Sportsmanship August 26, 2008
Posted by wd40nductape in Family, International, Religious, Social.Tags: conduct, fairplay, sportsmanship
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I grew up in an atmosphere that demanded good conduct. At home, school, church, and in public the expectation was that I and my siblings should behave toward others as we would wish others to behave toward us. This same standard was part of the rules of conduct in the sports program of my high school and college. Those who failed, or refused, to abide by the rules of good sportsmanship were penalized for it–and rightly so.
Recently, I was appalled, disgusted, and disappointed at the unsportsmanlike conduct exhibited by some participants in the Olympic games. How rude, childish, and disrespectful some behaved. Sometimes unsportsmanlike conduct could be state-sponsored as in a case where a nation might allow those who represent their nation in international competitions to do so while lying concerning the ages of the participants.
Using illegal drugs is unsportsmanlike conduct. Cheating in other ways, and misbehaving before, during, and after a competition should reap appropriate consequences for those involved. Spectators should also conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike way. We have all seen situations where the crowd becomes unruly and parents run onto a playing field to take a swing at a coach, or swear at a coach or an opponent.
I am all for “going all out” and playing to win in competition. I believe that one must have his or her heart 100% in his game or he should quit. Every participant should play like his life depended on winning. But, one can do that without abusing his opponents, the officials, or even his own team. What many fail to understand is that a game is simply a game. A game should be played for the fun of it. And, win or lose, we should enjoy the rivalry, the implementation of various legitimate strategies for winning, and the camaraderie that is involved. Being a good sport, being fair, being good-natured is a character-building experience in athletic activities.
Basically, good sportsmanship is following a fundamental rule of life that was set forth by Jesus, the Son of God– Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matt. 7:12.
We live in a time when some abhor rules. We live in a time when some think that everyone should be given an award whether they win or lose. We live in a time when some think that bullying is the way to win. We live in a time of moral relativism (secular humanism) when even mentioning the idea of following the Bible on such a topic as this would bring a lawsuit, and perhaps the dismissal of a teacher or coach who would encourage it. We should be ashamed!
Below, I have added some links to various websites that set forth some modern rules of good sportsmanship. Check them out.
Montana High School Association
Iowa High School Athletic Association
Glen Ullin Public School, North Dakota
Sportsmanship Code-University of Rochester
Special Olympics Hockey Sportsmanship Guide
WVIZ Public Television Game Show-Cleveland, Ohio
