Events in South Africa should not rob us of our love of cricket

THE now “Saggy Green Cap” episode is being felt very closely by many people, including the young, as your paper indicated. At first I thought this was an overreaction but certainly such a visual impact, and depicted for viewing, has affected all ages and their perception of sport at the highest level.

As an old Master Coach, administrator and one who has remained passionate I would like to send a message to those young athletes who, this morning, may feel the credibility of their sport is challenged.

It would seem that as a consequence of events in South Africa for some there is a sense that it has impinged on their own personal integrity. To those who feel their sport’s integrity has been challenged I say abide by your

own honour code and do not let it affect your love of participation. Mark Twain wrote in his book, The Man Who Corrupted Hadleyburg, “Until we are exposed to temptation we will never know the measure of our own integrity”

Ethical behaviour in sport is acquired through love of one’s sport, not just in order to be successful, but more importantly to be able to possess the true values of sport. It defines what your character really is rather than what is perceived.

These values and ethics are yours and nobody can ever change them except yourself, so don’t learn to diminish your love of your sport because it may well last you a lifetime. PAUL BROUGHTON OAM, CHAIRMAN, CHINA AUSTRALIA SPORT EDUCATION