What is Sportsmanship?
What is Sportsmanship? • Sportsmanship is a demonstration of generosity and genuine concern for others. It is a concrete measure of the understanding and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity. • Sportsmanship is a blending of cheers for “your team” and applause for the “opponents,” observing the letter and spirit of the rules, and showing consideration for others. • Sportsmanship is the “golden rule” of athletics – treating others as you wish to be treated. • Sportsmanship is respect – respect for others and one’s self. • Sportsmanship is all this and much more. • For a coach, sportsmanship might be accepting a “questionable” call without protest. • For a student-athlete, it may be extending a helping hand to an opponent who is down. • For a spectator, it might be cheering for his team when it loses, and applauding the opponent when it wins. • For an official, it may be showing restraint when verbally assaulted by coaches, athletes and spectators. • Sportsmanship encompasses all that which is good in human nature. • Sportsmanship is citizenship in action. 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 1 “The moment of victory is much too short to live for that and nothing else.” – Martina Navratilova “Sports ideally teach discipline and commitment. They challenge you and build character for everything you do in life.” – Howie Long “One man practicing good sportsmanship is far better than 50 others preaching it.” – Knute Rockne 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 07/10/2006 01:58:00 PM Responsibilities Responsibility of the Local School Board . . . “I believe that coaches and athletes should realize that the athletic department field, court or diamond can be made an extension of the classroom, a place where you and your teammates are learning more than just how to prepare to win. The field, the court, and the diamond should be places where athletes are constantly learning about the game in which they participate, about their coaches and teammates, and perhaps most importantly, about themselves.” -Phillip R. Shriver, former University of Miami President • Adopt policies (upon recommendation of the administration) which reflect that community’s educational objectives and that promote the ideals of good sportsmanship, ethics and integrity. • Remain a policy-making body and allow the administration to do its job. The Board’s role is to develop policies which are interpreted and administered by other school officials. • Establish standards for athletic participation which reinforce that activities are a privilege, not a right. • Attend and enjoy school activities, serving as a positive role model and expecting the same from parents, fans, participants, coaches and other school personnel. • Support and reward participants, coaches, school administrators and fans who display good sportsmanship. • Recognize the value of school activities as a vital part of education. Responsibility of the School Administrators . . . • Develop a program for teaching and promoting the ideals and fundamentals of good sportsmanship within the school, the league/conference and the Florida High School Athletic Association. This program should stress that disrespectful behavior, especially taunting, trash talking and intimidation, will not be tolerated. • Provide appropriate supervisory personnel for each interscholastic event. • Support participants, coaches and fans who teach and display good sportsmanship. • Recognize exemplary behavior and actively discourage undesirable conduct by participants, coaches and fans. • Attend events whenever possible and function as a model of good sportsmanship. This includes communicating with spectators during an event, what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. The Administration Should . . . • Never allow an activity to supersede or interfere with the educational objectives of the school. Victory celebrations, pep rallies and unscheduled bursts of mass enthusiasm should not be permitted to interfere with the school program. • Establish definite eligibility policies and procedures, and be sure that they are thoroughly understood. • Prevent outside influences from exerting undue pressure upon the athletic program. • Be sure the parents thoroughly understand what the school expects of its athletes. • Take an active role in the development of athletic policies. • Be sure that all students have a definite understanding of the kinds of behavior expected of them. • Support and encourage school programs designed to enhance the understanding of sportsmanship. 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 2 07/10/2006 01:58:03 PM • Recommend to the school board the employment of athletic coaches who are concerned primarily with educational objectives and the well-being of the students. • Establish good rapport with the media relative to its obligation for promoting good sportsmanship. The Athletic Director . . . The philosophy which this person holds is reflected in the policies and procedures which he/she initiates, the behavior of the coaches and athletes and in the conduct of all athletic contests. This person must subscribe to and promote the ideal of sportsmanship. A responsible athletic director will . . . • Secure competent officials who will be satisfactory to both teams, and provide adequate compensation to assure quality officiating. • Enlist the support of student leaders in the development of sportsmanship programs. • Work closely with the cheerleaders in the techniques of spectator management. • Maintain a good