All Together-- Putting the Spirit of Sportsmanship in Action

FUNDAMENTALS

Everyone needs to do their part

Þ Show respect for the opponent at all times

The opponent should be treated as a guest. Good sportsmanship is the Golden Role in action.

Þ 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. Good Sportsmanship implies the willingness to accept and abide by the decisions of the officials.

Þ Know, understand and appreciate the rules

Good sportsmanship suggests the importance of con forming to the spirit as well as the letter of the rules.

Þ Maintain self-control at all times

A prerequisite of good sportsmanship requires one to understand his/her own bias or prejudice and to have the ability to recognize that rational behavior is more important than the desire to win. Good sportsmanship is concerned with the behavior of all involved in the game.

Þ Recognize and appreciate skill in performance regardless of affiliation

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 good sportsmanship.

PLANNING

Be prepared

o Inform student body of expected behavior at an athletic contest

o Assign someone to be in charge.

o Insure traffic flow prior to and following the event.

o Designate an area for officials to dress which is away from the players.

o Have seating for the visiting school clearly marked. Supply ample space for spectators, band and rally squad.

o Have a representative greet the opposing team and show them to their dressing room.

o Inform coaches, players, students and rally squads that the visiting team and spectators are your guests and should be treated as such.

o Communicate with opposing school prior to the event.

o Establish duties and responsibilities for Parents’ Clubs and Booster Clubs.

PARENTS

Your example is being watched

The responsibility of PARENTS and other ADULTS before, during and after an athletic contest is to SET AN EXAMPLE OF MATURE BEHAVIOR. It is recommended that all adults:

· Treat all people with RESPECT.

· Give young people an example to follow.

· Aid school officials or parent club if disturbances occur— YOU ARE A COMMUNITY LEADER

· Support the coach, team and school in a positive manner.

· Know and understand the rules of the game.

· Respect the officials’ judgment and interpretation of the rules.

· Abide by the school district policies which prohibit drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking at an athletic contest.

· Respect the player’s efforts, win or lose.

· Accept both victory and defeat with pride and compassion, being never boastful or bitter.

Parent help is needed!

STUDENTS

Students—do your part!

Student habits and reactions determine the quality of sportsmanship which reflects upon the reputation of their school. Therefore, it is recommended that they

v Know and demonstrate the fundamentals of sportsmanship.

v Respect, cooperate and respond enthusiastically to cheerleaders.

v Censure fellow students whose behavior is unbecoming and unsportsmanlike.

v Respect the property of the school and the authority of school officials.

v Show respect for an injured player when he is removed from the contest

v Do not applaud errors by opponents or penalties inflicted upon then.

v Do not heckle, jeer or distract members of the opposing team.

v Never criticize the players or coaches for the loss of a game.

v Respect the judgment and strategy of the coach.

v Avoid profane language, suggestive gestures and obnoxious behavior.

To succeed—your help is needed!

RALLIES

The responsibility of the cheerleaders is to lead positive, well chosen, timely cheers which boost their own team without antagonizing their opponents.

· Always set a good example for spectators to follow.

· Greet the visiting rally squad and treat them as your guests.

· Stimulate and control positive crowd response.

· Choose the right cheers at the right time.

· Be certain that words or gestures used in a cheer do not suggest or inflame the audience.

· Avoid using bells, horns or noisemakers.

· Divert the crowd’s attention by starting a popular yell when booing develops.

· Remain silent when the other school does an organized cheer or free throw.

· Signs may be displayed by the home school only. The signs should be of the “welcome” type and should not be antagonistic to the opponent.

· Make sure your audience knows the yells you expect them to follow.

· Do not choose yells which require foot stamping as this causes damage to the bleachers.

Show us how!

COACHES

You’re the leader

The coach bears the greatest burden of responsibility for sportsmanship. Your influence upon the attitudes and behavior of the players, the student body and the community are unequalled. In order for good sportsmanship to become a reality, it is essential that the coach subscribe to the values of sportsmanship and teach its principals through word and deed. Specifically, it is recommended that the coach:

· Always set a good example for others to follow by exercising emotional control when under stress.

· Instruct the players in their sportsmanship responsibilities.

· Discipline those students who display unsportsmanlike behavior, if necessary; forfeit the privileges of representing the school.

· Be a good host to opponents; treat them as guests.

· Provide opportunities for social interaction among coaches and players of both teams before and after the contest.

· Respect the officials’ judgment and interpretation of the rules.

· Publicly shake hands with the officials and opposing coach before and after the contest.

