Football season is in full swing and basketball season is upon us as well. As I watch a football game, a professional linebacker or defensive end makes a bone crushing sack on a quarterback for a ten-yard loss and then dances all over the field until the next play begins. A wide receiver makes a routine catch for a first down, spins the ball like a top, and gives the first down signal. A seven-foot giant blocks a shot in the lane, for which he is paid 12 million a year, and then stands in the lane beating his chest. I'm sure you can think of more examples.
Do you like it? I unequivocally do not. I'm not the fan of professional sports that I once was. This type of conduct has permeated down to the college, high school, and even little league levels. If I had acted like that when I played, my coach would have killed me. I imagine the Angry Coach doesn’t put up with a lot of that crap either.
What does all that have to do with powerlifting? Wait, I’m getting to that. I admit that I'm still new to the sport. I've only been to a handful of meets in three federations. Almost without exception, the people who I've met have been great. They've answered my many questions and offered advice on technique and equipment. Most are willing to share their knowledge, but there are exceptions. There is the "all for one and I’m the one,” diva who believes it’s all about him and only him.
Whether he's the strongest, has the best physique, or is the best looking, he believes that the meet is all about him. I personally know a guy who won a trophy almost as tall as he was at a meet a long way from home. He attempted to take it on the plane but was refused. He was told that he had to check it, which he refused to do. He also refused to board the plane without it. An impasse. He held up the flight for over thirty minutes. Finally, the captain came out and assured him that it would be safe in the hold of the plane. He finally bordered. Don’t be that guy.
None of us makes a fortune lifting heavy objects, except maybe Dave Tate who sells us our clothes, equipment, gear, and supplements. I realize that we all must be motivated before a lift. However, if you have to beat your own ass or have your handlers beat the hell out of you before a lift, it would be nice if it’s done before you get on the platform. If you're overjoyed about making a PR in a meet, as we all are, you don’t have to be an ass about it. You don’t have to get up on the bench and beat your chest or scream. I realize that this isn't golf, tennis, or croquet. It’s powerlifting. But please don’t be that guy.
At every meet, there are more and more new lifters, particularly younger ones. Do we care what they think? We should. We're all ambassadors of our sport.