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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1987-12-09, Page 5PAGE 4—GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESDAY, DEk,EMBER 9, 1987 Now I know I promised you, the reader, this would be a column which would take a look at social issues of the day but, after last night's episode, I just had to take this opportunity to speak to some people out there about fair play, sportsmanship and the friendly game. Last night I witnessed a basketball game. Not just any old basketball garde but one between two teams of, I would say, equal calibre. Equal calibre that is in terms of skills and techniques. Not, however, equal in the sense of fair play nor sportmanslike behaviour. The teams in question are members of the Goderich Men's Industrial Basketball League — grown men who meet weekly or twice weekly to play an honest, fun and slightly competitive game of basketball, or so the saying goes. But, I am questionning some of these descriptions. Last evening's game saw excessive body contact, especially by one team, which was ignored by the referees. For Lou -Ann DeBr9uyn example, one player was slapped in the face and no foul was called. Travelling and double dribbles were not called on the one team but you can be sure they were called on the other team. There was most certainly an inequality of calls by the referees at times throughout the entire game. But, the onus doesn't lie en- tirely with the referees. It lies first and foremost with the players. Now, don't get me wrong. I am not putting down sports at all nor the men's basketball league in particular. What I am questioning, however, is why teams of grown men need to vent their frustra- tions in the way, of deliberate attempts to hurt each other in what is supposed to be a friendly, recreational game. Let's face it. This is really recrea- tional basketball with a slight com- petitive edge. None of the men on the teams, or so I would believe, play basket- ball professionally. They have other jobs which provide them with an income. Basketball is not their forte. It is, I would expect, a chance to play a game they like against others who equally en- joy the sport. In no manner do I consider myself to be a sports enthusiast. Nor, I admit, do I know all the rules of the game. But, I do have a general knowledge of the game and sometimes that is all that is needed. I will not name the teams involved. Really, it doesn't matter who they are. All that I am concerned about is raising a few issues which you, and perhaps some of the team members and referees, might think about and consider. Whether you agree or disagree with me is not the issue. If you at least finish reading these thoughts and say, "Okay, that's her opi- nion. Here's mine...", I would be more than happy. First and foremost is the issue of fair play. What is fair play? Fair play can be defined as "an abiding by the rules of a game; fair deal- ings in any contest; just and equal treat- ment of all." (Gage Canadian Dictionary ) I believe fair play is the responsibility of both the team members and the referees. It is not something that lies with just one person but with everyone if the game is to be considered an honest game. Secondly, what is competitiveness? Competitiveness can best be described as a drive to excel, to do better than others. While, I will admit, all of the players certainly appear to have this characteristic, competition is not solely the name of the game in a small-town recreational sports league. It is, you might say, a side -bar to what is, supposed to be an entertaining night. And finally, what is recreation? Recreation is "a refreshing of the body and spirit after working, through play or amusement; a form of play or amuse- ment that serves as recreation." (Gage Canadian Dictionary) In terms of recreation, no mention of competition is made. Play and amuse- ment mean, quite literally, to have fun. Perhaps what the league basketball players and referees should consider is Turn to page 5 e ct O 11'11017_ THE NEWS PORT FOR GODERICH & DISTRICT SINCE 1848 P.O. BOX 220 HUCKINS ST. INDUSTRIAL PARK GODERICH, ONT. N7A 466 �EfT ALL ROUNO COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER IN CANADA jCeoteum cift8 3500-45001 CCNA CNA Boner Ne"P". Corrwtio'" 1984 GOederichr SIGN1AL-STAR PUBLISHED BY SIGNAL -STAR PUBLISHING LIMITED Founded in 1848 and published every Wednesday at Goderich, Ontario. Member of the CCNA and OCNA, Subscrip- tions payable in advance $23.00, (Senior Citizens $20.00 privilege card number required] in Canada, 860.00 to U.S.A., $60.00 to all other countries, Single copies 60c. Display, National and Classified advertising rates available on re- quest. Please ask for Rate Card No. 18 effective October 1, 1987. