| |
BGonline.org Forums
Ed O'Laughlin--New Interview--Don't miss it
Posted By: Bill Riles In Response To: Ed O'Laughlin--New Interview--Don't miss it (Phil Simborg)
Date: Tuesday, 4 January 2011, at 6:40 p.m.
Great interview.
I think the 'cheating' issue is primarily a cultural issue. In some cultures cheating, bending the rules, getting away with anything you can, etc. is commonly accepted practice in all aspects of life and, as such, manifests itself even in backgammon play. Other cultures place much greater emphasis on honor, integrity, and fair play. The differences are obvious in tournaments and play. So, when you have tournaments with players from many countries, cultures, and regions, different opinions of fair and ethical play are going to surface. As an example, some refuse to play 'legal moves only' because they feel it the responsibility of a player to pay attention or suffer the consequences; others do so for free reign to get away with what they can. I can almost accept the former, I find the latter reprehensible.
In my attendance of ABT events in the last 7-8 years (and I've attended many) I only immediately recall three events that I think would merit being taken to the USBGF rules and ethics committee. One was behavioral, bordering on abuse of a director -- I would think suspension of playing privileges for some period of time would have been warranted. The other two were decisions by directors that I thought were handled wrongly. In each of those two instances I think the directors learned from their mistakes (have admitted their errors) and have taken corrective measures to preclude their future occurrence.
I'd hate to see the ambience of an ABT tournament -- with all the varied and colorful personalities -- compromised by political correctness. Profanity as an example -- gratuitous vulgarity and profane verbal abuse directed at a specific individual have no place; however, the occasional salty language of Carter, Stick, or others, in my opinion, should be no problem. The occasional profane utterance in disgust -- uttered by many, including myself -- when not directed with specificity toward a player (or his/her mother) does not bother me in the least and is understandable. Should an opponent express offense I would attempt to not do so again with him/her.
I'm with Carter in that I don't think we should all strive for sainthood nor should anyone strive to make the playing room a church. Only the egregious -- be it verbal or physical abuse, cheating, conning/scamming, etc. -- should be an issue. Physical abuse, of course, does not even merit discussion.
| |
BGonline.org Forums is maintained by Stick with WebBBS 5.12.