Living Out UNASHAMED

I went to a volleyball game last night.  It was a rowdy and crazy one.  NorthWood/ Fairfield always seems to be a great matchup.  They are actually two of the better teams in our area and they just happened to draw each other in the first round sectional matchup.

For me, this match had special meaning.  Savannah, Jana, Hanna, Jessica, Maddie, Allie, and Ashley all call NMC home. I've seen a couple of these girls grow up in the church.  I've seen others join the journey around Junior High.  I've seen others just join in with us in the past couple of years.  These are some pretty amazing girls.

For me, this match had extra-special meaning.  You see, at Summer Camp I saw these girls gather together and ask, "What would it look like if we were unashamed for Jesus in how we lived, played, and spoke this season?"  What's awesome to me is that they didn't just ask the question.  They chose to do it.  And here's the thing, they're good.  I mean REALLY good.  Several will be playing in college next year.  There's a couple underclassmen who will definitely be playing college as well.  They've had an amazing regular season.  What's cool is how they've taken that success and pointed to Jesus. 

I wasn't able to attend Senior Night, but I heard back that each of the Seniors basically took the time allotted for them to be introduced as a space to boldly explain the priority and importance of their faith in Christ.  It was not obnoxious, but it was blatant and it was powerful.

So, you always want these stories to end with the great storyline.  If not a state championship, there should at least be a deep playoff run.  Well, it didn't work out that way for the NorthWood Girls last night.  They lost in the first round of the Sectionals.  For some, this is it. No more High School Volleyball.

As the match ended, and teams finished up their final huddle, I saw something happen.  My grainy camera phone doesn't do the moment credit, but I still snapped this pic:

 I watched them, still in tears over their loss, gather together and pray.  What an awesome moment?!  I have no idea what was prayed, but, I saw the last "act" of their season on the court be one that was an Unashamed act of worship.  And I know others saw it as well.

What I saw at the end of a great season was, by far, my highlight.
I'm pretty sure what Jesus saw made heaven celebrate.

Small Talk

When restarting a relationship, you start with small talk.  So...

How about this weather?
It is entering Fall. My favorite weather of the year. I love the fact that I'm sitting in my family room with the windows open, a slight breeze and the sun shining.  Fall sunsets in Indiana are just around the corner.

How's the Family?
Janelle is a warrior mom. Katylynn just started Preschool. Moses just officially became a U.S. citizen. Keiralee is cooing.  The switch from one to three kids in less than a year has been crazy but cool.

What Do You Expect from the Colts?
Peyton Manning won 3 games his first season. I think the cupboard is even more bare in the surrounding cast to Andrew Luck than Manning's first year. Yet, I'm reservedly optimistic. I would be very pleased with a .500 season, ecstatic with a playoff appearance, okay with a 5-6 win season. I still wish the Colts would have stuck with Manning, and I'll be cheering on the Bronco's as a secondary team, but I look forward to seeing how it all fleshes out.

Anything New Going On?
New house in June. New baby in Julu. New Student Ministires team in August. New car (well used but new to us) inSeptember. Lot's of new.

Well, I better get going. I hope we can connect soon and talk in a little more depth about some of the things mentioned above.

5 Thoughts on the The Colts

It was going to be 5 thoughts on the NFL, but with news of another neck surgery and 2-3 month recovery, I thought I'd zero in on the Colts.

Thought #1 - Go sign David Garrard to a one year deal.
He knows the division. All reports are that he is a quality guy.  He's younger and more versatile than Collins. 

Thought #2 - I will still watch the Colts weekly.
There are Colts fans and then there are Peyton Manning fans.  I have no problem with either.  I'm a Colts fan.  I really started cheering for them when "Captain Comeback" Jim Harbaugh (now coaching the 49ers) was the QB.  I can understand how some fans will not watch a Manningless Colts.  The style of offense is thoroughly entertaining.  It may be very painful to watch this season, but I'll still watch.  I love Dallas Clark, Austin Collie, Jeff Saturday, Dwight Freeney, and Robert Mathis.  I'll still watch.

Though #3 - I think the Colts could still win the Division.
I'm not saying the Colts will win the division.  I'm just saying they could.  Think about it... the Jags just threw away this season dropping Garrard.  The Titans have a new coach and new quarterback in a severely shortened off season.  Clearly the Texans are the favorites for the division.  If held down and forced to make a prediction, I would predict the Texans to win, but they've had the same talent they now have for the past three season.  They seem to consistently find a way to lose despite.


