What is sportsmanship and who is responsible for displaying it during sporting events and recreation?

It is difficult to pinpoint an exact definition of sportsmanship. One meaning is qualities and behavior befitting a person who can take loss or defeat without complaint, or victory without gloating, and who treats his opponents with fairness, generosity and courtesy.

This etiquette should be followed by not only the athlete, but the coaches and spectators as well. Sportsmanship includes:

• Trustworthiness by not violating any rules.
• Respect for everyone involved on and off the playing field.
• Responsibility of dealing with temptations and pressures.
• Being a positive role model and maintaining the integrity of the sport.
• Fairness of playing by the rules and treating everyone fairly.
• Caring about the welfare of team mates and opponents.

Citizenship should be modeled by coaches, when one side breaks the rules there is no longer a level playing field. Some simple fan guidelines to abide by include the following:

• Allow the players to be players and enjoy the game.
• Cheer! The fun lies in being able to play. Encourage development over winning.
• Support the entire team, not just one player.
• Practice good sportsmanship.
• Let the players play and the coaches coach.
• Learn the rules.
• Keep all your comments to the players positive, no matter what the score or how well they played.

Sports are difficult enough without having to deal with outside pressures of having loved ones thrown off the sidelines or the coach telling players they failed when they gave their best effort. Encourage players to learn both tactical and technical skills of the game. The life lessons dealing with behavior and values will become part of the players‘ identities and will be of great significance during the lifetime of the players when they are faced with day-to-day situations. Shaping and developing strong character in the players is of greater long-term value than ball-handling skills.

For additional information please contact NIFS at 317.274.3432.