· Be sensitive to explosive situations; remove a player from a contest before serious difficulty arises.

How you play the game

PLAYERS

Play hard

The responsibility of the players for sportsmanship is second in importance only to the coach. Because players are admired and respected, they exert a great deal of influence over the actions and behavior of the spectators. Desirable behavior for the players would be to:

* Treat opponents with the respect that is due them as guests and fellow human beings.

* Shake hands with opponents and wish them good luck before the contest.

* Exercise self-control at all times, accepting decisions and abiding by them.

* Respect the officials’ judgment and interpretations of the rides. Never argue or make gestures indicating a dislike for a decision.

* Do not communicate with the officials regarding the clarification of a ruling. This is a function for the captain.

* Accept both victory and defeat with pride and compassion, being never boastful or bitter.

* Congratulate the opponents in a sincere manner following either victory or defeat.

* Accept seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing the school and community.

Demonstrate good sportsmanship!

ALL TOGETHER

The Sportsman’s Creed

The player:

· Lives clean and plays hard. Plays for the love of the game.

· Wins without boasting. Loses without excuses and never quits.

· Respects officials and accepts their decisions without question.

· Never forgets that he/she is a representative of the school.

The coach:

· Inspires in players a love for the game and the desire to win.

· Teaches them that it is better to lose fairly than to win unfairly.

· Leads players and spectators to respect officials by setting them a good example.

The official:

· Knows the rules.

· Is fair and firm in all decisions. Calls them as he/she sees them.

· Treats players and coaches courteously and demands the same treatment for themselves.

· Knows the game is for the players and lets them have the spotlight

The spectator

· Never boos a player or official.

· Appreciates a good play no matter who makes it.

· Knows that the school gets the blame or the praise for your conduct.

CREDIBILITY IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS

How Do Your Coaches Stack Up?

By Gregory Dale

As athletic administrators, you have most likely pondered why some coaches achieve so much success with their athletes and teams while others continually fall short or struggle to get their teams and athletes to perform at a consistently high level. You have also probably found yourself both fascinated and frustrated by the same questions. How do some coaches consistently get the most out of their athletes, while others have athletes who chronically underachieve? How do some coaches gain their athletes’ confidence, trust and respect, while others have athletes who never buy into them and what they are trying to accomplish?

The purpose of this article is to provide answers to these intriguing and important leadership questions. After all, these answers are at the core of what successful coaching is all about — getting athletes and teams to consistently perform to their full potential.

As a sport psychology consultant, I have the opportunity to work with some great coaches. It is interesting to see how many coaches flock to clinics to listen to these championship coaches and frantically scribble down the techniques of their systems. Ironically, the great coaches admit that their true secrets of success lie elsewhere. They believe that techniques and strategy are certainly important, but they insist that their success depends more on how they relate to and motivate their athletes.

Following are seven characteristics that successful coaches and their athletes have identified as being essential for a coach to have credibility with his or her athletes, which is the most important key in achieving success with a team. As you read these characteristics, I encourage you to take a critical look at whether or not each of your coaches demonstrates these important leadership qualities.

CHARACTER

These coaches:

Do what they say they are going to do. They don’t tell athletes one thing and then do another.
Are honest in their recruiting of student-athletes. They don’t promise things they can’t deliver.
Follow the rules as they are written and don’t look for ways around those rules to have a better chance to win.

CONSISTENCY

These coaches:

Are consistent in the way they administer punishment. They don’t show favoritism toward better athletes.
Do not have a ‘doghouse’ Disagreements are dealt with quickly and everyone moves on in a productive manner.
Are consistent in their mood and the way they approach their athletes on a daily basis. They don’t take out frustrations in their personal lives on their athletes.
Create an environment where the athletes know what to expect from them. There are no petty mind games.

COMMUNICATION

These coaches:

Make sure that positive and constructive comments outweigh the negative comments.
Are proactive. They seek out players and check in with them, not waiting for problems to arise.
Truly have an open-door policy.
Clearly communicate with athletes and staff about roles, expectations and standards. They make no assumptions.
Focus on really listening to players
Seek input from team leaders on key decisions. Athletes feel like they can come and talk to them.

CARING

These coaches:

Act as servants. Athletes feel like the coach would do anything for them, regardless of their talent.
Take a genuine interest in the players’ lives away from the sport.
Treat athletes as more than just a group of individuals who can help the coach move up the career ladder.
Forge long-term relationships with their players. There is a sense of loyalty for life.

