Can you spare a sub (or two)?

Interesting evening of ball. Still hot, still sweltering, an evening more suitable for slow movement, if none at all. So, as we must, we went against the norm and took the field to play a game designed largely around rapid movement. And thoroughly enjoyed it (well, most of it). Does not seem to make sense, but most things we seem to enjoy the most never do. Best not to dwell on it too much. Ignorance is bliss. Fun evening of ball. Teams won, teams lost. Few blows dealt to appendages not protected by a glove. Hopefully, nothing more serious than slight discomfort, bruising and swelling occurred. In addition, a lesson learned. Glove is there for a reason. Best to try and use it whenever possible. Not always possible, it seems. Mid-season is upon us. Or is it mid-summer? Or both? No matter how you see it, it is most likely the time of year when your team is more heavily populated with subs, as most of you regulars have booked time away, as you can only have so much of a good thing. Make the most of their absence as they most probably will all be back at some point.

Perhaps a few guidelines for subs. A sub must be of equal strength to the person they are replacing. Good luck at this time of year. Lucky enough if you can find enough subs to field a team, let alone work with what caliber they are. Just be happy enough to be able to field ten players, no matter if they are of all-star caliber or just a chaotic mix of a motley crew of leftover scraps. The latter are much more fun and, as always, everyone is simply gearing up for the playoffs, so a win is just two points on a standings table most tend to avoid reading (except captains, perhaps), so best to err on the side of fun. It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how much amusement you can muster or how much simple ridicule you can stand. Best to get a laugh or two or more, even if it does make you pee a little bit. A sub must play as if they are playing for their own team and must display their best skills while playing for the other team. This, of course, is widely open to interpretation, since most of have such a diverse, yet inconsistent skill set and our level of play can be based upon pure luck of the draw or simply being in the right place at the right time. Some even play better, as there is no pressure to help score that ultimate win for your regular teammates. A more relaxed attitude sometimes leads to a more exemplary display of skills. Or, we can still suck. Either way, you get to play two games, so enjoy the moment. As a sidetone, never, ever, have I seen someone not play their best, even though, at times, it may appear that way. Sometimes it just cannot be helped. Honestly.

Even though, as a sub, you must play your best, don’t overdo it. Remember where your loyalties lie. Just have to make it look good. May be moot, as everyone seems to give 100% and, like another sub, are always fully immersed in the joy of playing. However, if you’re going to hurt yourself, try to do it only while playing for your own team. Actually, just try not to do it. Play it safe in all positions you pretend to take and try not to get hurt at all. Always best, in any event, as our insurance probably wouldn’t cover the types of injuries we may sustain. At worst (other than the injury part), would just put your team in a position of needing yet another sub. A sub is a temporary replacement, playing for a second team without fully being part of that team. Allows one to step outside of the box and avoid any internal politics that the team may experience or be experiencing. However, since they are not your team, feel free to egg them on if you must. Just make sure to stand more than an arm’s length when you do so. Probably not necessary, but always best to err on the side of caution. Also, quicker to run away if you have a head start.

Finally, a sub is not a sandwich and should not be gnawed on or chewed up, even if it is just to spit them out. No matter how they play, they are doing your team a favour, allowing you to play without forfeit. Be grateful of their presence. Of course, as with all, they are still open to ridicule and can be made fun of, just refrain from biting them. Be thankful for their presence, even if it is just on the inside. Of course, if you are on my team and are playing a second game first, save your best for last. Or is it worst for first?