Sportsmanship is when people who are playing or watching a sport treat each other with respect. This includes players, parents, coaches, officials, and fans.
Whether you’re playing against classmates in gym or competing against another school’s team, there are lots of ways you can be a good sport. Try to:
By being a good sport, you learn respect for others and self-control. These skills can help you even when you’re not competing. They can also help you in your friendships and at school.
You’d think that adults would know to practice sportsmanship, but that’s not always the case. Simple shouting from the stands and sidelines can become “trash talk” that’s mean or even threatening.
What should you do if you hear a parent or coach yelling hurtful things at someone else? Or see people getting into a fight? Talk with an adult you trust. This could be someone like a parent (yours or a friend’s), an assistant coach, or a teacher.
When everyone is a good sport at practices and games, the focus can stay where it should be — on having fun.
Reviewed by: Margaux J. Barnes, PhD
Date Reviewed: Oct 1, 2023
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