COMPETENCY

These coaches:

Know the sport inside and out.
Keep up to date with the latest advances in the sport.
Are always learning and willing to look for new ideas.
Have athletes who improve from the time they enter the program to when they finish, no matter how good they are when they begin.

CO MMITMENT

These coaches:

Have a clear vision for the program and are able to communicate that vision to athletes.
Are passionate and invested. They are committed to putting in the time necessary. They come early and stay late.
Aren’t afraid to list their secrets of success because they know no one will outwork them.
Have a competitive fire. They are highly competitive individuals.

CONFIDENCE BUILDING

These coaches:

Are inspiring. They sell themselves to their athletes. They create and maintain hope and optimism. They also plant seeds of greatness.
Know that athletes want to feel appreciated, valued, competent and important. Great coaches make athletes feel good about themselves.
Realize that confidence is fragile and they are willing to praise athletes in public and criticize in private, never publicly embarrassing them.
Are appreciative. They share credit with their staff, especially acknowledging the ‘little” people.
Have the mindset that the athletes are the ones who really win games, not the coach.

Gaining and maintaining respect and credibility with athletes is vital to ultimate success for your coaches. Great coaches are great because they see the importance of credibility and respect. They know how fragile those characteristics are and work hard to maintain them. Are the coaches on your staff working hard everyday to achieve and maintain credibility in the eyes of their athletes?

Reference

This article is based on the book:

Janssen, J. & Dale, G (2002) The seven secrets of successful coaches: How to unlock und unleash your team’s full potential. Cary, NC: Winning the Mental Game.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Gregory A. Dale is an associate professor and sport psychology consultant at Duke University He teaches sport psychology and sports ethics, and as a sport psychology consultant, helps Duke coaches and athletes reach their full potential by assisting them in the development of systematic approaches to the mental aspects of performance. Dale also consults with coaches and athletes in professional football, soccer, baseball, golf track and field, and tennis A former middle and high school coach, Dale has conducted more than 100 workshops with coaches and athletes from a variety of high schools and colleges across the count and Mexico. He is certified by The Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology and is a member of the psychology staff for USA Track and Field. Dale may be contacted at gdale@duke.edu.

IAA • Volume 29, Number 3, Spring 2003

Clay Junior High School

Sportsmanship

Mission Statement

Clay Junior High School is committed to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity— all critical elements of good sportsmanship. The values of good sportsmanship and high behavioral standards apply equally to all school activities, participants, and spectators. Clay Junior High School recognizes that athletics are part of the educational experience and that the benefits go beyond the final score of the event.

Examples of a Good Sport

Exhibit genuine consideration for the opponent.
Accept results gracefully and be courteous toward opponents and spectators at all times.
Maintain self-control in all circumstances.
Refuse to cheer/jeer at an opponent’s failure.
Help up a fallen opponent.
Pat an opponent on the back in a gesture of play” or “way to go.”
Hand a ball or retrieve a ball for the official in a courteous manner.
Refuse to be drawn into any physical conflict.

Expectations For Coaches

Set a good example for participants and spectators to follow.
Exemplify the highest moral and ethical behavior.
Instruct participants in proper sportsmanship responsibilities and demand that they make sportsmanship the number one priority.
Respect the judgment of contest officials, abide by the rules and do not display behavior that could incite spectators.
Treat opposing coaches, participants and spectators with respect before and after the contest.
Develop and enforce penalties for participants who do not abide by sportsmanship standards.

Expectations for Student Athletes

Treat opponents with respect.
Shake hands prior to and after the contest.
Respect the judgment of contest officials.
Abide by all the rules and do not display behavior that could incite spectators.
Cooperate with officials and fellow participants.
Accept the responsibility and the privilege of representing the school arid community. Display positive behavior at all times.
Live up to the standards of sportsmanship established by the coach and school.

Expectations for Students, Parents, and Other - Spectators

Realize that a ticket is a privilege to observe a contest and support an activity. It is not a license to verbally assault others.
Respect the integrity and judgment of contest officials.
Learn the rules of the game so that you may understand and appreciate why certain situations take place.
Be an exemplary role model by supporting teams in a positive manner.
Participate in positive cheers and refrain from those that take away from the spirit of the contest.
Do not applaud errors by opponents or penalties inflicted upon them.
Respect coaches, participants and other spectators.
BE A FAN - NOT A FANATIC.

