Fans step out of their role - 74 dead, 1,000 injured

Know your role. You can be an athlete, coach, official or fan. Choose one and respect the others. It doesn't matter if it's the 5th grade basketball championship, the Super Bowl or a hotly-contested soccer match in Egypt. The rule remains the same. When we know and stay in our roles, good things usually happen and order is maintained. When we don't, what you see in the video below can happen (email subscribers click here).

In an Egyptian soccer match earlier this week, fourth-place Al Masry defeated defending champion Al Ahly 3-1. After the match, Al Masry fans stormed the field and began chasing the Al Ahly players. Some of the players were cornered and had rocks and bottles thrown at them. Other players were stabbed and beaten. At least 74 people were killed in the riot with another 1,000 injured. Obviously, this is an extreme case and there are greater issues at play here than just a lack of good sportsmanship. That being said, it should serve as a reminder of what can happen when civility, respect and fair play are lost.

Please maintain civility and respect in your sports league or organization. If you need tips, download the free booklet Through a Child's Eyes by clicking on the icon provided. Sport should always be a refuge from the harsh realities of life - crime, violence, political strife, etc. Let's do our best to keep it that way. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol