Sportsmanship has always been an important part of sports, but it seems like we’re seeing less and less of it today, whether it’s at the playground or on the field. How can you show sportsmanship in practice? What happens when poor sportsmanship occurs? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this article on the importance of sportsmanship in sports.
What Is Fair Play?
Fair play is a general concept, often associated with good sportsmanship, that all competitors should abide by certain rules and customs during sporting events. A competitor who exhibits good sportsmanship will not take advantage of another player. At its heart, fair play is about ensuring everyone has a chance to enjoy their sport free from bullying or intimidation.
That being said, fair play can also be described as honest practices used during game-play; for example, running hard on every play or scoring only after possession has been secured. These practices help ensure that no one gains an unfair advantage over others based on unsportsmanlike conduct.
Handling Wins and Losses
Being good sports goes a long way in life, but it’s particularly important for young people who are starting to deal with wins and losses. In sports, dealing with wins and losses is an unavoidable part of participating. Regardless of whether your child is on a winning or losing team, what they do after each game—or even during games—will say a lot about them as a person.
Make sure they know how to be a good sport by practicing both sides at home. What does that mean? Encourage them to play a few minutes for the other team when you play games together. Don’t forget to also practice appropriate reactions after a win or loss. Talk about the experience so that kids can learn from their own mistakes and those of others.
Having Fun
In order to be considered good sports, it’s important to not take things too seriously. Whether you’re winning or losing, it’s always important to keep your composure during a game. An easy way to practice good sportsmanship is simply by having fun. If you’re playing a sport just for fun, then you’ll never know if you won or lost—so why not give yourself permission to laugh at a funny moment or two?
Having fun while playing sports is an absolute must, but so is playing fairly. It’s especially important that young athletes learn early on how to play fairly (and keep their tempers in check). With proper preparation and good mentorship, even kids can make good decisions on the field!
Getting Along With Others
A team is only as strong as its weakest link. It takes teamwork to win a game, but it also takes respect for each individual player on your team to do well. In many ways, sports teams are like families—they’re places where members are expected to support each other while also keeping things fun and entertaining.
Good sportsmanship is more than just doing your best; it’s about making sure everyone else feels included and respected, no matter how they play or what they bring to the table. Good sportsmanship isn’t something you can just turn on when it matters; it needs to be practiced every time you hit a field or start a match.
Letting Go
One of my favorite things about sports is that they can bring out all sorts of emotions—the thrill of victory, excitement at a well-played play, and nerves before a big game. But I think one thing we all forget to remember is just how important it is to be positive. It’s easy to get frustrated or anxious when things don’t go your way; but regardless of whether you’re up or down by ten goals, it’s important to focus on being positive.
So next time you’re waiting on that critical goal or waiting for a crucial call from an official, take a minute to remind yourself that there’s no point in getting too worked up. And if you’ve been scored on or fouled hard?
Playing Fairly and Safely
Aside from being a really fun way to spend an afternoon, sports are also good for us. They build teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition. But there’s another side to sports that many parents don’t think about: safety. There’s no getting around it—sports can be dangerous if you’re not careful.
Use proper safety equipment at all times stay away from unsafe facilities, avoid playing with people who behave aggressively (especially toward umpires), and take care not to let injuries go unattended. As you plan your next game night, keep these pointers in mind so everyone can have a safe time both on and off the field.
Winning With Honor
When it comes to winning at sports, there’s a fine line between good sportsmanship and poor sportsmanship. Poor sportsmanship can be destructive to your reputation as an athlete, so if you want to win with honor, don’t treat losses as failures—this is something many professional athletes do by shaking hands with opponents even after they lose.
In fact, being competitive is a great trait but having too much pride can be damaging; remember that you can win all your matches while still having respect for your opponents. Remember that losing isn’t the end of everything but how you react after a loss says a lot about your character; keeping that in mind will help keep you focused on maintaining good sportsmanship, even when competing becomes challenging.
Some Additional Tips for Building Good Sportsmanship
Good sportsmanship is what keeps kids involved with a sport. It’s easy to forget at times, but that young football player on your team is actually a little person with feelings and emotions just like any other person. Being rude or condescending will only turn that player off from playing further, so it’s important for parents to keep things positive. Here are some ways you can help your child build good sportsmanship during practices and games.