Thought #4 - Go with Delone Carter.
Joseph Addai drives me nuts as a RB.  He looked fantastic at the beginning of his career. Lately, if he's not injured, he runs as if he's afraid of getting injured.  It's time to move to a new feature back.  If Manning is really out for the season, I say go with a RB by committee setup.  Next season, put Delone Carter in that role.


Thought #5 - This season may help shed light on how great of a QB Peyton Manning is.
In this whole conversation of Manning missing time, I've heard a statement again and again, "No player is more important to his team than Peyton Manning." 
There's plenty of debate on who's the best in the QB position.  It's a 6 person argument in the "current" debate... Manning, Brady, Rodgers, Roethlisberger, Brees, Rivers.  Brady and Manning get thrown into the "all-time" debate with the likes of Montana, Elway, Unitas, Favre and Marino.
Here's my thing... 
IF you take into light the team history with him as QB in 13 seasons (11 winning seasons,  11 Playoff appearances 7 Division Champs, 2 Conference Champs, 1 Super Bowl),
IF the statement that "No player is more important to his team than Peyton Manning
IF the Colts tank this season.
THEN Peyton Manning is the best  Quarterback in the NFL, is he not?
I tend to agree in theory that no player is more important, but we've not had a chance to see that in theory in meaningful action.  I guess we get to see it now.

My Super Bowl Thoughts

• So Christina Aguilera messed up the lyrics to the National Anthem?  First off, I agree with what Jason Miller tweeted:  Amazing how people who'd pee their pants if they had to sing in front of 10 people criticize Aguilera for fumbling lyrics. She was awesome.  Second, I don't know how many times I've gotten confused with the lyrics to that song in the same spot she messed it up.  I'm one of those people that would prefer to see us change our National Anthem to "God Bless America" or "America the Beautiful" (but that's a rant for another time).
• It was a good commercial year.  My favorites posted on Youtubesday tomorrow. 
• Movies I'm looking forward to:  Super 8 (how do you go with bad with JJ Abrams), Captain America (Avengers fun), Cowboys and Aliens (I like Jon Favreau movies), 
• I found the Black-Eyed Peas to be very entertaining.  I would prefer my halftime show to be U2, Springstein, or some other rock act, but the lit up dancers and dance tunes kept my attention.
• Greatest line of the night by Joe Buck: "There's Alex Rodriguez with Cameron Diaz... and I'm sure Rodriguez is thrilled we put the camera on him at that moment... being fed popcorn."
• Best Tweet of the game by ESPN's Adam Schefter:  Aaron Rodgers is going to enjoy his first championship since 6th grade basketball.
•  Oh, it was a good game as well.

NFL Playoffs Prediction

Here's how I'd like to see it happen:

AFC Wildcard:                  AFC Division:             AFC Championship:
IND over NYJ                   IND over PIT               IND over BAL
BAL over KC                    BAL over NE

NFC Wildcard:                 NFC Division:              NFC Championship:
NO over SEA                    CHI over NO                GB over CHI
GB over PHI                     GB over ATL

Super Bowl:  IND over GB


Here's How I think it will actually happen:
AFC Wildcard:                  AFC Division:             AFC Championship:
IND over NYJ                   IND over PIT               NE over IND
BAL over KC                    BAL over NE

NFC Wildcard:                 NFC Division:              NFC Championship:
NO over SEA                    NO over CHI                ATL over NO
PHI over GB                     ATL over PHI

Super Bowl:  NE over ATL

NFL Predictions: How'd I do?

My predictions for the 2010 season on August 29, 2010:

Bold are Division Champs.
Italics are Wildcard Teams

AFC EAST:
New York Jets 11-5
New England Patriots 11 -5
Buffalo Bills 8-8
Miami Dolphins 7-9

How'd I do?  
Got the right teams in the playoffs.  Got the right record for the Jets and Dolphins.

AFC NORTH:
Baltimore Ravens 12-4
Cincinnati Bengals 10-6
Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7
Cleveland Browns 4-12

How'd I do?  Right record on Baltimore and that they're in the playoffs, but they're a wildcard.  Close to actual record for Browns (ended 5-11).   Way off on Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.