relationship with the media; keep them well-informed of the activities and the objectives of the program. Public Address Announcer . . . The public address announcer is considered a game official. He/she shall maintain complete neutrality at all times and, as such, shall not be a “cheerleader” for any team. Announcements are limited to: • Those of an emergency nature (e.g., paging a doctor, lost child or parent, etc.); • Those of a “practical” nature (e.g., announcing that a driver has left his/her vehicle lights on); • Starting lineups or entire lineups of both participating teams (what is announced for the home team must be announced for the visiting team); and • Messages provided by home school management. During the contest, the announcer: • Should recognize players about to attempt a play (e.g., coming up to bat in baseball, punting or receiving a kick or punt in football, serving in volleyball, etc.); • Should recognize player(s) making a play (e.g., “Basket by Jones,” “Smith on the kill,” etc.); • Should report a foul as signaled by the referee (e.g., “Foul is on Jones, his second, team fifth,” etc.); • Should report substitutions and timeouts (e.g., “Coming into the game for the Tigers is Jones,” “Timeout Tigers,” etc.); • Must not call the “play-by-play” or provide “color commentary” as if he/she were announcing for a radio or television broadcast; • Must not make any comment that would offer either competing team an unfair advantage in the contest; and • Must not make any comment critical of any school, team, player, coach or official; or any other comment that has the potential to incite unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of any individual. 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 3 “Every day the word ‘gift’ is used to define talent, ability, and performance. Being gifted has an even deeper meaning, a meaning that isn’t always measured in points per game or win/loss records - it’s measured by heart, effort, and desire.” -Alan Cohen “The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” -Vidal Sassoon 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 07/10/2006 01:58:06 PM “Doing your best is more important than being the best.” -Shannon Miller “The answers to these questions will determine your success or failure. 1) Can people trust me to do what’s right? 2) Am I committed to doing my best? 3) Do I care about other people and show it? If the answers to these questions are yes, there is no way you can fail.” -Lou Holtz The announcer should be certain of the accuracy of his/her statements before making them. When in doubt, the announcer should remain silent. General guidelines: • Be impartial. Announce the contest with no show of favoritism. • Remember that your job is to inform — not to entertain. • Use proper language at all times. • Be enthusiastic but calm. • Do not attempt to “talk over the crowd.” • Do not anticipate or second guess calls by the officials or criticize officials’ decisions, directly or indirectly. • Be aware of the entire venue so that calm directions can be given in an emergency. Serious situations can be avoided if the announcer will caution the crowd against coming onto the playing surface, throwing things and the like. • Permit no one to use the microphone (especially coaches during the game), except those in charge of the event and/or by design of those in charge of the event. The announcer is responsible for whatever is said over the P.A. system. • Announce convenient routes for spectators to leave the venue and caution the crowd to drive safely on its way home. • Be aware that good sportsmanship is a very important part of interscholastic activities; reading a sportsmanship statement prior to the beginning of an event and at key times during breaks in the action contributes to a positive, educational atmosphere. Media . . . • Promote ideals and fundamentals of good sportsmanship; which includes acknowledging that disrespectful behavior, such as taunting, trash talk and intimidation, has no place in school athletics. • Report acts of sportsmanlike behavior without giving undue publicity to unsportsmanlike conduct. • Refrain from making negative comments towards participants, coaches or officials. After all, the interscholastic athletic arena is a classroom. Would you make negative comments about teachers teaching students and students trying to learn? • Recognize efforts of all who participate in the contest. • Report facts without demonstrating partiality to either team. 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 4 07/10/2006 01:58:09 PM Codes of Conduct Coaches’ Code of Conduct • Win and lose graciously. • Praise athletes when they deserve it, for skill and effort. • Set a good example. It is okay to lose a game if your team has played its best. • Make sure your team is aware of your expectations regarding sportsmanship. • Teach players to honor rules of the game at all times. • Foster respect among athletes for referees and opponents. • Continue to learn about coaching principles and the physical, mental and emotional development of young people. • Involve parents in the effort to encourage proper attitudes in athletes. • Discipline students for unsportsmanlike behavior. • Treat opponents as guests at home events. • Publicly shake hands with the officials and the opposing head coach before the contest. • Congratulate the opposing coach and team after the contest. • Demand a sports environment that is free of drugs, tobacco and alcohol. • Do not exert pressure on faculty members to give student-athletes special consideration. • Treat