Expectations for Cheerleaders

Encourage the desired crowd response. Use only positive cheers, signs, and praise. Do not antagonize or demean opponents.
Treat opposing spirit groups and spectators with respect.
Recognize outstanding performances on either side of the playing surface.
Know the rules and strategies of the contest in order to cheer at proper times.
Maintain enthusiasm and composure.
Serve as a rote model.

Acceptable Behavior

Applaud during the introduction of players, coaches, and officials.
Graciously accept all decisions of the officials.
Shake hands with participants and coaches at the end of a contest.
Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play by either team.
Applaud at the end of the contest for performances of all participants.
Show concern for injured players, regardless of the team.
Encourage surrounding people to display good sportsmanship.

Unacceptable Behavior

Yelling or waving arms during an opponent’s free throw attempts, serve or the like.
Disrespectful or derogatory yells, chants, songs, or gestures.
Criticizing officials in any way.
Cheers that would antagonize opponents.
Refusing to shake hands.
Directing comments at opponents to distract and upset them.
Using profanity or displaying anger that draws attention away from the contest.
Throwing objects onto the playing surface or at an opponent.
Entering the playing surface at any time.
Not complying with the directives of any school official.

Results

Coaches and Athletes

Adhere to Clay Junior High sportsmanship and recommended IHSAA guidelines.

Parents/Spectators

Þ Because actions of parents and spectators may warrant restrictions by Clay Junior High or a recommendation by the TI-JSAA possible actions taken for unacceptable behavior might include:

1 Removal from premises by administration or law enforcement.

2 Suspension from attending future contests.

3 Exclusion from all extra-curricular events.

Carmel Clay Schools

5155 E. 13l Street

Carmel, IN 46033

317-844-9961

Clay Junior High School

5150 E. 126th Street

Carmel, IN 46033

317-844-7251

Administration

Dr. Barbara Underwood

Superintendent

Clay Junior High School

Mr. Kent DeKoninck, Principal

Mrs. Kathy Cox, Athletics Director

It is our hope that all persons affiliated with Clay Junior High School will see the full impact and potential of junior high athletics as an educational experience. Clay asks that your conduct before, during and after competition demonstrates the highest traditions of sportsmanship.

A "Winning" Approach

Parent / Coach Relationship

Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a greater benefit to student-athletes. As parents, when your student becomes involved in our program, you have the right to understand what expectations are placed on your student athlete. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your student athlete's program.

COMMUNICATIONS YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER'S COACH

Philosophy of the coach.
Expectations and goals the coach has for student athletes, the team, and the season.
Locations and times of all practices and contests.
Specific team requirements, including special equipment, strength and conditioning programs, weekend activities, etc.
Injury procedures for practices and contests.
Team rules, guidelines, and consequences for infractions.
Lettering criteria.
Team selections process.

COMMUNICATION COACHES EXPECT FROM ATHLETES / PARENTS

Concerns expressed directly to the coach.
Notification of any schedule conflicts in advance.
Notification of illness or injury as soon as possible.

As your student becomes involved in the Montesano School District programs, he or she will experience some of the most rewarding moments of his or her life. It is so important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you and your student athlete wish. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged. It is the first and most integral step to understanding and resolution.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and player, or coach and parent. These conferences are encouraged. It is important that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the other persons' position. When a conference is necessary, this procedure should be used to help resolve any concerns.

APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES

The treatment of your student athlete.
Ways to help your student athlete improve.
Concerns about your student athlete's behavior.

It is very difficult to accept your student athlete not playing as much as you hope. Coaches are professional. They make decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all student-athletes involved. As you have seen from the proceeding list, certain things can be and should be discussed with your student's coach. Other things, such as those listed below, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Playing time.
Cut process.
Team strategy.
Play calling.
Other student-athletes.

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Make sure your student athlete understands that win or lose, you love him or her.
Be realistic about your student athlete's physical ability.
Help your student athlete set realistic goals.
Emphasize "improved" performance, not winning.
Provide a safe environment for training and competition.
Don't relive your own athletic past through your student athlete.
Control your emotions at games and events.
Be a "cheerleader" for your student athlete and others on the team.
Respect your student athlete’s coaches. Communicate with them in a positive way. Encourage others to do the same.
Be a positive role model!
Be sensible, responsible, and keep your priorities in order. There is more at stake than a win or loss record.

The importance of school activities programs

• Interscholastic activities primarily serve to prepare young people for the next level of life—not the next level of sports.

• Interscholastic activities are voluntary, after-school activities available to those enrolled at the school and meeting its eligibility standards—a privilege, not a property right.

WHO?

• We are EDUCATIONAL ATHLETICS where student activities support the mission statement of our school.

