Freedom of speech in sports

    In school I would never swear, interrupt the teacher, scream out my opinions, or talk about other students in front of them. Under the first amendment I have the right to do those things. But I do not feel it is appropriate at school. I hold my tongue and make sure that I am polite. For some reason I do feel like doing all of those things are okay in sports. I play soccer and have my whole life. I never hold my tongue there even when I should.  I had a game today and it got me thinking about why I feel this way. I am still in front of adults, I still could offend other people, I still am representing something. Why do I act differently in sports? I am known on my team for arguing with the referee, making smart remarks at girls on other teams, and swearing when I am upset. I am not proud of this but I know it is true. I am also not unique. Most girls on my team and others speak this way during games. This topic is also very prevalent in my mind because I got a red card last weekend for something I said. When you get a red card you cannot continue on in the game, you cannot play in the next game, and you have to pay a one hundred dollar fine. At the time I was outraged. I didn’t understand how I could be punished so harshly for my words. Why wasn’t I allowed to say how I felt about the referee’s call? What was the rule that I broke? What was the point of that rule? Where else can I now be penalized for my opinions when I am supposed to be able to use them freely? I wasn’t starting violence or creating danger for anyone. I was sharing my emotions on a call that I believed to be unfair. I do represent my club, coach and teammates when I am playing soccer. But ultimately I represent myself. If college scouts were watching our game they would not scrutinize my team for my actions, only I would be penalized. That is why I think we should be allowed to say whatever we want in sports. We are representing ourselves. We are allowed to showcase ourselves in whatever manner we want. If it ends up biting us in the butt we know it is our own fault. If I didn’t get a scholarship because of what I said, that is punishment enough. I shouldn’t be kicked out of a game for my thoughts. I completely understand restrictions in freedom of speech. That is why I follow all of my schools rules.  But sports can be unfair, physically and mentally aggravating, we have the freedom to express how we feel. That freedom should not be tampered with.  I will continue to speak my mind for everyone out there who has suffered from a bad referee