Cricket, football, tennis, squash, athletics, rugby etc etc etc... All great sports which have been in existence for a very very long time.

I remember growing up Chatsworth, Kharwastan and spending hours playing sport in our streets' cul de sac. We had a cricket season, football season and played tennis around July with "strawberries and cream" not to far away.

During these seasonal games, we had to prepare for our opposition. Preparation in this sense meant, drawing "LINES" on the street to make a cricket pitch (the crease and wide lines), the goal line and the tennis court. Why did we need "LINES"? Why has sports for generations require this most important piece of "equipment". That is, the white chalk or paint, which allowed the game to commence and end? If we really think about, without chalk or paint, sport may not actually exist. How would we have winners or losers?

The "LINE", defines sport. This four letter word, has more meaning to sport than exactly the games itself.

Today, a "no ball" in cricket can change the momentum of a game massively. It can dictate a batsman's length of time at the crease or in the limited format, mean a "free hit", which can swing the momentum of the game and the confidence of a batsmen.

In football, there are now goal line referees. This is to guard against incorrect goal line calls which could mean the difference between a World Cup winners medal or not. The famous Sir Geoff Hurst, from England, scored a goal in the 1966 World Cup Final against West Germany, which had some controversy about it.

"Hawk eye" technology has advanced the game of tennis. This by limiting human error and promoting correct decisions. The importance of taking care of the "LINE". It is inexpensive but defining.

Recently I came across a very profound picture which also defines the importance of sport. And a strong philosophy which I try to inculcate in the training of sportspeople. "GET TO THE LINE".

Here the LINE is important during the conditioning of players. Creating an environment which breeds excellence by not turning short and taking shortcuts defines an individual.

Again the LINE has defining meanings. A simple aspect in sports that is so defining and profound, that it can dictate an outcome of a game. It brings an emotional part to sport as players are either positively or negatively inclined due to a LINE call or it can show people within my industry, the true mental make up of an individual. In this case, turning short and looking for shortcuts will poorly define an individual. The LINE is there for a very specific reason and has been there for many generations and will continue to be there for eternity. No one individual can defy the LINE.

Take care of the LINE, your sport and your team mates and the LINE will take care of you. In my eyes the LINE has a very philosophical meaning.

@Craig_gov
Instagram : 911Govie