Good sportsmanship is viewed by the KST-The International Champions of Virtue Association, as a commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity. In perception and practice, sportsmanship is defined as those qualities, which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others:
(This list of traits, should be displayed for viewing by coaches, athletes, officials, and spectators, in your school/dojo and at your competitions)
Courage is having the determination to do the right thing even when others don't; the strength to exhibit fairness, to be courteous, to gracefully accept the result of the contest, to attempt difficult things that are worthwhile
Good Judgment is choosing worthy goals; setting priorities in accordance with team, state, national, and international rules; leading others to follow these rules
Integrity is having the inner strength to be fair and courteous during athletic events, to play according to the rules, acting positively and honorably not only to your team, but to your opponent as well
Kindness is being considerate, courteous, and generous in spirit to the opposing team; showing care, compassion and friendship in victory or defeat; treating others as you would like to be treated
Perseverance is being persistent in pursuit of worthy objectives in spite of opposition, difficulty, injuries, handicaps or discouragement, and exhibiting patience and the fortitude to try again when confronted with mistakes or failures
Respect is showing high regard for coaches, officials, opponents, fans, administrators, self, team, and the school/dojo you are representing.
Responsibility is being dependable in carrying out obligations and duties, showing reliability and consistency in words and conduct, and being accountable for your actions
Self-discipline is demonstrating hard work and commitment to purpose, regulating yourself for improvement and refraining from inappropriate behaviors, maintaining self-control at all times, and doing your best in all situations
1. Show respect for the opponent at all times. The opponent should be treated as a guest, greeted cordially on arriving, given the best accommodations and accorded the respect, honesty and generosity which all people deserve.
2.
Show respect
for the officials. The officials should be recognized as impartial arbitrators who are
trained to do their job and who can be expected to do it to the best of their
ability. Sportsmanship implies the willingness to accept and abide by the
decisions of the officials.
3. Know, understand, and appreciate the rules of the contest. A familiarity with the current rules of the game and the recognition of their necessity for a fair contest is essential. Good sportsmanship suggests the importance of conforming to the spirit as well as the letter of the rules.
4. Maintain self-control at all times. A prerequisite of sportsmanship requires one to understand his/her own bias or prejudice and the ability to prevent the desire to win from overcoming rational behavior. A proper perspective must be maintained if the potential educational values of athletic competition are to be realized. Sportsmanship is concerned with the behavior of all involved in the game.
5. Recognize and appreciate skill in performance regardless of affiliation. Applause for a good performance of an opponent is a demonstration of generosity and good will. The ability to recognize quality in performance and the willingness to acknowledge it without regard to team membership is one of the most highly commendable gestures of sportsmanship.
1. Always set a good example for participants and fans to follow, exemplifying the highest moral and ethical behavior.
2. Teach good sportsmanship and establish high standards for the athletes, parents, and fans.
3. Develop and enforce penalties for participants who do not abide by sportsmanship standards.
4. Treat opposing coaches, participants, and fans with respect. Shake hands with officials and opposing coaches.
5. Teach the value of honest effort in conforming to the spirit as well as the letter of the rules.
1. Accept seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing your school/dojo and community; display positive public action at all times.
2. Treat opponents with the respect that is due them as guests and fellow athletes.
3. Exercise self-control at all times, accepting decisions and abiding by them.
4. Accept both victory and defeat with pride and compassion, never being boastful or bitter.
5. Live up to the high standard of sportsmanship established by your coaches and help fellow athletes and fans maintain these standards.
1. Realize that a ticket is a privilege to observe a contest and support the athletes, not a license to verbally assault others.
2. Be an exemplary role model by positively supporting teams in every manner possible, including content of cheers and signs.
3. Recognize and acknowledge good performances by athletes on either team.
4. Give support to those participating in, conducting, and/or officiating the athletic event.
5. Respect the judgment and strategy of the coach.
1. Develop a plan for teaching and promoting the ideals and fundamentals of good sportsmanship within the school/dojo.
2. Provide appropriate supervisory personnel for each athletic event.
3. Be sure parents thoroughly understand what the school expects of its athletes.
4. Recognize exemplary behavior and actively discourage undesirable conduct by participants, coaches and fans.
5. Be an athletic coach who is concerned with educational objectives and the well-being of students.
1. Applaud during introduction of players, coaches, and officials and at the end of a contest for the performances of all participants.
2. Shake hands with participants and coaches at the end of the contest, regardless of outcome.
3. Accept all decisions of officials.
4. Engage in positive school/dojo yells/cheers in a respectful manner.
5. Encourage surrounding people to display only sportsmanlike conduct.
Develop a pre-contest checklist of items and work requiring completion prior to the event. Items on the list should include.
___ Provide a clean facility.
___ Notify contestants in writing of all necessary details such as time, location, dressing facilities, etc.
___ Appoint a "greeting committee" to meet the contestants.
___ Select supportive personnel (ticket takers, supervisors, scorekeepers, clock operator) carefully, and discuss their
assignments prior to the contest.
___ Provide security for the competition.
___ Provide local police for help in controlling the crowd.
___ Provide medical assistance for help with any injuries.
___ Start the event on time.
___ Keep playing area clear of spectators.
___ Establish good communications with all connected to the event.
1. Develop a sportsmanship awards program and honor those individuals who exhibit outstanding sportsmanship, ethics and integrity. This can be done at the school/dojo and conference level.
2. Hold pre-event meetings before contests to encourage students to exhibit proper conduct.
3. Become involved in a Character/Sportsmanship Education week or day.
4. Display messages on good sportsmanship throughout school/dojo and at the competition venue.
5. Discuss Sportsmanship Education during classes or other part. Post expectations in all classrooms.
6. Meet with coaching staff to discuss positive approach to good sportsmanship.
7. Promote good sportsmanship before and throughout contests with P.A. announcements.
8. Welcome opponents to your school with posters and banners.
9. Give certificates to individuals or groups of individuals that display sportsmanship at athletic events.
10. Lead by example at all times.