10 GOLDEN RULES

Sportsmanship is the way a competitor reacts or responds to others in their competition. Elements of the lesson that need to be taught are:

Promote integrity. Minimise selfish actions – try to stop the braggadocios behaviour. Young athletes do NOT need to follow some professional athlete’s behaviour. We need to remind them that they should celebrate in a responsible and respectful manner.

Respect referees and officials. Thank them for their time, which in most situations, is honorary. Encourage care for others. Focus on the lessons from competition – the positive life lessons that athletes take away from sports are even important.

Compliment other and help if needed. Everyone is capable of showing respect.

Praise and thank others – acknowledge those who have helped you along the way.

Criticise constructively and privately if you need to say anything.

Show deference in victory and defeat. Be proud of the effort, learning to be humble in victory and remain proud during defeat. It is a great gesture at the end of competition to shake the hands of all those who you compete against. This was something I was told to do when I first started to compete as a nine-year-old.

Keep everything in perspective.

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