Sportsmanship is the character, practice, or skill of a person involved in sports. This includes the participant, the parents, the coaches, and all spectators. Sportsmanlike conduct includes fairness, courtesy, learning to be a good loser, being competitive without rude behavior, or experiencing any ill feelings toward the opponent. Too often in any sporting event, the purpose of the sport is forgotten. Winning has become overwhelmingly important to the adults involved. This attitude I inflicted on the youth. People of all ages should be allowed to fully embraceth the challenge and fun of playing sports.
Teaching, coaching, motivating, and winning are fine as long as the reason for the sport or activity is prioritized. The attitudes of athletes are instilled in them at a very young age. They reflect the motivation and goals of their parents, who sometimes push them into sports they would not normally choose for themselves. Play is essential in growth and development. Children who play sports with other children tend to socialize and adjust better as adults. Healthy competition provides a natural, emotional outlet for children, but should not be forced or overemphasized. Competition should be kept friendly with an emphasis on participation rather than the outcome of the event. Parents should no pressure the child to excel, regardless of his abilities, because this takes away the fun of the sport, adds undo pressure on the participant, and produces unsportsmanlike conduct.
Sportsmanship is participating in a sport, rather than performing, and realizing how you play the game is more important than winning. Too many coaches and parents tend to forget the reason for sports for children. They get caught up in the excitement and competitiveness. Winning is the ultimate goal, at all costs. The cost is the effect this attitude has on the children. I have witnessed this behavior from coaches and parents, where they have actually embarrassed and humiliated young players in front of their peers. The negative effect this has on the athletes is obvious.
They become aggressive, sometimes withdrawn and angry, rude, and inconsiderate. Sports are not just an activity. They form a stepping stone toward the future. Sportsmanship teaches children how to interact with peers, how to relate and interact with others. Sports can teach cooperation, sharing, and compassion. At young age participation in sports introduces players to rules, and how to incorporate them into other aspects of life.
A child must realize that losing has absolutely nothing to do with self-worth, that their personal value is not measured by winning or losing, but doing the best that they can in sports and life. It is important that children and adults be part of a group t feel acceptance, without the emphasis on winning. Self-confidence does not come from winning or losing, but how the outcome is handled. If you perform to your best ability, then you have won the only important game. Sportsmanship is what the activity should be about.
Coaches and parents should relax, enjoy the fact that their children are active and adjusting socially, have fun and allow their children to have fun. They will produce healthier, happier, more secure, self-confident, and less angry, frustrated children. Sportsmanship carried into every aspect of daily life. Winning and losing is part of everyday life at every age and at every stage. We should learn and be taught through praise and example ho to win and lose with dignity, humility, and self-respect.
