Sportsmanship Essay Research Paper Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship Essay, Research Paper

Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship is the character, practice, or skill of a person involved in sports.

This includes the participant, the parents, the coaches, and all spectators. Sportsmanlike

conduct includes fairness, courtesy, learning to be a good loser, being competitive

without rude behavior, or experiencing any ill feelings toward the opponent.

Too often in any sporting event, the purpose of the sport is forgotten. Winning

has become overwhelmingly important to the adults involved. This attitude is

inflicted on the youth. People of all ages should be allowed to fully embrace the

challenge and fun of playing sports. Teaching, coaching, motivating, and winning

are fine as long as the reason for the sport or activity is prioritized.

The attitudes of athletes are instilled in them at a very young age. They reflect the

motivation and goals of their parents, who sometimes push them into sports they

would not normally choose for themselves. Play is essential in growth and develop-

ment. Children who play sports with other children tend to socialize and adjust

better as adults.

Healthy competition provides a natural, emotional outlet for children, but should

not be forced or overemphasized. Competition should be kept friendly with the

emphasis on participation rather than the outcome of the event. Parents should not

pressure the child to excel, regardless of his abilities, because this takes away the fun

of the sport, adds undo pressure on the participant, and produces unsportsmanlike

conduct.

Sportsmanship is participating in a sport, rather than performing, and realizing how

you play the game is more important than winning. Too many coaches and parents

tend to forget the reason for sports for children. They get caught up in the excitement

and competitiveness. Winning is the ultimate goal, at all costs. The cost is the

effect this attitude has on the children. I have witnessed this behavior from coaches and

parents, where they have actually embarrassed and humiliated young players in front

of their peers. The negative effect this has on the athletes is obvious. They become

aggressive, sometimes withdrawn and angry, rude, and inconsiderate.

Sports are not just an activity. They form a stepping stone toward the future.

Sportsmanship teaches children how to interact with peers, how to relate and interact

with others. Sports can teach cooperation, sharing, and compassion. At a young

age participation in sports introduces players to rules, and how to incorporate them

into other aspects of life.

A child must realize that losing has absolutely nothing to do with self-worth, that

their personal value is not measured by winning or losing, but doing the best that they

can in sports and life. It is important that children and adults be part of a group to

feel acceptance, without the emphasis on winning.

Self-confidence does not come from winning or losing, but how the outcome

is handled. If you perform to your best ability, then you have won the only

important game.

Sportsmanship is what the activity should be about. Coaches and parents should

relax, enjoy the fact that their children are active and adjusting socially, have fun,

and allow their children to have fun. They will produce healthier, happier, more

secure, self-confident, and less angry, frustrated children. Sportsmanship carries

into every aspect of daily life. Winning and losing is part of every day life at every

age and every stage. We should learn and be taught through praise and example how

to win and lose with dignity, humility, and self-respect.