Good sportsmanship is as an important part of playing sports as scoring points or winning games. How you and your team act on the field or on the court says as much about you as an athlete as how well you can shoot a basketball or kick a soccerball. Whether your team's winning big or getting its butt whooped, you should always remember these rules of good sportsmanship.
Win With Style, Lose With Style
Everyone likes to win, and no one enjoys losing. But when you're playing sports, there is always going to be a winner or a loser (unless the game ends in a tie). Whether you're playing in a Little League Championship game or a game of hoops in the playground, always try to be a good sport, no matter how the game ends.
- If you lose, don't freak out and don't be a whiner! Don't blame it on the refs and don't blame it on your teammates. Think about what you can to do play better or improve your game next time. No one likes to play with a poor loser. If you're a good sport, more kids will want to play with you and you'll have more fun.
- If you win big, don't show off or rub the other team's face in it. It's fun to celebrate a victory, but don't overdo it. Congratulate your opponents and your teammates for playing well.
Be A Good Teammate and a Good Player
Being a good sport means treating your teammates, coaches and opponents with respect:
- Show up on time to practice, work hard and listen carefully to instructions from your coach. (Don't talk to a teammate about the hot guy or girl you met in history class while your coach is trying to explain a play).
- Be willing to sit out so other players on your team can get a chance to play - even if you think you're a better player.
- Don't whine to the coach about not playing enough, while the game is going on. If you don't think you're getting enough playing time, talk to your coach after the game about what you can do to get some more playing time.
- Always cheer for your teammates - even if you're losing really bad. You may be able to inspire a big comeback!
- Never blame a teammate. Instead, try to show them how they can make a better play or think about what you could be doing to make your team better.
- Don't argue with the ref or the ump. Even if they got the call totally wrong, don't worry about it. Bad calls are usually made against both sides and thing will even out.
Quotes On Sportsmanship
- "You have to expect things of yourselves before you can do them." - Michael Jordan
- "Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best." - Tim Duncan
- "I would rather win than have good sportsmanship." - Allen Iverson
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