A Near (re)Miss 

Calling my-Self "Out!": Regardless the sport, field of play, venue, it's quite sporting for the ones calling the plays, the signal callers, those interpreting the play on the field to those perhaps not yet acquainted to the updated rules and regulations, that in turn control the play on the field. All these roles represented by a legion of folks that it takes to bring the event to us...whether we are "in person" as in..."in the stands" or enjoying it in the comfort of home, out on the patio, or even just outside the stadium walls, in what's now, trending as what happens when what was already an established tradition and now a cottage industry..."Tail-gating!" -- which is not only acceptable but celebrated when someone is not actually on your tail, on the way to the game (#@*&!!!) -- which combines nicely with another weekend-ish meme, which sustains a legion through the week -- a type of group identity..."subculture composed of those sharing a common interest, camaraderie...Fandom!" Which, depending on which "crazed" individuals show up in their "get up" which is, apparently to celebrate the "hometown heroes" but also to shield their true identities, the ones that they wear around the office, throughout the remainder of the week...post-game...if enough of these oft referenced "Yo, Homies!" come together at the appointed time, it not only resembles but ends up rivaling the reveling in the actual "end zone" inside...(where more players are seen these daze jumping up for a group hug, after scoring) -- outside you'll find the HUGE "Fan ZONE!" where not only group hugs but the newest in fan fashion brought, bought, each weekend, day.  Regardless of where you find yourself on game day, you'll find kindred 'spirits' when calling "It's in...no way, it was out!" 

It's Official: As in, separate and apart from all the more celebrated roles, the so-called insiders, the ones in the know, who have all the stats, figures (haven't you ever thought, or even found your-self getting annoyed, when one of the commentators comment, on something they act like they knew all along...as if they have the edge on us, at home..."while growing up in...this player...had a friend who...knew the trainer of...who..." Bet you'll listen closer now; hope I'm not a spoiler (secret's out: they are given a so-called cheat sheet a week advance). Beyond the sidelines, the ones that actually control the field of play, the under-appreciated bunch, who I have represented here before here, in an attempt to foster even a morsel of empathy, for those without which you could not actually have a game entered as "official" Even in so-called "Little League" if the officials (call them whatever you'd like...refs, umps, line judges...#$*^!!! ) don't show up and some of the parents have to step up and attempt to remain impartial...talk about a long post-game recovery...Yes, regardless of the outcome, someone always has it out for the officials. But what about some of the other under-appreciated, without which we could not have the event...

Re-missed, in my duties: While I was in post-game repose, during a prolonged (even longer than the ones we've gotten used to) "commercial break" prior to the post-game analysis...following a "ho-hum" win, where the game was never in doubt, a few minutes after the opening whistle! Which became the stimulus, prompt for a reflection on how those wearing them have lots of control, but not only use them to signal an infraction, but to very start and end of this event...how I may have missed a call or two, my-self. On behalf of all those "...commit acts of bravery or self-sacrifice, yet are not publicly celebrated or formally recognized..." Think you know who I'm talking about? Re-gardless, you won't want to miss the next install-meant, which precedes the "Resumption of hostilities; restoration of dis-order" Come on back, for yet more posts on Recess! This, of course, only after, following a pause for...