AFC SOUTH:
Indianapolis Colts 13-3
Houston Texans 10-6
Tennessee Titans 8-8
Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11
How'd I do?  Right on Colts winning the Division, but pretty much wrong on everything else.

AFC WEST:
San Diego Chargers 10-6
Kansas City Chiefs 8-8
Denver Broncos 7-9
Oakland Raiders 7-9
How'd I do? Not so good on this one. Give me a little credit for giving putting the Chiefs up there.

NFC EAST:
New York Giants 11-5
Dallas Cowboys 10-6
Washington Redskins 8-8
Philadelphia Eagles 6-10
How'd I do?  Waaaaaaaay Off!

NFC NORTH:
Green Bay 13-3
Chicago Bears 9-7
Minnesota Vikings 8-8
Detroit Lions 7-9
How'd I do?  Pack made the playoffs, but Wildcard. Bears did much better. Minnesota did much worse.  Lions were pretty close.

NFC SOUTH:

New Orleans Saints 13-3
Atlanta Falcons 11-5
Carolina Panthers 8-8
Tampa Bay Bucs 2-14
How'd I do? Got the right teams in the playoffs here, but teams records are flip-flopped.  Way wrong on Tampa Bay and Carolina.

NFC WEST:
San Francisco 49ers 12-4
Seattle Seahawks 9-7
Arizona Cardinals 8-8
St Louis Rams 5-11
How'd I do?  Really bad.  Waaaay off.

My Superbowl Matchup: Indianapolis Colts v. Green Bay Packers

Champs: Indianapolis Colts

How'd I do?  Well I guess there's still a chance, but it's pretty unlikely.

Coming later this week, my new playoff predictions.

Beauty Rejects - Football Blowout

Here's a little side series that may pop up with the 60 Days of Beauty Project.  Every once in a while I may run into a moment of beauty that just doesn't make the cut to be my choice for that day, but I still feel obliged to mention. 

Here's my first installment of Beauty Rejects:

Any blog reader or anybody with a basic knowledge of DCP knows I'm a die hard Colts fan.  By default this means I am a diehard Patriots enemy.  At the same time, there are few coaching styles in all sports that make my stomach churn more than Mr. Rex Ryan.  His style of coaching embodies so much of what I dislike in the sports world.

Therefore, I was tempted to mention that the Jets being clobbered on Monday Night had an element of beauty in my eyes... but I decided I probably shouldn't share that on my blog...

OOPS!

Week 1 NFL

3-1 in my fantasy teams.
8-8 on my pick 'am.
Colts lost.
Bears should have lost. Stupid rule. Right call, but stupid rule.

1. Tore it up in the Fantasy world.
2. I'm glad I don't bet on football (for multiple reasons).
   
3. I'm in too many fantasy leagues. It gets really confusing. Some very cool people asked me to be in several different leagues and I just couldn't turn them down.
4. I'm not overly worried about the Colts. The O-line has me nervous, but a.) It's week 1. b.) the worries of an undefeated season are done. c.) the Texans are legit.
   

One More Sunday

Here's some of my predictions for this year concerning players:

MVP:
My heart says Peyton Manning due to my man crush on him. I would put him as leading contender just for sheer odds.
Everyone is so high on Aaron Rodgers this year. I put him in second.
My dark horse is going to Matt Schaub.


Rushing Leader:
Chris Johnson eclipsed 2k last year, but I don't see him doing it again this year.
I think Adrian Peterson is going to carry the yardage load of the offense for the Vikings this year as Brett Favre will struggle with the injury bug and miss his 1st game ever.
On the TD front, I think Frank Gore goes crazy on TDs this year in a tight race with Ryan Matthews.

Comeback Player:
Carson Palmer is poised for a great season. I say 25+ TDs and 4,000 yards.
Also, Derek Anderson is going to turn a few heads. Look for 3,000 and 20 TDs.

Rookie Impact:
It's going to be a battle for Ryan Matthews and C.J. Spiller on the headlines and newstalk, but Ndahmukong Suh will be the true rookie of the year.

Breakout Player:
Jermichael Finley (TE for Green Bay) and Jacoby Jones (WR from Houston) will be the ones that turn heads this.

That's my guesses for now...

Two More Sundays...

So, it's two more weeks until my 20 favorite Sundays happen. Here's my predictions for this year in the NFL.

