foul
Sunday Scribblings February 3rd, 2008Back when I was an active teenager in college, I loved participating in sports activities. I love the adrenalin rush, the cheering audience is music to my ears and every drop of sweat meant some sort of achievement to me.
I was in the Engineering department and with a limited number of females enrolled, the department chief had to force us to play in different sports just so we can be mentioned in the printed games program. Mainly, I was a representative for table tennis. It was the most convenient game for me as I don’t have to brawl with toughies to get that one ball and I only had to compete with myself, unless of course if we are playing doubles.
After a witting game that earned the Engineering department the first place, I heard one teacher calling saying that we need to rush to the gym to play basketball. Did I just mention I hate brawling over one silly ball? We were to compete with the more feminine department and when we got there, they were ready, costumes and all.
The game started. The crowd was so loud I couldn’t even hear my own breathing. The girls with me had great team play and for one bit, I was sure we could win. I could not remember all the details of that gory game but I remembered when someone tried to grab the ball I was dribbling when the opponent’s hand did not touch the ball, instead, her long and sharp fingernails (they were indeed feminine!) scratched my bare arm. My arms turned pink with the mixture of blood and sweat. I continued to play despite the searing pain until the referee cried out, “FOUL!”
This writing exercise is fueled by the writing prompt “foul” at Sunday Scribblings.


February 4th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
You girls! I had this sudden image of your opponents tottering around in stilettos whilst adjusting their makeup!
Excellent take on prompt.
February 4th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Ouch! I can just feel the sting of those nails! I was much too wimpy to play sports at all, ever. Any excuse to skip gym class. lol Though I was very into horseback riding, so at least I got my exercise (as my mother told the gym teacher who regularly called to complain about my lack of interest).
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your words of encouragement. You are so right, the only way to improve is to keep on writing. And I think you did a great job with the theme this week. ;o)
February 4th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Enjoyed the read. I will tell you something as a man who played basketball. Getting ripped by fingernails in the process of brawling over a silly ball is not gender specific.
February 5th, 2008 at 8:54 am
I’m a girl , but still I love sports, and was in engineering departement too so I can understand the situations. I was one of 17 girls in 150 population of boys. I don’t wear make-up and I only have 2mm nails on my right hand because I need it to play my guitar - and ofcourse my left hand is nailfree.
Those who has scratch other palyer in a game should choose: cut the nail, or don’t play. It’s dangerous…..