Sportsmanship has been on my mind recently.  Like all schools, Hyde implores its players and coaches to have good sportsmanship.  After a couple of incidents in which our sportsmanship was not as good as hoped for, it occurred to me that we probably need to be very explicit regarding what does constitute good sportsmanship.  So here are my guidelines for good conduct  during a contest:

1. Coaches coach; players play; and officials officiate.  Players and coaches in particular can run into trouble when they try to assume a different role.
2. For players, encourage and cheer on your teammates both on the field and on the bench.  For coaches, encourage and instruct your players on the field and on the bench. For both players and coaches, speaking to officials is limited to polite questions and no arguing.  Speaking to opposing players and coaches is limited to giving encouragement and acknowledging good play.
3. Keep in mind that the goal of competition is to play the game well, to honor yourselves, and to honor your opponent.  Don’t confuse or substitute these objectives with a goal of simply winning a contest.

I’m sure there is more that could be added (I haven’t even addressed sportsmanship from a fan’s perspective), but concise is sometimes better.  I look forward to and will continue to work towards the day when it can be even less wordy and simply be, “Honor the game, yourself, and others.”

What are your thoughts on sportsmanship? COMMENT