,
aunt, or peer... As an athlete, sibling of an athlete, coach for
younger kids, or simply a spectator, you play a role in the development
of sportsmanship in others, and sportsmanship (good or otherwise)
plays a role in your life.
is doing your best and having good behavior. It means working
hard, learning, and following the rules of the game. It also means
treating your teammates, your opponents, your coaches, and the
officials with courtesy. When you congratulate opponents who beat
you, you're practicing good sportsmanship. When you win and thank
the other team for a good game, you're also being a good sport.
But it doesn't just have to do with sports. The great thing about
developing good sportsmanship is that it helps you in other parts
of your life, too. Sportsmanship applies to other games (no pouting
if you lose at checkers!), contests (don't storm off just because
you lost the spelling bee or school election), and more. ... It
takes maturity to put yourself in somebody else's place or to
realize that no matter how good you or your team, somebody else
can come along tomorrow and beat you. Remembering that will help
you stay humble even if you're in first place right now.
Sports should be fun.
Losing doesn't make you a loser, and a good winner doesn't brag
or put down the other side. No matter which side you are on, it
is important to find something nice to say.
Questions of the Week:
How can good sportsmanship be considered both a physical and a
mental health issue? What responsibilities do you have as a coach,
player, or spectator? How can your actions and attitudes influence
the actions and attitudes of those around you? Even if you do
not play--or even watch--sports, what role can sportsmanship (good
or otherwise) play in your life?
Please email me with any ideas or suggestions.
Note: Due to increasing amounts of SPAM sent to this account, please include "QOW" in the subject line when sending me email.
I look forward to reading
what you have to say.
Health Community Coordinator
Access Excellence @ the National Health Museum