Teaching Youngsters How to be Good Sports

by Dr. Darrell J. Burnett

"Sports do not build character. They reveal it." - Heywood Hale Broun

We're living in an age where the preservation of traditional values can no longer be taken for granted. It seems we need to have reminders (books, movies, newspaper articles, etc.) to maintain our awareness of the importance of preserving the basic human values, which are essential to the survival of a community.

It's no different in the world of sports. The traditional value of sportsmanship is being challenged from all sides: professional, college, high school, and even in youth sports. There are some who say sportsmanship is becoming a lost art and that unless we remind ourselves of the essentials of sportsmanship it will gradually fade as other values have done in our society.

In the midst of all this, it seems doubly important that we recommit ourselves to guiding our youth, reminding them what sportsmanship is all about, rewarding them for showing good sportsmanship and showing, by our example, that sportsmanship is still alive and valued in youth sports today.

Here's a 10-item checklist for kids to follow as they try to develop a habit of good sportsmanship.

Sportsmanship Checklist for Kids

1/ I abide by the rules of the game.

2/ I try to avoid arguments.

3/ I share in the responsibilities of the team.

4/ I give everyone a chance to play according to the rules.

5/ I always play fair.

6/ I follow the directions of the coach.

7/ I respect the other team's effort.

8/ I offer encouragement to my teammates.

9/ I accept the judgment calls of the game officials.

10/ I end the game smoothly.

Sportsmanship is the ability to:

- win without gloating (don't rub it in)

- lose without complaining (don't make excuses)

- treat your opponent, and the officials, with respect

Sportsmanship Tips:

- If you make a mistake don't pout or make excuses. Learn from it, and be ready to continue to play.

- If a teammate makes a mistake, encourage, don't criticize.