Sportsmanship and Fair Play!

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter - Sportsmanship and Fair Play!

Sportsmanship is something simple, visible, tangible and attainable. It’s when teammates, opponents, coaches and officials treat each other with respect. When everyone shares a mutual respect for the game it’s easy to see the benefits that participants in sports gain about fair play, courtesy and grace in loosing. Sportsmanship is a learned behavior, and it’s important that all coaches, officials and parents model, teach and lead by example. Over the last decade studies have shown that there has been a decline in sportsmanship and that professional and collegiate athletes only care about winning. With this trend, shouldn’t good sportsmanship be at the forefront just as much as fundamental movement skills when teaching sport?

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Sportsmanship: Connecting Fun and Competition

What is sportsmanship? Do we really understand how to exercise, teach, or encourage sportsmanship? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sportsmanship as “fair play, respect for opponents, and polite behavior by someone who is competing in a sport or other competition.” Sportsmanship is the glue that holds competition and fun together.

As athletes, coaches, officials, or parents we need to lead by example. This can be done by:

• Thanking coaches and referees at the end of games
• Congratulating players and opponents
• Cheering for your teammates
• Being polite to the referees

Youth sport should be about having fun. However, as athletes get older the competitive drive gets bigger and often sportsmanship can be forgotten. Officials of highly competitive games can help to create a good sportsmanship atmosphere. Click Here for some tips on how officials can prepare.

Reference from the SIRC collection:
Woelfel, Rick. (2005). How to Build Good Sportsmanship. Referee, 30(3), 14.

Online Resources:
SIRC July Newsletter
TeensHealth: Sportsmanship

Respect, Fair Play and Ethical Behaviour - SIRC Newsletter

SIRC Newsletter Now Online: Respect, Fair Play and Ethical Behaviour

We have heard before that respect, fair play and ethical behaviour (also known as sportsmanship) are all learned behaviours. The question is from whom and when do we learn these? It is never too early to learn the fundamentals, physical education classes and grassroots programs are excellent places to start. However this behaviour should be exhibited at all levels of sport, recreation through to high performance. As well it shouldn’t just be limited to athletes; parents, coaches, officials, fans and even sport organization staff should all show respect, play fairly and behave ethically. Sports and physical activity are meant to be fun; these behaviours help to create a positive experience.

SIRC has compiled the following articles to help you learn more about respect, fair play and ethical behaviour and how to lead by example.

Read the Full Newsletter: http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-apr12/index.html

Be a Positive Role Model

Most children will say that their role model or idol is someone famous, but it is the people they see everyday that have the biggest influence.  A role model is a person whose behaviour or success can be emulated by others, especially young people.  This includes, parents, siblings, teachers and even coaches; each person plays a significant role in the development of that child.  

Professionalism

'Practice what you preach,' yes, it's an old saying but it still applies.  Children will notice your behaviour and there is nothing worse that being seen as a hypocrite.  As a coach, you are in a position of power and have the chance to teach social behaviours that will not only assist your athletes in play, but in everyday life. 

Encouragement 

Sometimes your athletes will not feel like they can accomplish the task set before them, but with positive coaching there is a potential for them to go further than they ever dreamed possible.  Encouragement, coupled with goal setting will help them establish a commitment and mentality to achieve what they set out to do.

Sportsmanship

Trying to set a standard in sportsmanship and proper etiquette can make for a great sporting environment.  Showing respect for other athletes help children understand that you can still be a successful person without stepping on other people's toe's.
 
Most of the time, verbal and non-verbal behaviour is learned by observation and interaction. If a child looks up to you, they are more likely to follow your example, and as a coach, you are in a position to leave a lasting impression on your young athletes, so make it a great one!  
 

References from the SIRC Collection
 

1. Gilbert W, Trudel P. Role of the Coach: How Model Youth Team Sport Coaches Frame Their Roles. Sport Psychologist. March 2004;18(1):21-43.

2. Harwood C. Enhancing Coach-Parent Relationships in Youth Sports: Increasing Harmony and Minimizing Hassle. International Journal Of Sports Science & Coaching. March 2011;6(1):61-64.

3. Lubrano K. FIVE LESSONS for developing a good environment for youth players. Soccer Journal. September 2009;54(5):32.

4. Raph F. `Coaching is a privilege'. Coach & Athletic Director. September 1998;68(2):15.

What Makes a Good Coach?. ASCA Newsletter. May 2010;2010(5):1-3.