5.3 - Good Sportsmanship

SERIES 5 - STUDENTS

What is sportsmanship?

Good sportsmanship is viewed by the National Federation of State High School Associations as a commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity. In perception and practice, sportsmanship is defined as those qualities which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others:

• Play fair, take loss or defeat without complaint or victory without gloating
• Treat others as you wish to be treated
• Respect others and one’s self
• Impose self-control, be courteous, and gracefully accept the results of one’s actions
• Display ethical behavior by being good (character) and doing what is right (action)
• Be a good citizen.

Sportsmanship Traits

Respect is showing high regard for coaches, officials, opponents, fans, administrators, self, team, and the school you are representing.

Responsibility is being dependable in carrying out obligations and duties, showing reliability and consistency in words and conduct, and being accountable for your actions.

Self-Control is demonstrating hard work and commitment to purpose, regulating yourself for improvement and refraining from inappropriate behaviors, maintaining composure at all times and doing your best in all situations.

Integrity is having the inner strength to be fair and courteous during athletic events, doing the right thing when others don’t, to play according to the rules, acting positively and honorably not only to your team, but to your opponent.

Perseverance is being persistent in pursuit of worth objectives in spite of opposition, difficulty, injuries, handicaps or discouragement and exhibiting patience and having the fortitude to try again when confronted with mistakes or failures.

Cooperation is working together, being considerate and courteous to the opposing team and officials, following the rules, understand that to be successful we must all work together in achieving our common goals.

Citizenship setting priorities in agreement with league and team rules, leading others to follow and abide by these rules, being a good student/athlete by maintaining good grades and being a good role model.
 

Sportsmanship at Liberty Common School

• A positive attitude is the highest quality needed to play sports and to be successful in life. Attitudes are contagious, be sure to have a positive one.
• Emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play.
• Show courtesy to visiting teams and officials.
• Establish a good relationship with visiting team and fans.
• Respect the judgment and integrity of the sports officials.
• Cheering should be for our team, not against the opponents.
• Achieve thorough understanding and acceptance of the rules of the game and standards of eligibility.
• Remember that an athletic contest is a game – not a matter of life or death for player, coach, school, official, fan, community, state, or nation.
• Parents have to demonstrate good sportsmanship and serve as role models.
• No vulgar or inappropriate language on or off the court by anyone on the team.
• Taunting and trash-talking will not be tolerated.
• Outsiders must never intrude upon the court or field during a contest.
• Understand that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well-being of the individual players.
• No players are allowed to talk to the game officials. Only the coaches or speaking captain may address the officials.
• Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

Adopted: 12-03-2011