How Can You Spot A Good Sport ?
S P O R T S M A N S H I P
Be A Good Sport by Nancy Norton, Editor
It really isn’t whether you win or lose, but how you play the game!
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hether you are playing hangman or competing in a National show, you’ve heard it a million times: be a good sport. So how does a “Good Sport” behave? Most good sports tend to share these general characteristics: • They treat their teammates, their competitors and themselves with respect. • They listen to the coaches and sport officials. • They show up to practices and competitions on time. • They follow the rules. • They play fair. • They support their teammates. • They play their best without showing off. • They don’t pout when they lose. • They say “good game” whether they win or lose. • They are the girls that everyone enjoys playing — with or against. Does this sound like you? Or are you the one who has a tough time if you lose? While everyone wants to win, it is possible to learn how to lose like a champion. It may be tough at first, but like anything you will get better with practice. The first thing to do is stop and give yourself a minute to accept the outcome. You will then be ready to congratulate your opponents with good grace, whether the loss was fair and square or Stock Photo
not. Sometimes life won’t be fair! What happens if you are playing a game of tennis with some friends, and there is a disagreement about a play? If it’s a close call, you are being a good sport if you vote to let the other side get the call. The next time there is a close call the others playing may follow your lead, and your side may get the point. Even if they don’t, it just feels good to have a reputation as a fair player. In the long run, everyone will have more fun in a game where there is a give and take. Just as you will always work on your athletic or academic skills, you should always keep working on being a good sport. Being a good sport is like playing the piano or riding a horse; if you don’t practice it all the time, it will be harder to do it well when when you really need to. So be a good sport every time you play hangman, and you will be ready for anything the Nationals can bring. n
A GOOD SPORT... DOES NOT: Gloat DOES: Say “good game” DOES NOT: Show off DOES: Act respectfully DOES NOT: Cheat DOES: Play fair DOES NOT: Blame others DOES: Take responsibility
April 2012
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