| Teaching youngesters how
to be good sports |
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"Sports do not build character.
They reveal it." - Heywood Hale Broun
We're living in an age where the preservation
of traditional values can no longer be taken for
granted. It seems we need to have reminders (books,
movies, newspaper articles, etc.) to maintain
our awareness of the importance of preserving
the basic human vaman values, which are essential to
the survival of a community.
It's no different in the world of sports. The
traditional value of sportsmanship is being challenged
from all sides: professional, college, high school,
and even in youth sports. There are some who say
sportsmanship is becoming a lost art and that
unless we remind ourselves of the essentials of
sportsmanship it will gradually fade as other
values have done in our society.
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In the midst of all this, it seems doubly important
that we recommit ourselves to guiding our youth, reminding
them what sportsmanship is all about, rewarding them
for showing good sportsmanship and showing, by our example,
that sportsmanship is still alive and valued in youth
sports today.
Here's a 10-item checklist for kids to follow as they
try to develop a habit of good sportsmanship.
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Sportsmanship Checklist for Kids
- I abide by the rules of the game.
- I try to avoid arguments.
- I share in the responsibilities of the team.
- I give everyone a chance to play according
to the rules.
- I always play fair.
- I follow the directions of the coach.
- I respect the other team's effort.
- I offer encouragement to my teammates.
- I accept the judgment calls of the game officials.
- I end the game smoothly
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Sportsmanship is the ability to:
- win without gloating
(don't rub it in)
- lose without complaining
(don't make excuses)
- treat your opponent, and the officials, with
respect
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Sportsmanship Tips:
- If you make a mistake don't pout or make excuses.
Learn from it, and be ready to continue to play.
- If a teammate makes a mistake, encourage,
don't criticize.
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Dr. Darrell Burnett is a clinical and sport psychologist
with more than 20 years in private practice. He is a
youth league coach, a father of three, an author and
lecturer. [Email: funagain@pacbell.net]
Website: www.djburnett.com
Article courtesy: www.youth-sports.com
Author :Dr. Darrell J. Burnett
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