As someone who has played sports all their life, I have been in games winning by a lot, and definitely games where my team was losing by a lot. Regardless of the sport, people easily get their feelings and emotions involved in the game, resulting in these major wins or horrific losses to be remembered forever. So, a question stems from these facts that has been debated for decades. Should teams be allowed to run up the score? One side argues sportsmanship, while the other argues that these are life lessons valuable to the athletes in the long term. Aside from your personal beliefs, let’s discuss the topic!
Running up the Score Scoreboard
Sportsmanship is a crucial part of every sport. This includes respecting your team as well as the other team and appreciating the competition for the integrity and neutral love of the game. Thus, this side of the argues that running up the score is disrespectful toward
Player upset during a game due to opponent running up the score [GIF]
On the other hand, many people believe in running up the score. While it does intentionally cause pain for the other team, it shows the accurate score of the game. In my opinion, running up the score is mutually beneficially for both teams. As a player who has experienced both sides of this, I believe that a winning team who runs up the score establishes confidence in their training and efforts to be the best they can be. This justification shows the players and coaches that they should continue what they are doing, and they will only improve from here on out. On the other hand, I always handled another team beating us badly as a positive. I would preach to my team that if we want to do anything this season, we need to step up our efforts and strategize our training. As an athlete, I used a terrible loss as a wake-up call for the entire season, and my team typically performed better from the loss.
Coach upset at Washington Wizards player John Wall for running up the score
As mentioned throughout my blog, I do believe that there are multiple situations where running up the score is a good thing to do. It not only effects positively the winning team, but often the losing team as well.
Athletes excited after BIG win
What are your thoughts on this controversial sports topic? In reference to my last blog, do you think Clemson should have toned it down after going up by over 20 points in the College Football National Championship game? Excited to hear your opinions on this topic!
Thank you for reading. Signing off, Woz.
I think that argument that players should not run up the score is a reflection of society’s “everyone should get a trophy” mentality. While losing badly is not fun for the losers and winning by a large margin can get boring, it accurately reflects the skills of both teams. I do think, however, it is valuable to put in less experienced players is a good idea whenever the score margin is wide, because it lets these players participate when they usually don’t get to.
I agree with you that running up the score is good for both teams. Once the team with the lead is far enough ahead, I do believe it should give the bench players some more time, but either way, sports are meant to be tough and show off which teams and athletes are truly better. I think it would be silly for a team to not play its hardest the whole game.
If you are still taking comments: I think the better result is putting on your less experienced players sooner. It gives them more play time and gives coach more information on those players. If the score is less lopsided you also elinste the old question is it ok to run up the score and embarrass the other team?
I do not understand why people believe running up the score is acceptable. Once the outcome of the game is no longer in question, it is time to switch things up. It isn’t the same as everyone getting a trophy. One team has clearly already won. It is common decency not to kick people when they are down. If you are already winning by a lot, your job is done. Let subs play or play people in other positions, which only lifts your team, so it’s a win-win. Whenever I see a score where one team has run up the score, I feel the team that should be embarrassed is the winning team.