Be a Good Sport: A Guide to Sportmanship

[sammyg2]

Be a Good Sport: A Guide to Sportmanship
vintage tennis doubles players shaking hands at net

Source: Life magazine

There’s a reason so many motivational speakers use sports as a metaphor for life. There are innumerable parallels between what it takes to be successful both in real life and on the playing field. The qualities of determination, skill, and hard work contribute to a man’s chance of winning in both arenas. There is a parallel between life and sports that doesn’t get enough attention, however, and that’s the connection between a man’s character off the field and his good sportsmanship on it.

Good sportsmanship encompasses many aspects of a man’s character, the most fundamental being respect. The good sportsman respects both his teammates and his opponents as equals. He plays with integrity. A win that does not come fairly holds no satisfaction for him. He is honest in his dealings with opponents, because he treats them the way he wants to be treated. He is unselfish in his desire to see all his teammates participate and enjoy the game. He is humble in his victories, and has the proper perspective on his losses. In short, the qualities that go in to making a good man are the same ones that contribute to being a great sportsman.

Unfortunately, as men’s character off the field has declined, so has their behavior on it. Men pout and even cry when they lose, they gloat when they win, and they take sports far too seriously. A man should understand that good sportsmanship truly enhances the experience of both playing and watching sports. Players feel encouraged by one another and take satisfaction in the fact that the game was played fairly. And fans can really enjoy themselves at the games.

As both a player and a fan, I’ve noticed that men could really use some brushing up on the rules of good sportsmanship. So here’s a primer.

Good Sportsmanship as a Player

Play fair. Sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many men will cheat or play dirty to win. Remember, it’s just a game. There’s no need to stoop to dishonesty to win something as inconsequential as beer league softball game. If you cheat, you may get the victory in the short term, but it will forever ring hollow for you.

I think Teddy Roosevelt sums it up best: “Hit the line hard; don’t foul and don’t shirk, but hit the line hard!”

Be a team player. If you’re playing a team sport, do your best to get the whole team involved. Don’t try to be the star by hogging the ball. I know this can be hard when your talent surpasses that of your teammates, and you know you could win the game by carrying the whole thing on your shoulders. But selfish game play ruins the fun for everyone else and just makes you look like a jerk. What it comes down to is this: why are you playing this game? Is it for a win to help boost your sense of self-worth? Or is it for the pure love of playing itself? When it’s the latter, you naturally want to make sure your teammates have the same great time that you do.

So make a conscious effort to involve the beginner/poorly skilled players on your team as much as you can. Sure, they might flub the play, and they might even cost you the game. But in the long run it’s better for them and your team. The only way they’re going to get better is if they get plenty of playing time. By leaving them out, you’re denying them an opportunity to improve. And being a selfish player will breed resentment and divisiveness on your team. Have some patience and pass the ball to the rookie.

Stay positive. It’s easy to get negative when things aren’t going your way. A man knows how to stay positive when the chips are against him and his team. Even if a teammate royally screws up, keep positive. Berating him doesn’t accomplish anything besides making him feel worse than he already does. Instead, slap the guy on the back, tell him to shake it off, offer some advice, and let him know some of the things he’s doing right.

Oftentimes, the guy who moans and groans about other players’ mistakes is making plenty of blunders himself. Just remember: you’re not perfect either. Get over it.

Keep trash talk to a minimum. One thing I’ve noticed is that the player who continually runs his mouth with trash talk is usually the player that isn’t actually doing much physically to help his team win. I guess it’s their way of making up for their lack of skill. Instead of wasting your energy and focus on running your mouth, concentrate on actually outplaying your opponent. Let your performance speak for itself.

Also, throughout the game, make a conscious effort to give credit to an opposing player when they make a good play. A simple “nice job” or “good work” is all that is needed.

Lose gracefully. In any sport, there will be winners and losers. And sometimes you’re going to be on the losing side of the equation. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be to handle a loss. When you lose, don’t sulk, throw a temper tantrum, or cry like a little boy. Be a man and give the other team a congratulatory handshake.

Also, don’t blame your other teammates or the officiating, either. Show some leadership after the game by rounding up your team and offering them a pep talk. Point out what people did well, but also what needs to be worked on. That’s much more constructive than telling your first baseman that he sucks balls.

Finally, remember to keep things in perspective. It’s just a stinkin’ game. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not going to make much of a difference in your life if you win or lose a pickup basketball game. The sun will still rise, your wife and dog will still love you, and you’ll still have to pay the bills. So why let a loss bring you down and put you in a funk for the rest of the day?

Win with class. If you find yourself in the winner’s circle, remember to show some class. Don’t gloat or put down the other team after your win. Let your performance speak for itself. After the game, make sure to tell the other team “good game.” Offer some compliments to the opposing players.

Guide To Sportsmanship: Be A Good Sport | The Art Of Manliness

[aigel]

Even better, don't watch sports! You can play it yourself. Your kids? Have them play sports, not watch it. I can't imagine the emotional investment of being a "fan" for some team. It is very strange to me - what makes me cringe the most is post game interviews with sometimes very low IQ players that mumble garbage for 5 mintues.

G

[Baz]

This is where I am thankful to have parents who instilled a sense of integrity and character in their kids.

My parents insisted on it....and that's the way they led theirs lives, as example.

I've also benefited from several adults and peers whom I felt were mentors and role models.

Not everyone has these in their lives and IMHO that's the big difference.

Channel your moral compass.....it's good for your soul.....

[DanielDudley]

''Satire is a mirror in which we can see everyone but ourselves.''

Jonathan Swift

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by DanielDudley

''Satire is a mirror in which we can see everyone but ourselves.''

Jonathan Swift

[Gogar]

Even when you post something positive it seems that somehow you're yelling. Good post, though.

[Reddy Kilowatt]

Waiting for the next post, sammy2g, where you shed light on how to be nice, respectful, open-minded, and considerate.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Reddy Kilowatt

Waiting for the next post, sammy2g, where you shed light on how to be nice, respectful, open-minded, and considerate.

I think you just showed us how to do it?

(and so did I...lol)

[widgeon13]

My mother always said,"If you didn't have something nice to say about someone, don't say anything at all."

Think about that!

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

Except of course that everyone knows. Point that finger, mister, and then look at the other three that you are pointing back at yourself. You are in every way as much of every problem that you involve yourself in as you are a part of any solution.

You are in fact a part of this social group, but the words self involved and self amused come to mind. What do you do here that isn't for you ?

Have a nice day. I certainly will.

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by widgeon13

My mother always said,"If you didn't have something nice to say about someone, don't say anything at all."

Think about that!

Too late for me. Save yourselves.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by Reddy Kilowatt

Waiting for the next post, sammy2g, where you shed light on how to be nice, respectful, open-minded, and considerate.

Keep holding your breath. So far I have not been able to find any of your redeeming values or anything to say to you or about you that could be considered "nice".
And I don't believe in lying.

The topic at hand was sportsmanship, and seriously I doubt you've every actually played a sport. No, getting knocked silly in dodge-ball doesn't count.

So why would you try to contribute to as thread you know absolutely nothing about?
That's never stopped you before .....

[Reddy Kilowatt]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

Keep holding your breath. So far I have not been able to find any of your redeeming values or anything to say to you or about you that could be considered "nice".
And I don't believe in lying.

The topic at hand was sportsmanship, and seriously I doubt you've every actually played a sport. No, getting knocked silly in dodge-ball doesn't count.

So why would you try to contribute to as thread you know absolutely nothing about?
That's never stopped you before .....

Seriously? Basketball, baseball, football, triathlons, cycling, running, etc.

[SCadaddle]

Ole Miss fan makes fun of Katrina, throws ball at Tulane team but Green Wave get last laugh | NOLA.com

[flatbutt]

I coached little league soccer for a few years and constantly instilled those virtues into my players. At least I tried to. I had some fathers who were the worst though. They'd yell at opposing players. These were kids of 8 to 10 yrs old! At one point I went to the league officials and asked for their help in banning parents from the sidelines. They said I had to deal with it. So I did. And the fathers got together and had ME removed from coaching.

[Rusty Heap]

It's good to teach the girls proper auto repair techniques.


It's not just a competitive sport, but good life skills.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by Reddy Kilowatt

Seriously? Basketball, baseball, football, triathlons, cycling, running, etc.

[Reddy Kilowatt]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

I'll anxiously await your sporting resume.



Extra credit for photos of your Olympic gold medal, or at least the popsicle you got when played soccer on Saturday.

[dentist90]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

I coached little league soccer for a few years and constantly instilled those virtues into my players. At least I tried to. I had some fathers who were the worst though. They'd yell at opposing players. These were kids of 8 to 10 yrs old! At one point I went to the league officials and asked for their help in banning parents from the sidelines. They said I had to deal with it. So I did. And the fathers got together and had ME removed from coaching.

I hear ya man. Having coached hockey I have had my share of parents as you describe. I coached house league baseball too and that was not as bad, but up here in Canada every 10 yr old on the ice is on their way to NHL greatness... if those other kids would just get out of their way! Parents will actually time their kids' shifts to make sure they get enough ice time... at novice level!

RE: Sportsmanship There are always tough losses and kids do get down. That's to be expected. But when a player 'loses it', or goes off on a weaker player, or is just disproportionately angry I like to remind them gently that if they are not prepared to lose a game they should not begin to play it. There are no guaranteed wins and someone will have to lose. If you can't handle this yet maybe competition isn't for you.
And our team never loses, but we have finished 2nd in many two team contests

[Don Ro]

Remember Woody Hayes? Ended his career.
.

.
.
More of Woody's sportsmanship...
.