Good Sportsmanship on SoccerNation News Soccer News

Good Sportsmanship

Posted: Wednesday, September 1, 2010 1:04 pm

SOCCER TALK: SPORTSMANSHIP FOR PLAYERS, COACHES, AND PARENTS

It seems in our sports today, the concept of good sportsmanship has been lost. While winning at all costs and poor sportsmanship may be condoned and even promoted in professional sports, this does not mean it is the proper way for athletes to behave.

SN poll on Sportsmanship - Responses as of 8.7.10

Whether we like it or not, sportsmanship in sports is a direct reflection of our own ethics in real life. Sportsmanship like ethics concerns both the character and the actions of an athlete. The image you project as an athlete is a product of your character.

Good sportsmanship is not just what you do on the field, it is hopefully the way you conduct your life both on and off the field. In the same way, unsportsmanlike behavior on the field is probably an indication of your off the field conduct. Unsportsmanlike behavior -- acts that are unfair, dishonest, and disrespectful or against the rules - are unsportsmanlike because they are unethical. If you are unethical in sports, can you be ethical in the other areas of your life - your business dealings, your treatment of others, your family?

We can sit back and blame television and pro sports for the decline in sportsmanship but we can also take the responsibility of bringing it back into at least the game of Soccer. It is time for all of us involved with Soccer to practice good sportsmanship. This is especially important if we are involved with children either as a parent or coach. All participants should follow the basics of good sportsmanship. The following are some general rules to be a good sport:

GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP RULES

1.	The "Golden Rule" -- Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Show respect for the other players and opposition, if you expect it yourself.
2.	Have an understanding and an appreciation of the rules. The spirit of good sportsmanship depends on conforming to the intent of the rule and not look for a loop hole.
3.	Enjoy yourself and encourage enjoyment for others.
4.	Take responsibility for your actions. Don't blame others for your mistakes or find excuses for poor behavior.
5.	Recognize and appreciate good performances, especially by the opponent. Applause for an opponent's good play demonstrates generosity and courtesy. It shows a true awareness of the game and athletic ability.
6.	Exhibit respect for the officials. Referees are impartial arbitrators who perform to the best of their ability to make sure the game is played fair and within the rules. Mistakes made by all those involved are part of the game and must be accepted.
7.	Expect proper behavior from your teammates. If you allow a teammate to cheat, to play dangerously, to argue and scream at officials, you are condoning that behavior.
	Examples of Acceptable Player and Parent Behavior Shake hands with the opponent before and after the game, regardless of outcome. Cheer and support in a positive manner. Accept all decisions by officials without question. Applaud good plays by both teammates and opponents. Applaud at the end of the contest for the performance of all participants. Encourage all surrounding people (parents included) to display a sportsmanlike behaviou Show concern for an injured player, regardless of the team Win with class - lose with dignity.
	Examples of Unacceptable Player and Parent Behavior Use disrespectful or derogatory comments, cheers or gestures. Criticize officials in any way - displays of temper over an official’s call. Make displays of temper as a player when you or a teammate is not successful. Refuse to shake hands or recognize good play. Laugh or name-call to distract an opponent. Parents don’t criticize other players or coaches for the loss of a game. Use profanity or display anger.
	*Remember it is only a game.*
	John Napier Girls 95 ODP Head Coach Want to know more about John Napier? READ his COACH PROFILE John Napier can be reached at jnapsoccer@roadrunner.com. Also for more information on John, www.johnnapiersoccer.com. Every time we go play, coach or watch as a spectator, we are being watched. We may not realize it but someone, possibly a young impressionable person, is observing you and how you act. Your behavior on the field or on the side lines may have a significant impact, positive or negative, on them. Maybe what they see in our soccer games will set a better example for them than what they see on TV. If we all perform to the best of our abilities within the concept of good sportsmanship, and possibly, just possibly, our lives may just be a little richer.

Member Opinions:

By: mscavuzzo on 9/2/10
Having addended thousands of soccer games over the years and exhibited my fair share of poor behaviour, I think we are all a little guilty in one form or another of poor sportsmanship. I would challenge you the next time you are at a game to ask the person standing next to you what they thought of your behaviour during the game (and you can offer your opinion likewise). I think you might be surprised at what you hear!