Games are more fun when everyone plays well together, whether it is a league game, a pickup game at recess or a board game at home. Sportsmanship is the set of manners that makes that happen.
Key idea
Play fair, accept the referee’s calls, cheer for your team without jeering the other one, and shake hands after the game, win or lose: “Good game.”
Why it works
A game only works if both sides agree to the rules and to the people who enforce them. Arguing every call or mocking the other team turns a game into a fight. A good sport is gracious in winning, because the other team worked hard too, and gracious in losing, because the winners earned it.
Worked example: A bad call
In Mia’s softball game, the umpire calls her out at first base. She is sure she was safe. What should she do?
- Accept the call and jog back to the dugout.
- Don’t argue or throw her helmet.
- If it matters, her coach can ask the umpire calmly; that is the coach’s job.
Answer: Accept the call and let the coach handle any question.
Worked example: Winning big
Leo’s team wins 8 to 1. What does gracious winning look like?
- Celebrate with his own team, not at the other team.
- Shake hands and say “Good game” to every player.
- Say something kind if he can: “You guys played hard.”
Answer: Celebrate with his team, then shake hands and say “Good game.”
Common mistake
Arguing every call, or celebrating by mocking the other team. A good sport is gracious in both winning and losing. Check: would you be glad to play against yourself?
Customs differ. Leagues use different end-of-game customs: a handshake line, high fives, a fist bump or a cheer for the other team. Follow your team’s custom; the idea is the same.