Volleyball's "Shady" side...

VolleyChick · **Volleyball's "Shady" side... -** 07-22-2006, 04:03 AM

I was recently talking to someone about playing vball and said that someone or something was "shady". They didn't understand so I explained that a friend of mine coined that term to describe the way people will do things dishonestly when it comes to playing. Here's an example of what I mean:
agreeing to play in a league or tournament with someone, then if a "better" player comes along, dumping the original person with no qualms whatsoever & more often than not at the last minute so they're screwed and can't find someone else. The person I was talking to was taken back and couldn't understand why someone would do that. I said it happens all the time, not very nice but pretty much a gimme.

From a purely competitive standpoint I can see where you want to play with the most talented people you can, and if you're open and honest about things most people will understand. But most of the time when the shady stuff goes down it's behind peoples back with a side of lies thrown in. Pretty silly since in most vball circles not much goes on without everyone eventually finding out. I've seen this type of thing from players on every level of the game, not just the people playing for money : p

I've played a lot of different competitive sports in my time and vball is the only one where this is acceptable behavior. So what I'm throwing out for discussion is, why is this?

NewEnglandRT · 07-23-2006, 09:57 PM

I agree, sometimes there are some shady dealings. I try to keep them limmited on my teams though. We're all there to have fun, and play our best. Our problem is usually having just one spot left and two good players and friends who can 'kinda' commit. Yes' and No's are OK, it's the Maybe's that will kill ya (or a team for that matter).

It's sad when a person won't play with a group or at a place just because someone cheeseballed them. VB is one of the least political, least 'hype' sports and that part of what people love about it.

strazzere · 07-24-2006, 01:09 PM

I find that there are two other ways we consider people shadey - imo.

Lowering themselves in a league/division so they can win. IE - a DI team competing in a DII league, so they can be "number one".

Dishonestly/Not Calling yourself - ref's don't see everything, being honest goes a long way. If you touched the damn ball, say so.

BHitterDPasser · 07-24-2006, 01:50 PM

What about players who talk about having mad skills so you invite them onto your team that you are trying to scrounge up and it turns out they can't dig, pass, set or serve? That's pretty shady...

NewEnglandRT · 07-24-2006, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BHitterDPasser

What about players who talk about having mad skills so you invite them onto your team that you are trying to scrounge up and it turns out they can't dig, pass, set or serve? That's pretty shady...

Yeah, those are the same types of people who don't show up for matches untill just after warm ups, or just after the first game..... shhaadyyy!

BHitterDPasser · 07-25-2006, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewEnglandRT

Yeah, those are the same types of people who don't show up for matches untill just after warm ups, or just after the first game..... shhaadyyy!

Seasons without late guy = 6
Championships without late guy = 0

Seasons with late guy = 1
Championships with late guy = 1

Yeah, he has mad skillz yo...

set10 · 07-25-2006, 01:25 AM

I wouldnt say it ONLY happens in volleyball. all the time people are leaving teams to join better ones in soccer, basketball and any other competitive (but not necessarily pro leagues) I think the reprocussions are felt the most in volleyball (especially outdoors) because the teams are small and each individual has a role to fill. Now if we were all doubles tennis players we'd probably have a thing or two to say about people ditching us for better partners as well.

My vote for shady in vb- not showing up at all

mycena · 07-25-2006, 10:14 AM

Skills and modesty! What a unique combination.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BHitterDPasser

Seasons without late guy = 6
Championships without late guy = 0

Seasons with late guy = 1
Championships with late guy = 1

Yeah, he has mad skillz yo...

mycena · 07-25-2006, 10:18 AM

Ohhh Cheetah I'll come play with you. And I won't be shady in any way. I'll pre-warn you that I have NO skills. I'll actually show up and I won't even be late, probably early even!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheetah

Considering her to be a close friend, I'm actually very bitter over it and unfortunately it has also really made me doubt my abilities on the court....even though I know I should not care what someone else thinks of my playing ablility.

kvb · 08:28 PM

I played w/Cheetah before and after above situation. And I definately could tell it was affecting her thinking - she even verbalized her shaky volleyball confidence at one point while we were playing. Volleyball is all about confidence. Don't let them shake you! Just keep on playing I say! Let it roll off your back!

This brings up another good point. If someone asks you to play and you can't or want to try a higher level or partner, just say so. The no call backs/no responses or stringing people along (trying to find a better player and then getting back at the last possible moment or not at all) are BS. And you're not saving anybody's feelings by doing so. Just get back to people with a YES or a NO!!

PS-For those that have played for a while, you'll be surprised how players levels change over time due to injuries, family situations, fitness, frequency and level of play, etc. I've seen situations where those 'shady' people crawl back asking the improved, now higher level players to play with them. It's ironic! What goes around can come around, so get back to people, be upfront - remember you may want to play with them again someday! And just keep on playing!