The current National Baseball Series is experiencing serious discipline problems, some already addressed in these pages. However, in the last sub-series, there have been two serious incidents in which the main blame lies with the umpires, the very people in charge of enforcing respect on the diamond.

To be honest, referees have been at the center of each of the indiscipline incidents that have occurred, but it’s not the same when the spark of a protesting may be a supposed mistake, since we are all human and we can make mistakes. When the person who demands the most respect is the one who disrespects others, it happens.

It happened first with a journalist and then with a manager. They complained in the right way and received rude responses that were undignified by someone who is there to ensure order and discipline in a baseball game.

The notion of respect has often been misunderstood and underestimated, and it’s commonly thought to be an inherent right that should be granted to everyone equally. However, we must not forget that respect is earned, not imposed. This premise is not only valid but essential for building healthy and meaningful relationships in all areas of life, beyond sports.

Why strive to earn it when you can simply demand it as if it were a divine right?

Some think it's enough to wear a uniform, and others think they can impose it by shouting and using profanity, as if they were at the top of the food chain. After all, I don't have to be accountable to others. But fortunately, that's not the case, and in our own championship, several referees have already been sanctioned, with punishments ranging from 1 to 10 games, depending on the severity of the errors.

A person's actions, attitudes, and behaviors generate a response from others, and human beings are more inclined to respect those who demonstrate integrity and consistency in their words and actions.

A position of authority, believing that a title or status automatically grants submission to subordinates or peers, is not correct. Arrogance, selfishness, intimidation, and the inability to listen to others are factors that quickly erode respect and generate an environment of distrust and resentment.
Authority figures who manage to genuinely connect with their surroundings are the ones who truly earn the admiration of those they lead, because when people feel valued and heard, they are more likely to respond with the respectful obedience we expect.

Instead of expecting others to obey us simply because of our position, We must strive to demonstrate, day by day, that we are worthy of that respect through our actions, so that we can aim, on a higher level, to a more just and harmonious society, where ethics prevail over ego confrontations.

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff