Exhibiting good sportsmanship and ethical behavior is one of
the first things that kids are taught when they are first getting
started with sports. In general sportsmanship is something that
is considered important at all levels, whether it be high school,
collegiate, or professional. There are different organizations
that have been set up to teach athletes how important it is to
show proper etiquette while playing sports. The National Federation
of State High School Associations says that one who shows good
sportsmanship is committed to fair play, ethical behavior, and
integrity (1). Sportsmanship involves several qualities other
than just playing fair. It also means treating opponents with
respect, do not gloat over a victory, or complain about a loss
(2). Sportsmanship is basically about being a good citizen during
good times and bad times. If things are going well, you do not
want to make your opponents feel bad, and if things are not going
well, you do not want to take out your frustrations against your
opponent.
The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) puts great emphasis
on sportsmanship. They have made lists of things to remember for
anyone involved in competition. First the athletes need to remember
to show respect for their opponents, respect for officials, know
the rules, maintain self-control, and recognize skill in one's
performance regardless of affiliation (3). Coaches are expected
to set an example for their players to follow, teach their teams
the importance of sportsmanship, punish those who do not follow
ethical standards, and respect opposing coaches and players (4).
Sometimes good sportsmanship can mean that a person has to
turn themselves in if they did not follow the rules. Golf is a
sport where rules can be broken easily whether or not one does
it intentionally. Even on the PGA Tour, when there are thousands
of people watching, and rules officials everywhere, there are
rules that can be broken without anyone noticing. During a Tour
event, a golfer broke a rule by telling his opponent what club
he used for a shot (6). Not many people know this, but this is
against the rules and he should have been assessed a two stroke
penalty. He signed his scorecard at the end of the round without
adding the two strokes, meaning he should be disqualified for
signing an incorrect scorecard (7). The next day, after realizing
his mistake, he turned himself in (8). This is a perfect example
of good sportsmanship because the golfer easily could have gotten
away with breaking a rule, and went on to earn money for the tournament.
However, he decided to do the honest thing and turn himself into
officials.
Although sportsmanship may be declining, there are still plenty of those who believe that good sportsmanship and ethical behavior is essential to competition. There are organizations set up that try to teach athletes about proper behavior and respect for opponents. They explain how it is not just the athletes who need be ethical, but also ethical standards also exist for coaches, parents, and anyone who might be involved in any sort of athletic competition.
Works Cited
1. Wake County Public School System. WCPSS Sportsmanship Education
Brochure. 11 May 2002
<http://www.wcpss.net/athletics/sportsmanship/>.
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6. Maloney, Rick. "Good sportsmanship has links to integrity." Editorial. Business First of Buffalo 4
June 2001: 1.
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WCPSS Sportsmanship Education Brochure- This article talks about different ways to show good sportsmanship at all times.
The Citizenship Through Sports Alliance- This article talks about the organizations that have come together to bring back ethical standards in sports.
CTSA-The Citizenship Through Sports Alliance (Homepage)- This organization gives different ways to show good sportsmanship
NCAA- NCAA Homepage