We are judged by the decisions we make. We try to think through a decision but, at other times, we are forced to make split-second decisions. Successful people make correct decisions most of the time but prepare themselves in case they make an incorrect one.

Which everybody does.

You have to put yourself in position to absorb the consequences of a wrong decision.

As a parent, you try to guide your child into a comfort zone where they are able to make proper decisions, the decisions you hope they would make. Discipline is one of the tools you use to direct them.

University of Maine hockey players Mike Hamilton and Wes Clark made a wrong decision over the weekend that could prove costly to their careers.

They are charged with assault and aggravated criminal mischief after they went to the apartment of a baseball player with a group of 12 to 15 people, including other hockey players, and beat him up.

The dispute concerned Hamilton’s former girlfriend, who was also there.

According to Gary Duquette, acting chief for the Orono Police Department, Hamilton challenged the victim to a fight and, after exchanging words, Hamilton allegedly assaulted him. Then Clark and four others entered the apartment building and Clark allegedly kicked and beat the baseball player. The others were not involved.

Before every season, coaches tell their student-athletes that they will be held accountable for their actions off the playing field as well as on it.

When you play for a high-profile program, especially in an area where there aren’t any professional teams, you are considered a celebrity. That means you are more closely scrutinized by the media.

You are held even more accountable for your actions.

So you have to avoid situations that can lead to trouble.

For example, if there is a nightclub where there are frequent fights, avoid it.

It is important to act in a courteous, professional manner. At the University of Maine, your actions reflect on the state and the school as well as the team. You are idolized by youngsters. You are role models.

One of the steps student-athletes forget when they make a poor decision is the impact it has on their teammates.

When players are suspended or kicked off a team, they leave a void even if they aren’t stars.

The team’s depth is reduced.

Hamilton and Clark will have to answer to a criminal court, the Student Code of Conduct, the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct and hockey coach Tim Whitehead.

According to the points system used in the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct circa 2004, an assault charge should yield a suspension of at least 10 percent of the team’s games. Maine has a 36-game schedule so that would be rounded out to four games.

The fact this wasn’t a spontaneous fight, that Hamilton and Clark sought out this baseball player, could well warrant a longer suspension unless there were extraneous circumstances that haven’t been reported.

They shouldn’t receive any favors because they are hockey players but they shouldn’t be unduly punished because the powers-to-be want to appease the coalition that believes athletes are pampered brats who get away with too much.

Hopefully, Hamilton and Clark will learn a valuable lesson about decisions and the consequences.

Larry Mahoney can be reached at 990-8231, 1-800-310-8600 or by e-mail at lmahoney@bangordailynews.net.