That is how America's best-selling dictionary, 'Merriam Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary - Eleventh Edition', defines sportsmanship.
Simple, right?...or, is it? Isn't it actually quite frustrating when we try to teach the children in our lives to exhibit good sportsmanship when at the same time they witness some "professional" athletes conducting themselves, on and off the field, in a manner that actually promotes poor sportsmanship on an ever-increasing basis?
The frustration mounts when these same high profile athletes are all too often "disciplined" via a slap on the wrist. And, if this weren't enough, they seemingly get "rewarded" by the media with increased exposure and attention when they should be getting ignored.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm definitely not bashing all athletes. Nor am I saying that there aren't some in the arena of sports putting forth efforts to reverse this trend...because thankfully there are. It just seems to many of us that the days of good sportsmanship being the "norm" are fading fast in the rear view mirror. Hey, I enjoy a good celebration every now and then when I'm watching a football game, but, do I need to see an elaborate and rehearsed dance by a player after making a routine tackle following the opening kickoff?!? (Note to football fans 30 years or older: was there anything classier than Barry Sanders, one of the all-time great running backs in NFL history, simply flipping the ball to the referee after one of his fabulous touchdown runs? Ahhhh, the good 'ol days!)
Unfortunately, the problem of poor sportsmanship is not exclusive to professional sports as younger and younger (and impressionable) athletes try to emulate their favorite sports superstars.
From the professional sports leagues on down to little league, one doesn't have to look, or listen, long before poor sportsmanship is being displayed on the field and, regrettably, by fans...of all ages!
So, what are we to do? Hope the trend reverses and corrects itself? Wishful thinking! Many would agree that good sportsmanship is definitely ideal, but, that in 2007 it is just that...idealistic and not realistic. And besides, who has the time to "fight this battle"?
I think we all do if we combine our efforts. A favorite quote of mine is by someone named Nido Quebin. He said, "most worthwhile achievements are the result of many little things done in a single direction".
So, what "little things" can we all do?
- Emphasize some of the professional stars that consistently display good sportsmanship. They often don't get the media attention that they deserve, but, they're out there. LaDainian Tomlinson & Drew Brees (NFL), Tim Duncan (NBA), and Derek Jeter (MLB) come to mind.
- Let your child's coach know that sportsmanship is a priority to you and that you want to be notified if your child displays poor sportsmanship. (Then, if your child's coach approaches you don't react defensively. Rather, commend the coach for coming to you with this potentially "awkward information".)
- Point out how professionals, college/high school athletes, and little leaguers can cost themselves, as well as their teams, in terms of penalties and suspensions when they display poor sportsmanship. (Remember again to support coaches, league officials, athletic directors, etc. when they take the initiative to discipline poor sportsmanship as opposed to the "win at all cost" approach. A quick phone call, letter, or e-mail of support would be an excellent investment of a few minutes!)
- Make sure you model good sportsmanship...even if you're just a coach on the sidelines or a fan in the bleachers! Consistently point out displays of good sportsmanship, on and off the field, to your children. Let them know how these behaviors contribute to an individual becoming a "winner" in all aspects of life (friendships, school, study/work groups, etc.).
All these "little things" begin with a decision to make a difference and only require a few moments of our time. Isn't it worth it?!
This website and the products we offer on it were created to "start a discussion"...a much-needed one. We should not be content with waiting for someone else to initiate it. Let's all be on the look out for "teachable moments" to capitalize on. I'd like to believe that the T-shirts, and other products we offer, will help in bringing (and keeping) this much worthwhile topic of sportsmanship into the spotlight. If this were to happen, we would all be "winners" because the truth is...
'Sportsmanship Matters America'!
Listen to "Sportsmanship Matters America"
on "The Sports Edge" with Rick Wolff
Rick is a nationally recognized expert in the fields of sports psychology and sports-parenting and is the
author of 17 books, including Coaching Kids for Dummies and
Parenting Young Athletes with Cal Ripken.
(For more information on Rick Wolff
click here)
