Sportsmanship
THE FUNDAMENTALS
OF SPORTSMANSHIP
This year the North Kitsap Soccer Club will again be emphasizing the importance of GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP. The one
thing we need to realize it that many people have not had GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP explained to them. Hopefully the
following will help everyone to understand thei
r responsibilities at a soccer match.
1.
GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION FOR THE RULES OF THE CONTEST.
Know the rules. If you are uninformed, refrain from expres
sing opinions on officials or coaches. The spirit of
GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP depends on conformance to a rule's intent as well as to the letter of a given rule.
2.
EXERCISE REPRESENTATIVE BEHAVIOR AT ALL TIMES.
The true value of soccer competition relies upon every
one exhibiting behavior which is representative of a sound
value base. Your behavior influences others whether you are aware of it or not.
3.
RECOGNIZE AND APPRECIATE SKILLED PER
FORMANCES REGARDLESS OF AFFILIATION.
Applause for an opponent's good performance displays gene
rosity and is a courtesy
that should be regularly
practiced. This not only represents GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP
but also reflects a true awareness of the game by
recognizing and acknowledging quality.
4.
EXHIBIT RESPECT FOR THE OFFICIALS
The officials of any contest are impartial arbitrators who
are trained and who perform to
the best of their ability.
Mistakes by all those involved in the contests are a part
of the game. The rule of GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP is to
accept and abide by the decisions made by the umpire. Th
is is critical for young athletes to learn for later
applications in life.
5.
DISPLAY OPENLY A RESPECT FOR THE OPPONENT AT ALL TIMES.
Opponents should be treated cordially and accorded toleranc
e at all times. Be a posit
ive representative for your
team and family. This fundamental is the Golden Rule in action.
6.
DISPLAY PRIDE IN YOUR ACT
IONS AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY.
Never allow your ego to interfere with good judgment and
your responsibility as a team and club representative.
Regardless of whether you are an adult, player, coach, or
official, this value is paramount since it suggests that
you care about yourself and
how others perceive you.
CONDUCT GUIDELINES AND
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
THE COACHES
•
Exemplify the highest moral character, behavior and
leadership, adhering to strong ethical and integrity
standards. Practicing good citizenship is practicing good sportsmanship!
•
Respect the integrity and personalit
y of the individual athlete.
•
Abide by and teach the rules of the game in letter and in spirit.
•
Set a good example for players and spectators to follow
--please refrain from arguments in front of players and
spectators; no gestures which indicate an official or oppo
sing coach does not know what he or she is doing or
talking about; no throwing of any object in disgust. Shak
e hands with the officials and opposing coaches before
and after the contest in full view of the public.
•
Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials. The
officials are doing their best to help promote athletics.
Treating them with respect, even if you disagree with t
heir judgment will only make a positive impression of you
and your team in the eyes of all people at the event.
•
Display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat.
•
Instruct participants and spectators in proper spor
tsmanship responsibilities and demand that they make
sportsmanship the No. 1 priority.
•
Develop a program that rewards participants and specta
tors for displaying proper sportsmanship and enforces
penalties on those who do not abide by sportsmanship standards.
•
Be no party to the use of profanity, obscene language or improper actions.
THE ATHLETES
•
Accept and understand the seriousness
of your responsibility, and the privile
ge of representing your league and
the community.
•
Live up to the standards of sportsmanship est
ablished by the league and the coaching staff.
•
Learn the rules of the game thoroughly
and discuss them with parents, fans,
and other players. This will assist
both them and you in the achievement of a bette
r understanding and appreciation of the game.
•
Treat opponents the way you would like to be treated, as
a guest or friend. Who better than you can understand
all the hard work and team effort that is required of your sport?
•
Wish opponents good luck before the game and congratulate them in a courteous manner following either victory
or defeat.
•
Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials.
The officials are doing their best to help promote you and
your sport. Treating them wi
th respect, even if you disagree with t
heir judgment, will only make a positive
impression of you and your team in the eyes of
the officials and all the people at the event.
SPECTATORS
•
Remember that you are at the contest to support and yell for your team and to enjoy the skill and competition; not
to intimidate or ridicule the other team or its fans.
•
Remember that youth soccer is a learning experience fo
r young athletes and that mi
stakes are sometimes made.
Praise athletes in their attempt to improve themselves
as athletes and as people as you would praise a student
working in the classroom.
•
Learn the rules of the game, so that you may understand and appreciate why
certain situations take place.
•
Show respect for the opposing players,
coaches and spectators. Treat them as you would treat a guest in your
own home.
•
Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials. Understand that they are doing their best to help promote
the athlete, and admire their willingness to participate in full view of the public.
•
Recognize and show appreciation for an
outstanding play by either team.
•
Refrain from the use of any controlled substances (alc
ohol, drugs, etc.) before, during and after the game on or
near the site of the event (i.e. tailgating).
•
Use only cheers that support and uplift the teams involved.
•
Be a positive role model at events through your own
actions and by censuring those around you whose behavior
is unbecoming.
ALL
Abide by the Ten Rules of Good Sportsmanship!
TEN RULES OF GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP
1. "Golden Rule"-- Do unto others as
you would have others do unto you.
2. Enjoy yourself and promote enjoyment for others.
3. Be responsible for your actions.
4. Have an open mind to others' weaknesses and have a forgiving attitude.
5. Have pride in one's performance and one's team.
6. Be a friend, not an enemy, and create a positive environment.
7. Encourage others to do or be their best.
8. Sportsmanship should be contagious.
9. Remember it is a privilege to participate.
10. Practice sportsmanship in all situations at all costs.