Bold are Division Champs.
Italics are Wildcard Teams

AFC EAST: Sometimes I wish the Colts were in this Division, mainly because I really don't like the Patriots or the Jets. Take that back, I don't mind the Jets, I just can't stand Rex Ryan's attitude and coaching style. It's a division that's getting tons of hype (probably 2nd to the NFC North) with the Dolphins being treated as a bit of a sleeper team. I say the Jets come out on top in the tiebreaker due to a sweep of wins over New England, but New England is in on the Wildcard.

New York Jets 11-5
New England Patriots 11 -5
Buffalo Bills 8-8
Miami Dolphins 7-9

AFC NORTH: Here's the deal. The Steelers would normally be my champs in a second, but I think Big Ben's troubles are going to really mess with the team dynamics. I think Palmer's very healthy, and the Terrel Owens experiment may just work opposite OchoCinco (two wrongs may actually make a right here). I LOVE Joe Flacco and Jon Harbaugh and have a feeling the added offensive ammunition here will win out.

Baltimore Ravens 12-4
Cincinnati Bengals 10-6
Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7
Cleveland Browns 4-12

AFC SOUTH: The Colts have more or less owned this division. When they haven't they've made it in as a Wild Card team. I just don't see much different. The real question in my mind, who gets 2nd and will they make wildcard. I say the Texans are on their way to becoming true contenders and the Jaguars are going downward. The Titans and Vince Young's multiple personalities are the big factor.

Indianapolis Colts 13-3
Houston Texans 10-6
Tennessee Titans 8-8
Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11


AFC WEST: I see this as the weak division this year. Tons of attitudes and contract holdouts are going to mess them up, I think. They still win the division, but only because they are the one team with an actual winning record.

San Diego Chargers 10-6
Kansas City Chargers 8-8
Denver Broncos 7-9
Oakland Raiders 7-9


NFC EAST: The Press loves this division with 4 "major market teams" involved. I find their games to be the most boring and uninteresting of all. I say the Cowboys and Giants lack of moves plays to their advantage and the Kevin Kolb experiment is a colossal failure.

New York Giants 11-5
Dallas Cowboys 10-6
Washington Redskins 8-8
Philadelphia Eagles 6-10


NFC NORTH: Oh the drama! Favre is in, out, in... actually he's just old. Rodgers is predicted to be the QB stud of the NFL, Mike Martz is going to turn Cutler into a superhero, and this is bound to Detroit's year to turn it around. I say Favre's magic run was last year, Green Bay is legit, and the Bears O-line will be their demise.

Green Bay 13-3
Chicago Bears 9-7
Minnesota Vikings 8-8
Detroit Lions 7-9


NFC SOUTH: Saints are legit. Matt Ryan is a stud. Carolina has no legit QB. Tampa Bay is pathetic.

New Orleans Saints 13-3
Atlanta Falcons 11-6
Carolina Panthers 8-8
Tampa Bay Bucs 2-14


NFC WEST: My sleeper team (okay their getting hyped w/out me) is the 49ers. The rest of the division is in trouble

San Francisco 49ers 12-4
Seattle Seahawks 9-7
Arizona Cardinals 8-8
St Louis Rams 5-11

My Superbowl Matchup: Indianapolis Colts v. Green Bay Packers

Champs: Indianapolis Colts

My Favorite John Wooden Story

When I was at Bethel College, head basketball coach Mike Lightfoot told me a story. He attended a coaching clinic being put on by one of the top voices in the coaching world for the 90s (I can't remember who, which in some ways shows how cool this story is). Lightfoot came in a little late and found his seat. He pulled out his notebook as he settled in for what he hoped to be some valuable info. As he looked around the room, he noticed many familiar faces, but when he looked at who was sitting right next to him, he did a double-take. There was lengendary coach John Wooden, sitting in the crowd, notebook in hand, taking notes.

Leaders should never stop learning.

0-4

I went 0-4 on my playoff picks. With that in mind, I'd like to no pick the Ravens to beat the Colts this Saturday.

Thank you.

NFL Pick 'em: Week4

I went 10-6 last week.
I'm currently in last place:

Detroit at Chicago - This is the week Forte breaks loose for 100+ and at least 1 TD.

Cincinnati at Cleveland - Ohio battle of bad teams... except Cincy may be decent.