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event"of a typographical error, the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together vyith the reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for but that balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicaole rate. in the event of a typographical error advertising -goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely en offer to sell, and may be withdrawn at any time. The Signal - Star is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other rxiaterials used for reproduc- ing purposes. General Manager Advertising Manager SHIRLEY J.. KELLER DON HUBICK News Editor Features Co-ordinator Sports PATRICK RAFfIS LOU -ANN DE BRUYN . TED SPOONER 'FOR BUSINESS OR EDITORIAL OFFICE...please phone (519)524-2614 Second class mail registration Member:►CNA number 0716 Don't stop now, poll tells us With response to The Goderich Sinal -Star Aquatic Centre poll coming in at two -to -one in favor of construction of the recreational facility, it seems clear that Goderich Town Council, in not proceeding with further study on thematter, may have misread public opinion. It should be pointed out that the poll, while not scientific, does give a good indication of a strong interest in the project locally. The 215 responses received may not seem like a large number, but it does represent about 4.3 per cent of the households in Goderich and area receiving The Signal -Star. Professional surveyers consider a two per cent response rate to polls of this nature a reasonable indicator. If you take into account that national political polls often,sample only one or two thousand people in making predictions on the opinion of an entire country, our sampling appears even more valid. While about 33 per cent of the responses were opposed to the project, only about 25 per cent of the total number indicated a concern with the cost of the project. Since cost appears to be the main concern of the town councillors not supporting the idea of a centre, it appears they are representing the smaller portion of the voting public. Since council has already received a more comprehensive survey than ours, in the form of the Master Plan for Recreation in Goderich report (which indicated a 'desire for an aquatic facility) prepared by independent consultants, they cannot claim they have not heard from the public on this issue. This does not mean council should necessarily plunge ahead and build the $3.1 million multi -use facility exactly as recommended by the since -disbanded. Aquatic Centre Commit- tee. Many of the poll respondents, both pro and con, indicated some displeasure with the proposed designs. The concept of a leisure pool is a contentious one, with some people feel- ing a more traditional pool would better serve the largest number, and others feeling only a leisure pool (no deep end, no diving board) would properly serve the entire community. While the project would be a costly one and, as many nay voters indicated, the increased taxes would burden some of the lower-income taxpayers, it should be noted that there is more than one way to finance a facility. Some of the respondents offered some worthwhile suggestions, such as holding community lotteries, or 50-50 draws, as the Village of Lucknow is currently doing in an effort to raise funds for a new arena. Community auctions, with donated items auctioned off and proceeds going to the new facility are another possibility. No matter how the money is raised, the fact remains that the bulk of it will come out of the community. However, an efficiently organized fund-raising drive would significantly reduce the amount of any tax hike necessary, as would a plan to phase in the tax rise over several years. Phasing of the construction of the facility itself would also help. As many of the poll replies indicated, the much-needed pool could be built first, with additional facilities to be added in following years: -, The interest level in this project now, is as high as it has ever been. As the community grows, interest can only increase. The wisest course of action at the present time, would be to keep the gears turning, through action and further study, before a new council is forced by pressureof public opinion to attempt to revive a dormant project with an out -dated study, a few years down the road. — P.R. With the air of festivity and celebration surrounding the summit meeting between Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and American President Ronald Reagan cur- rently taking place in Washington, you would think these two men were getting together to open a World Fair, rather than mulling over the fate of the entire planet. While the two leaders meet to discuss (and actually sign) a treaty that will eliminate medium -range nuclear -armed missiles from Europe, novelty peddlers are cashing in on the quick craze for Items -Soviet all over the United States. While preliminary groundwork is being laid for the ultimate goal of reduction (dare we hope for elimination?) of long- range nuclear missiles as well, the uran- in -the -street is stocking up on Gorbachev T-shirts and an assortment of items em- bossed with the traditional Soviet Ham- mer and Sickle symbol. Apparently pet toys in the shape of the heads of the two heads of state are selling like crazy as well. All this merchandising in connection with the summit can hardly be con- sidered surprising, especially since the recent American tour by the Pope himself inspired sales of such tacky items as Pope -on -a -Rope Soap. Since this is the first visit to the USA by a Soviet Leader in 14 years, I guess the merchandisers have to peddle as much as they can while Gorbachev is in town. In that case, I have a few suggestions. Since the treaty to be signed today will ban a total of about 2,800 US missiles and 3,800 warheads and about four times that many Soviet warheads, we will be left with the rather considerable problem of disposal. Current plans appear to be to simply blow the missiles up in test ranges. Excuse me, but I thought the idea of the whole thilfg was to avoid detonating GoDEPlC 4 S ANSWER Folk AN AGUATIC CENTRE / ST. CHRoSroVnER'S AQUA -r I C C5 NTR E (ENTER AT YbuR owl RiSK New hospital is opened officially January 16, 1962 25 YEARS AGO December 13, 1962 Official opening of the new $3,500,000 On- tario Hospital here has now been set for Wednesday, January 16th at 2:30 pm. The