FEB 13 — Players squaring off, clenched fists shoved into each other’s face. Profanity seemingly the common language. Voices raised many notches aided by the egging on of disgruntled fans. Umpires and team officials pulling players back, reminding them to regain focus and concentration. Spittle forming on the lips of few, adding — with much success — to the intensity of threats spewed.

That, basically, sums up a face-off in a hockey match. There are varied reasons why such occurrences take place. None fathomable, however. The idea of shoving players about and challenging them to a duel, in retrospect, is primitive and immature.

But then again, it was also fun.

Contrary to popular belief, face-offs are pretty well-structured. No one trains for this, but there is a natural order to things. Each person has a role to play, and the effectiveness in bringing said role to life will eventually determine the group’s success.

The first few layers are usually helmed by the enforcers.

They are generally experienced fighters, warriors, even. They usually are the quietest on the field. The skins on their faces are held together by stitch-marks acquired over the years, from battles on and off the field. Their fists are leathery and their jaws hardened. This group of people are quite easily noticeable.

They’re big, mean-looking, and always at the front line.

Right behind them are the group of players I call, the “cari-makan” boys.

This group is usually made up of players who are equally angry, excellent at cursing but lack the testicular fortitude to partake in a free for all. They’re noisy and menacing, but about as dangerous as an angry puppy on a leash.

The blokes in this group are wonderful actors who contribute immensely to the group’s success. They add colour and dimension, offering great distraction so that the enforcers can steal a jab or two in the altercation.

I fall into this group, and I play said role with unbelievable flair.

And then you have the extras. They are merely fillers (those annoying green-stuff) in a bouquet of roses. The coconut chutney in your banana leaf rice that is often left untouched; looks good and probably tasty but something you can absolutely do without.

They usually head off to the side-lines for a drink and then meander about the field for a bit before heading towards the war zone with nary the desire to contribute. They offer meek suggestions in barely audible voices like:

“Let’s go guys. This is not worth the fight.” Or “Those guys are huge. They’ll kick our butts for sure.”

While they certainly display excellent temperament and offer brilliant rationalisation, such skill-set is about as imperative as fishing in hockey, particularly in a face-off.

Whenever you’re involved in a face-off or square-off, decide primarily what role you want to assume. Identify your positioning and what is expected of you. Then play that role like you were gunning for an Oscar.

Unless you decide to be an enforcer. That’s not an act. You must be able to fight.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.