WHAT?

• We are the builders of tomorrow’s community leaders—not farm clubs for college and professional sports.

WHEN?

• We are an after-school activity—not a year-round endeavor. These are programs which allow kids to be kids.

WHERE?

• Our games are played locally. There is plenty of healthy competition where kids can learn and grow through athletics in our backyards.

WHY?

• Schools offer activities programs because they enhance the educational experience of the youngsters who participate.

• The message of EDUCATIONAL ATHLETICS can not get lost in the shuffle.

In school sports, we all win if we develop winners. We all lose if all we care about is winning.

YOUR CHALLENGE

• We request that one of your goals this year would be to help educate all of the stakeholders of the importance of interscholastic activities in the educational process.

• You can purchase the new CD from the NFHS: “High School Activities—A community Investment in America”

WEST VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

This Code of Conduct has been prepared to promote the positive encouragement of your child and to develop your sportsmanlike conduct as your child participates in West Valley School District athletic programs. Please read through the following Code of Conduct and sign this form in acknowledgement.

1. I agree to suffer in silence rather than to display anger whenever something occurs that goes against my child’s team.

Þ A display of anger may inflame a delicate situation resulting in embarrassment for you or your child. Parent’s behavior can become embarrassing to their children when it escalates to the point that they are making spectacles of themselves. Remember that the parents from the other team are equally enthusiastic about their team’s success. Be a gracious competitor.

2. I agree to let the officials be responsible for their job without my interference.

Þ The officials have the power to call for an ejection or to stop the game if the crowd becomes discourteous. The athletic director may also insist that the disruptive behavior stop and may eject the person or persons causing the problem.

3. I agree to encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches and officials at every game.

4. I agree to place the emotional, physical and academic well-being of my child ahead of my personal desire to win.

5. I agree to help provide support for coaches and officials working with my child to provide a positive enjoyable experience for all.

6. I agree to encourage my child to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.

7. I agree to refrain from undermining the coach from the sidelines and at home by pointing out how much better things would be if the coach followed my ideas.

8. I agree not to approach a coach before or after a contest.

Þ These are emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings at these times usually do not work well for the coach, the parent or the player.

9. If I have a concern with the coach, I will follow the procedure below:

Þ Help and encourage my son or daughter to first talk to the coach about his/her concerns,

Þ Call to set up an appointment with the coach

Þ If a coach cannot be reached after a reasonable amount of time, call the athletic director of your school and he/she will set up an appointment.

10. I agree to thank the coach for giving their time and energy to my child and ask if there is anyway I can be of assistance.

11. I agree to adopt a positive attitude if my team loses.

Þ Compliment your child upon his good plays. Ignore the mistakes. Your child will be happy you noticed his good qualities. After all, it is just a game.

Remember, your child will forget about today’s game. Next week he/she will probably have forgotten the score. However, each of you will have lasting memories of your conduct within the league and how it affected everyone.

I HAVE READ AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY WEST VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT’S PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Mother’s Signature__________________________________ Date _________________

Father’s Signature___________________________________ Date_________________

Guardian’s Signature_________________________________ Date_________________

Athlete’s Name (please print):____________________________________

SPORTSMANSHIP EXPECTATIONS

EXPECTATIONS FOR ATHLETES

As an athlete you have a great opportunity to represent your school in a positive way. Take advantage of this opportunity and be a leader. Show respect to other athletes, coaches, officials and spectators. Be a team player and help promote sportsmanship by your example. Abide by all school and athletic policies.

EXPECTATIONS FOR COACHES

Remember that you have a tremendous influence on both athletes and spectators. Take your roll as a coach seriously and show respect for all involved. Always model good sportsmanship, especially during those “tense moments” when things are not going your way. How you handle yourself as a coach and what you model is visible to everyone. Be mindful of your responsibilities before, during and after each practice/game.

EXPECTATIONS FOR PARENTS / SPECTATORS

Remember that the activities that your son/daughter/acquaintance are involved in are a part of the school because of their educational value. Please support the value of these activities by offering encouragement and support to athletes, officials, and coaches. Be an active spectator and support our activities by modeling good sportsmanship.

EXPECTATIONS FOR OFFICIALS

We would like officials to be fair and consistent. Respect participants at all times and pay close attention so you can make the best possible calls. Be on time for all games and have a good working knowledge of the rules. During the game find ways to encourage participants from both sides.

Links to more sportsmanship ideas.

WCPSS Sportsmanship Education Brochure