Its only a game....of life?

Recently I received news about the death of a cricketer in the local cricket league...on the field itself...I am not too sure what the circumstances surrounding that incident was...and so will not comment about it...But obviously I was shocked and saddened by the incident. It got me reflecting on my attitude while I am on the field...
During my stay in the US I have enjoyed company of great people who love sport and are passionate to no end...I too love sport...both watching and playing...I had the chance to play a lot of cricket while in school at Oregon...and a little here in Washington...I played indoor soccer here in Seattle for couple of seasons and now recently have begun "flag football" (a mellow version of American football). Admittedly I am not the best in any of these sports...but that does not take away from me the desire to try my best and give it all...well...is there anything wrong in trying your best on the field? The answer is NO...go there and give your best...But I have found myself getting into unwanted tussles/arguments while on these fields...Couple of incidents which spring up are...arguments with close friends on the field which later turn awkward once you get home and share a room with the same guy you just called "a cheat" or "an individual with no morals". Another one is when I was hit by a ball on my head and I still stood there just so that I do not seem weak and give that satisfaction to the guy who hit me...
Thinking back, I ask if those victories were really worth it? I mean...luckily I was not badly hurt or I did not lose a friend for life...but believe me...at that time, nothing was in my control. And I could have easily hurt myself or lost a friend...because at that time all I cared was for that small little game...While playing a game you tend to get carried away and the adrenaline rush blurrs the line between trying your best and pushing your self beyond what is required. I play sport only for relaxation...and stand to gain no fiscal benefit from it...believe me when I say I am far from making money as an athlete...So when my aim for taking up a sport is pure relaxation, I see no reason to get so worked up...
This news of the gentlemans death of a playing field just puts in perspective how much more there is to life out of the playing field...and the earlier we learn to keep that in mind at "All" times...thats when we become better sportsmen and play a tougher game....