Seattle at Indianapolis - I'm saying the Colts have a very strong chance of carrying a 9-0 record into their matchup with New England.

NY Giants at Kansas City

Baltimore at New England - This could be a great game.

Tampa Bay at Washington

Tennessee at Jacksonville - I've gone with Tennessee every week. They're bound to pay off for me one of these weeks.

Oakland at Houston

NY Jets at New Orleans

Buffalo at Miami

St. Louis at San Francisco

Dallas at Denver

San Diego at Pittsburgh

Green Bay at Minnesota - I'd love a tie in this game. It is an interesting matchup, but the second matchup at Green Bay is much more intriguing to me.

NFL Pick 'em Week 1; and my Playoff Picks

For the 2nd half of last NFL season, I was involved in a fun little competition with my friends Dan, Dan, and Craig where we made our weekly picks on all the matchups. I lost miserably, but we're doing it again this year.

It all kicks off tonight (something I'm very excited about... I love Sundays in the Fall).



Here are my Week 1 picks.

Tennessee Titans over the Pittsburgh Steelers - Out a limb with my first pick (probably why I lost miserably last year).
Atlanta Falcons over the Miami Dolphins - Ryan is for real, and I have a feeling the Falcons will only be better than last year.
Baltimore Ravens over the Kansas City Chiefs - KC has all the ingredients to stink it up again this year.
Carolina Panthers over Philadelphia Eagles - I could go either way on this one. I'm just going with the Panthers because I really like Deangelo Williams.
Cincinnati Bengals over the Denver Broncos - I really want to see the Broncos do well this year, just to stick it to Jay Cutler. I also would love to see Carson Palmer make a comeback. I think the Palmer comeback is more likely.
Cleveland Browns over the Minnesota Vikings - Again. Upset here. I'm voting with my heart on this one. I don't like what Brett Favre did/ is doing. I'm hoping Brady Quinn gets the starting nod. I'll probably regret this pick.
Houston Texans over New York Jets: The AFC South is going to be strong this year, I think. Rookie QB for the Jets is going to struggle mightily.
Indianapolis Colts over the Jacksonville Jaguars - New coach for my Colts. Marvin Harrison gone. BUT, fully healthy QB heading into the season; great rookie RB to backup Addai. Jacksonville always finds a way to make it a game. The Colts usually find a way to get the win.
New Orleans Saints over the Detroit Lions - If Saints win by less then 10, Detroit should be given the win.
Arizona Cardinals over the San Francisco 49ers - I say Warner throws for 450 yds, and Fitzgerald and Bolden have 150+ receiving yds and 2 TDs each.
NY Giants over the Washington Redskins - Just going with the odds.
Seattle Seahawks over the St Louis Rams - Read comment above.
Chicago Bears over Green Bay Packers - I don't like Jay Cutler's attitude. I don't think Chicago has the receiving corp they need. I like Aaron Rodgers. I think he's going to have a great season. I hate making this pick. I just have a feeling Forte is going to be great this year, and Cutler is going to have a GREAT game this week.
New England Patriots over the Buffalo Bills - The despised Pats are going to step out and make a statement in week 1 with their golden boy back at the helm. On principle, I'd like to go against them, but I think this is going to be a high-scoring ordeal... I'm guessing at least 60 combined points scored.
San Diego Chargers over Oakland High School Raiders - Yup, I said that.
Dallas Cowboys over the Tampa Bay Bucs - I think both these teams are looking at less then stellar seasons.

So there's my picks. As an added bonus, I would like to throw out my playoff predictions:

Division Champs:
NFC North: Green Bay Packers (10-6) GB, Minn, and Chicago are going to beat up on each other, but I believe Rodgers will come out on top in the QB battle. I hope he does.
NFC South: New Orleans Saints (12-4) I love Drew Brees. That's all I have to say.
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) It won't have anything to do with Vick, but I hope things work out for him.
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals (11-5) They'll simply win because the rest of them stink.
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers (11-6) The Steel city knows how to do it.
AFC South: Indianapolis Colts (13-3) I have a good feeling.
AFC East: New England Patriots (13-3) Grrrrrrr.
AFC West: San Diego Chargers (12-4) They're healthy, and it's all there.
NFC Wilcard:
Carolina Panthers (10-6) They are going to just eek this spot out over the Falcons.
New York Giants (10-6) I don't know. I had to pick someone.
AFC Wildcard: Tennessee Titans (12-4) They're gonna be good, just not quite as good as the Colts.
Baltimore Ravens (11-6) Steelers will beat them in tie-breaker for Division Champs.