Signal Star was so informed in a letter this week from Arthur G. Brunton, director of information and publicity for the Ontario Department of Health. Original official opening date was October 23rd, but this was cancelled when it was found that the finishing stages of building at the hospital were not sufficiently completed to warrant the opening at that time. Premier John P. Robarts was scheduled to have been here for the official opening on October 23rd. While no over-all program, including those expected to attend January 16th has yet been released, it is expected that Premier Robarts will be here on January 16th together with numerous other officials. An estimated 2,000 persons saw Santa Claus pay his pre -Yule visit to the kiddies of Goderich and district early Saturday afternoon when hordes of small types beseiged his Fire Hall headquarters for sacks of goodies. Enthroned in a place of honour on the town's brand new Fire Department pumper and escorted by another fire truck; Santa greeted the residents as he made a circuit of the Square, then visited the younger patients at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital as been the custom in recent years. By the time Santa arrived at his headquarters at the firehall, a line of children, four or five anything. Blowing up all those missiles just has to be bad for the atmosphere, so why not get on the summit merchandise bandwagon and sell them. Give every American the opportunity to own his own Intercontinental Ballistic Missile or nuclear warhead (preferably, the two wouldn't be sold as a set, but I suppose people could always swap later). Sales of course would be strictly regulated (just like handguns in L.A.) and purchasers would be required to sign a nuclear non-proliferation treaty. What, you might ask, would anyone do with a ballastic missile or nuclear warhead? Well, you might have asked the same question about Pet Rocks, but people still bought them. Still, there are some potential household uses for both items. For example, we all know the frustra- tion of trying to remember where you put those candles when a power blackout oc- curs. c-eu rs. Keep a nuclear warhead in your LOOKING BACK deep and over a block long, generously sprinkled with parents who accompanied the younger tots, awaited him. Warmly greeted by the little children in`a hulabaloo of cheers, screams and laughter. Santa took his place in the Fire Hall and com- menced the task of handing out bags of candy, nuts and fruit to all comers. 50 YEARS AGO December 16, 1937 To date, in the year 1937, the Goderich volunteer fire brigade, 15 strong, has made 18 runs of which four were to fires, four were practice and 10 were false alarms. The last named include chimney, fires, all of which were inconsequential, other minor "scares" and plain, ordinary "false alarms." Of the four fires, two were at Bradley's garage, one was a grass fire and the fourth was a hotdog stand on the Square during Old Home Week. Total damage was comparatively small. In 1936, there Were 11 fires, five practices and 14 false alarms. Problems confronting the public school from this angle Patrick Raftis basement for a few years and you won't have to worry about blackouts, as you will have a glow -in -the -dark family. Con- venient, huh? Also, as a basement conversation piece, it sure beats a sump'punnp. The missiles could be used to beat the teachers of Goderich as a result of the in- tricacies of the new curriculum are being aired thoroughly these days at joint meetings of the teachers of Central and Victoria Public Schools. The teachers have formed a Goderich Public School Teachers Association, with Principal Stonehouse, of Victoria School, as chairman and Miss Mable Bailie, of Central School, as secretary and meet the second Wednesday of each month for an open discussion of problems and the comparing of notes. 70 YEARS AGO December 13, 1917 The ' Goderich district was ,well represented at the Guelph winter fair last week, 70 or more from the neighbouring townships being in attendance. Several made purchases of foundation stock for their farms. In the stock and poultry departments the entries were more numerous than ever before. There was not such a strong showing of feed but what was shown was of high merit, corn accepted. The "movies" were there for the first time, giving impressive and helpful demonstrations on many features of farm activity. The fair was of great interest to farmers this year than ever before, owing to the fact that live stock, owing to war demands, is needed as never before. It is a great educational opportunity and the pressure of farm labour situation makes it more than ever imperative that farmers shall get in line with the most advanced method of production. high cost of home improvements. Why pay a contractor thousands of dollars for labor to build a backyard swiming pool, when you could fire your own Pershing II straight up in the air and have it come straight back down? Instant excavation! What if it doesn't come down where you had planned? So your neighbor gets the pool. What are friends for? For the hot -rod enthusiast who isn't getting all he wants out of his turbo V4, I understand the rocket engine in the stan- dard issue Cruise Missile goes from Zero to 60 in about .25 seconds. The leftover missile portion could be used to hold up one end of a clothesline. Of course, you can come up with your own ideas as well. While this whole concept is, of course, ridiculous, the event which spawned it is not. Let's hope the current summit is only the beginning of a new era of peace and trust between nations.