the media graciously and do not disparage your team or the opposing team. Student-Athletes’ Code of Conduct • Win and lose graciously. • Understand that you are an ambassador for your school. Others will base their impressions of your school on your behavior and attitude. • Treat opponents as you would like to be treated. • Refrain from disrespectful behavior, such as taunting, trash talking and other forms of intimidation. • Wish opponents good luck and greet them graciously. Shake hands with opponents and congratulate them after the game. • Only the captain should communicate with the official regarding the clarification of a ruling. • Avoid use of profanity. • Play with your best effort. • Be a team player. • Do not argue with officials or complain about calls. • Control your temper and do not retaliate when you feel wronged. • Accept accountability for your actions. 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 5 “Good coaching is about leadership and instilling respect in your players. Dictators lead through fear – good coaches do not.” – John Wooden “Before I go out on the field every day, I tell myself, ‘You are having fun, and you want to set a good example to those who are watching.” – Cory Snyder “Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play.” – Mike Singletary 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 07/10/2006 01:58:12 PM Parents’ Code of Conduct Acceptable Behavior • Applause during introduction of players, coaches, and officials. • Players shaking hands with opponents. • Accept all decisions of officials. • Cheerleaders cheer in a positive manner. • Treat competition as a game, not a war. • Applause at end of contest for performances of all participants. • Everyone showing concern for an injured player, regardless of team. • Encourage surrounding people to display only sportsmanlike conduct. • Do not force an unwilling student to play sports. • Understand that you are an ambassador for your school. Others will base their impressions of your school on your behavior and attitude. • Applaud good plays by the opposing team as well as your own. • Set a good example by displaying good sportsmanship yourself. • Teach your child to play by the rules. • Show your child that hard work and effort can be worth more than victory. • Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game. • Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports. • Demand a sports environment that is free of drugs, tobacco and alcohol. • Do not publicly question a referee’s judgment or integrity. • Commend your child for hard work after a loss. • Be a fan, not a fanatic! Spectators’ Code of Conduct • Treat all players, coaches, officials and opposing fans as you would like to be treated. • Understand that you are an ambassador for your school. Others will base their impressions of your school on your behavior and attitude. • Understand that a ticket to a sporting event is a privilege and not a license to verbally or physically attack others. • Use discretion in cheering (see cheering section) • Respect the game and learn the rules. • Model sportsmanship for your school and community. • Cheer your team and do not jeer the opponents. • Cheer good plays by either team. • Keep things in perspective. These are high school students playing a game, not professionals. This is supposed to be a fun learning experience for them and you. • Do not throw items of any kind onto the playing surface. • Censor fellow spectators who display negative behavior. • Show respect for an injured athlete, regardless of which team he/she plays for, when he/she is removed from the contest. • Do not applaud errors by opponents or penalties inflicted on them. • Do not heckle, jeer or distract members of the opposing team. • Respect the judgment and strategy of the coach, Do not second-guess. • Avoid profanity and obnoxious behavior. 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 6 07/10/2006 01:58:15 PM Cheerleaders Code of Conduct • Select positive cheers that praise their own team without antagonizing their opponents. • Use discretion in selecting when to cheer. Give the other team’s cheerleaders equal opportunity to execute their cheers. • Give encouragement to injured athletes and recognition to outstanding performances for either team. • Serve as hosts to visiting cheerleaders. Greet them upon arrival. • Develop a large repertoire of desirable and timely cheers which may be called upon at appropriate moments. • Maintain enthusiasm and composure especially in trying circumstances, remembering your responsibilities for leadership. Officials’ Code of Conduct • Ensure safety and fair play come first. • Encourage and enforce good sportsmanship. • Be fair and impartial and avoid conflicts of interest. Decisions based on personal bias are unacceptable. • Publicly shake hands with both head coaches before the contest. • Keep calm when facing emotional outbursts from players, coaches and fans. • Learn the rules of the game and understand their spirit. • Respect other officials and their decisions, and do not publicly criticize another official. • Withdraw from the playing area without delay at halftime and at the end of the contest. For Parents/Spectators: Need to relax when the game gets tense? Here are a few ideas: • Stand up and move around, or walk to the concession stand. • Find a job to do, like keeping score or taking photos. • Socialize with other parents and spectators. 