What is Sportsmanship?

What is Sportsmanship?
From fhsaa.org

Sportsmanship is a...

  • Demonstration of generosity and genuine concern for others
  • Commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity
  • Blending of cheers for “your team” and applause for the “opponents,” observing the letter and spirit of the rules, and showing consideration for others
  • “Golden rule” of athletics – treating others as you wish to be treated
  • Respect for others and one’s self
  • Collection of actions that emcompasses all that which is good in human nature
  • Visible example of citizenship in action

    • For a(n)...

  • Coach, sportsmanship might be accepting a “questionable” call without protest
  • Student-athlete, it may be extending a helping hand to an opponent who is down
  • Spectator, it might be cheering for his team when it loses, and applauding the opponent when it wins
  • Official, it may be showing restraint when verbally assaulted by coaches, athletes and spectators

    • CUNYAC Sportsmanship Statement

    The NCAA/NJCAA & the CUNY Athletic Conference promote good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches and spectators. We request your cooperation by supporting the participants and officials in a positive manner. Profanity, racial, sexist comments, or other intimidating actions directed at officials, student-athletes, coaches or team representatives will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the gymnasium. Also, consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products is prohibited.

    Student-Athlete Sportsmanship Pledge

    The Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee created a pledge on behalf of all Division III Student-Athletes.

    "As NCAA Division III student-athletes, we commit ourselves to sportsmanship by demonstrating respect toward ourselves and others. This includes demonstrating fair play, taking responsibility for our actions and representing the spirit of Division III intercollegiate athletics. We encourage our teammates, opponents, fans, coaches and referees to help us in promoting this philosophy."

    Sportsmanship Related Links

    Division III Commissioner's Association Fan Sportsmanship Program

    Florida High School Athletic Association Sportsmanship Manual

    Josephson Institute Center for Sports Ethics

    Respect Sports

    Institute for International Sports

    St. Louis Sportsmanship Comission

    Learning Through Sports

    National Alliance for Youth Sports

    Positive Coaching Alliance