What is good sportsmanship? Kidshealth.org describes it as “Good sportsmanship is when teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials treat each other with respect. Kids learn the basics of sportsmanship from the adults in their lives, especially their parents and their coaches. Kids who see adults behaving in a sportsmanlike way gradually come to understand that the real winners in sports are those who know how to persevere and to behave with dignity — whether they win or lose a game.”
Without good sportsmanship brings “sore losers.”
I was very disappointed earlier this week at the end of my son’s soccer game. We lost. Not sure of the score, but we lost. I wasn’t disappointed in the loss. Losing and winning are both aspects of the game, both have to happen. Sometimes we will be on the winning team, other times we will be on the losing end.
My disappointment was actually after the game and after the two teams did their handshake. The whole team was called over to the referees. Apparently one player told our whole team to “spit on your hand before you shake.” Because a coach heard the request, it was put to a stop before anyone actually spit on their hand. The entire team almost had a two week suspension from playing!
Where do kids learn this? If I was that parent I would be mortified! I am not saying the parents taught the child this, but where do kids get these ideas? What happened the “good game” handshake at the end? I know in our house we talk with the kids at the end of games, usually in the car on the ride home, but sometimes while waiting in the lobby. (as in hockey) Whether we won the game or lost the game, there is usually some talk about a play the other team made that was outstanding.
We played a goalie last year that was phenomenal, he looked like a catcher in baseball. I swear he caught every puck that was “thrown” at him. He heard us after the game and got a big smile on his face. It felt good to be eavesdropped on by him. I hope it made his day and hopefully one day he may return the favor to another player.
As for Buddy’s soccer team I hope this the first and only “sore loser” moment for the team.