Sportsmanship Is Essential                                                     

We all know that winning is a goal in sports. But how are we doing with the higher goal of sportsmanship? Winning is important for that day, but sportsmanship is important for life. Sportsmanship breeds character, and character breeds the person we become.

Are you in need of a sportsmanship tune-up? What would your opponents say about your sportsmanship? Would you act differently if someone you wanted to impress was watching you play? Would you be a good example for some younger person to watch? How do you treat colleagues and competitors off court? These are all important questions as sportsmanship is a peek into the character of an athlete.

It's easy to behave well when things are going your way and you are winning. The real test is when you are not playing well, losing or the "storms come". We all have seen poor sportsmanship and cringe for that person that cracks under the pressure of the moment. In an instant, that very popular athlete or coach can lose much of their hard-earned respect and credibility by displaying poor sportsmanship.

To whom much is entrusted much is expected. This is sure true for athletes as they are blessed with special physical gifts that often provide a platform to perform and influence others. Sometimes the only witness is the person we are playing, and we still have a responsibility to that person to show kindness and respect. The stakes grow even higher for the on-looking fans and the next generation of admirers.

Sports are fun and exciting and present opportunities to grow in all kinds of great ways such as teamwork, skill and strategy. But the greatest reward of sports is the opportunity to grow in character. Please remember to always treat people how you would want them to treat you. Your level of sportsmanship can affect how the other person feels about themselves. Let us use sports to build each other up and not to tear each other down. Through sportsmanship we can encourage and inspire others to be all that they can be.

Clubs should give out sportsmanship awards at tournaments, leagues and banquets, for these are golden opportunities to increase community and develop character into the lives of players. Winning a match or tournament can be exhilarating, yet winning at sportsmanship is winning at life!

Brett Walter MDIV

www.outreachsports.org

720-309-5182