Responsibilities of Sportsmanship

THE PLAYER

1. Treats opponents with respect.
2. Plays hard, but plays within the rules.
3. Exercises self-control at all times, setting the example for others to follow.
4. Respects officials and accepts their decisions without gesture or argument.
5. Wins without boasting, loses without excuses, and never quits.
6. Always remembers that it is a privilege to represent the team, school and community.

THE COACH

1. Treats own players and opponents with respect.
2. Inspires in the athletes a love for the game and the desire to compete fairly.
3. Is the type of person (s)he wants the athletes to be.
4. Disciplines those on the team who display unsportsmanlike behavior.
5. Respects the judgment and interpretation of the rules by the official(s).
6. Knows (s)he is a teacher, and understands the athletic arena is a classroom.

THE OFFICIAL

1. Knows the rules and their interpretations.
2. Places welfare of the participants above all other considerations.
3. Treats players and coaches courteously and demands the same from them.
4. Works cooperatively with fellow officials, timers and/or scorers for an efficient contest.
5. Is fair and firm in all decisions, never compensating for a previous mistake.
6. Maintains confidence, poise and self-control from start to finish.

THE SPECTATOR

1. Attempts to understand and be informed of the playing rules.
2. Appreciates a good play no matter who makes it.
3. Cooperates with and responds enthusiastically to cheerleaders.
4. Shows compassion for an injured player, applauds positive performances, does not heckle, jeer or distract players, and avoids use of profane and obnoxious language and behavior.
5. Respects the judgment and strategy of the coaches, and does not criticize players or coaches for loss of a game.
6. Respects property of others and authority of those who administer the competition.
7. Censures those whose behavior is unbecoming.

THESE STATEMENTS ARE ALL ABOUT RESPECTING OTHERS AS WELL AS YOURSELF.

See also The Case for Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity in High School Activities by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Visit the Citizenship Through Sports Alliance.