When I play pickup basketball, there are no refs. Which means the rules are enforced based on the honor system and are all up for debate.
This creates a type of character reveal environment.
When you’re driving to the rim and get whacked a few times by a defender and they don’t call a foul—you remember that.
When you see clearly who the ball went out of bounds by and see them clearly argue against it—you remember that.
When you’re trying to get open for a play, but get inconspicuously held, tripped, or otherwise played dirty—you remember that.
Worth mentioning here that in some situations, it actually makes sense to foul.
The point I want to make isn’t about the fouling per se—you can strategically and respectfully foul—it’s about the character reveal.
One of the guys I play with happens to be a real estate agent.
…Who also happens to be one of the most honest, clean players on the court. Even in situations where it’s unclear who’s at fault—he’ll take blame without hesitation.
And while this might not lead to more immediate points for his team… guess what it does lead to?
Trust in who he is as a person.
And if/when I’m looking to buy a house—guess who I’m going to remember as being an honest/ clean playing guy who also happens to sell houses?
That guy.
…Don’t miss the forest for the trees.
Sometimes we fight so hard to win the immediate game that we forget about the grander game being played.
P.s. Today is the 4 year anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s tragic death. Remember some of his legacy here.