NFC CHAMPIONS: Carolina Panthers
AFC CHAMPIONS: San Diego Chargers

Super Bowl Champs: San Diego Superchargers.

Fantasy Football... Team #1

Fantasy Football. Love it.

I'm in a 7 year old league that allows three keepers. When you keep a player, he jumps up 2 rounds from where you drafted him. Unless he's in the top 10, then he jumps up 4 rounds. It's 10 teams. I was very fortunate with my keepers (in bold, round I got them this round in parenthesis). We actually did the draft on August 1 because many of the guys are spread around the world (literally).

How about my team?
Starting lineup for Week 1:

QB - Jay Cutler
QB - Chad Penington (rd 14)
RB - Matt Forte (rd 2)
RB - De'Angelo Williams (rd- 5)
WR - Larry Fitzgerald
WR - Anthony Gonzalez
WR - Eddie Royal
WR/RB - Pierre Thomas
TE - Vinanthe Schiancoe
K - Kris Brown
K - Mason Crosby
DEF - New England
DEF - Dallas

Bench:
Brady Quinn
Derrick Mason
Donnie Avery
Fred Jackson
Darren Sproles
Kenny Brit

Feeling a little vulnerable in the QB position (since we start 2) Otherwise, I'm feeling good.

Dear Brett Favre,

sigh. This is getting old.

Yours Truly,
Derry

Cubs/ Tigers at Comerica Park

Our seats. Just to the foul side of LF foul pole. Great seats.

Youtubesday: Joe Ehrmann

Sunday, I mentioned the book Season of Life in my message. I reviewed it here, and I put it in the must-read category if you are a father, teacher or coach of young men.

I found this story from Bryant Gumbel's Real Sports that looks at Joe Ehrmann and the Gilman Prep School... the focus of Season of Life. Check it out to catch a little glimpse why this book has struck me so deeply.

Softball Update

B League at Prairie Camp. Nappanee Team 2 Current Record: 5-1.
Last night was our 3rd double-header. I wasn't there for our first week's game where we split (I'm trying to say anything... but I'm just sayin').

This year is unique in that we had been playing in the co-ed D league for the past 6 years. We didn't have any gals interested in playing this year, so we moved up to the B league (which is actually the highest league where we're playing).
I've been doing some pitching as well. I pitched a few games 13 years ago when I was coaching a youth team at another church, but haven't since.

So far, I'm 3-0 as a pitcher. I'd love to take huge pride in that, but anyone involved with slow-pitch softball knows that a pitchers success has little to do with his ability, and much to do with the fielding abilities of his teammates.

Relay Rules

In preperation for Sunday morning's message, I've been studying scriptures. I've also been student the USATF rule book... that's United States Track and Field, for those of you in the dark.

My focus has been on the rules for a relay race. The following (of the 25) points for relay races have been have been especially intriguing to me...

2. Each take-over zone shall be 20m long of which the scratch line is the center. The zones shall start and finish at the edges of the zone lines nearest the start line in the running direction.

12. The baton shall be carried by hand throughout the race. If dropped, it shall be recovered by the athlete who dropped it. He/she may leave the assigned lane to retrieve the baton, provided no other runner is impeded and provided that by doing so, the distance to be covered is not lessened.

14. In all relay races, the baton shall be passed within the take-over zone. The passing of the baton commences when it is first touched by the receiving runner and is completed the moment it is in the hand of only the receiving runner. In relation to the take-over zone, it is only the position of the baton that is decisive, and not the position of the bodies or limbs of the runners. Passing the baton outside the take-over zone shall result in disqualification.

24. All members of the relay team must be identifiable as team members. Team identification shall be clearly visible and shall distinguish one team from another. Where this is not accomplished by the meet's issuing items such as letters or distinguishing numbers, team members shall wear an identifying article, such as an identical singlet or shirt.

25. The baton shall be a smooth hollow circular tube made of wood, metal or other rigid material in one piece. Its length shall be between 28 and 30cm. Its circumference shall be 12-13cm and it shall weigh not less than 50g. No material or substance may be applied to the baton.

Why do these specific rules intrigue me? I guess you'll just have to come and find out.