomes overwhelmed, takes a breath, and snaps back. Things get ugly.

It happens all too often in competition. The air is still and tense at times. Both opponents came to win. Both expect that the battlefield will be level. Frequently, one or both of the players does not have a full and clear understanding of the rules.

That’s why there is a DIRECTOR at clubs and tournaments. It is not necessary for players to confront each other beyond raising a hand and calling, “Director!”

However, too many strong willed persons, try to handle situations on their own. That’s when things become testy.

The results from personal confrontations are destructive to the players, clubs, tournaments and the association; futhermore they are usually embarrassing for the players.

At times players have ‘hissy-fits’ when lady luck is on vacation and one experiences rack after rack of vowels or loss after loss after loss. Players rarely remember their wins to the same degree that they remember the pain of their losses.

Have you ever witnessed a player tossing their board and tiles in disgust, during a club session?

Have you ever seen losing a game make a adult cry? It happens.

Keep Your Dignity.