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 7 Unacceptable Behavior • Yelling or waving arms during opponent’s free throw attempt, serve, etc. • Disrespectful or derogatory yells, chants, songs, or gestures. • Booing or heckling an official’s decision. • Criticizing officials. • Yells that antagonize opponents. • Refusing to shake hands. • Blaming loss of game on officials, coaches, or participants. • Laughing or namecalling to distract an opponent. • Use of profanity or displays of anger. 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 07/10/2006 01:58:18 PM FHSAA Sportsmanship Policy Sportsmanship and Unsportsmanlike Conduct 2005-06 FHSAA Sportsmanship Statistics Total Sanctions: 1,183 Total Ejections: 1,164 Ejections by Sport: Boys Soccer–326 Football–240 Baseball–203 Boys Basketball-133 Girls Soccer–78 Girls Basketball-55 Wrestling–47 Softball–29 Coach Ejections–247 Player Ejections–933 Total Exceptional Sportsmanship Reports: 132 1. Sportsmanship. Student-athletes, coaches, administrators, spectators and all other persons connected directly or indirectly with a member school, as well as contest officials, shall adhere to the principles of good sportsmanship and the ethics of competition before, during and after all contests in which they participate and/or attend. Each participating school shall be held strictly accountable for unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of its competitors, coaches and spectators. If contestants or people from any school are found guilty of carelessness or maliciously breaking, damaging or destroying property or equipment belonging to the host school or host organization, such school will be held responsible for costs incurred in replacing or repairing such property or equipment. 2. Disqualification (ejection) for general unsportsmanlike conduct or flagrant foul. (1) Student-Athlete. Suspended from competition for remainder of contest and all contests on all levels for the following seven days, but not less than the next two regularly scheduled contests (one contest in boys football); if last contest of season, suspension is served in the next sport in which the student-athlete participates; beginning with fourth such ejection in a sport, program in that sport is placed on administrative probation and school is assessed a $100 fine per occurrence in that sport. (2) Coach. Suspended from competition for remainder of contest and all contests on all levels for the following seven days, but not less than the next two regularly scheduled contests (one contest in boys football); if last contest of season, suspension is served in the next sport in which the individual coaches; school is assessed a minimum fine of $100 per occurrence. 3. Disqualification (ejection) for gross unsportsmanlike conduct (Bylaw 11.11.2), or for second or subsequent act of general unsportsmanlike conduct or flagrant foul. (1) Student-Athlete. Suspended from competition for remainder of contest and all contests on all levels for up to a period of six weeks; if last contest of season, suspension is served in the next sport in which the student-athlete participates; beginning with second such ejection in any sport, school is assessed a $250 fine per occurrence. (2) Coach. Suspended from competition for remainder of contest and all contests on all levels for up to a period of six weeks; if last contest of season, suspension is served in the next sport in which the individual coaches; school is assessed a minimum fine of $100 per occurrence. 4. Restrictions on Disqualified Coach. (1) Must immediately leave the competition area to a place where he/she is not visible to student-athletes, officials, spectators or other coaches and where he/she cannot see the competition itself. (2) Must not have any further contact with or give instruction to student-athletes or other members of his/her staff for the remainder of the contest; including halftime intermission; breaks between quarters, periods or innings; and post-contest activities. (3) Shall not attend any subsequent contest from which he/she has been suspended in any 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 8 07/10/2006 01:58:21 PM capacity; shall not be present at the site; and shall not accompany his/her team to the site of the contest. 5. Enforcement. It is the responsibility of local school authorities to ensure this policy is enforced. When an ineligible student-athlete is allowed to participate, forfeiture of the contest is mandatory. When a coach is allowed to coach in a contest from which he/she has been suspended, the school shall face additional penalties. When a coach is disqualified (ejected) from a contest and no other authorized school personnel are present to take charge of the student-athletes, the contest shall be forfeited. Contest officials, or host schools for contests in sports in which there are no registered officials, must report acts of unsportsmanlike conduct to the FHSAA Office using Form AT6. 6. Additional Penalties. In addition to the standard monetary penalty of $100 for the disqualification (ejection) of a coach, a school may be assessed additional minimum fines for unsportsmanlike conduct by the coach or other school personnel as follows: •Use of profanity or gutter language – $150.00 •Continuing to give instruction to student-athletes or other members of the coaching staff after having been disqualified from a contest – $150.00 •Pursuit of officials following a contest – $150.00 •Refusal to leave the court, playing field or team area following disqualification – $100.00 •Physical contact with an official – $250.00 •Removal of a team or individual from an athletic contest prior to its normal conclusion – $250.00 7. Public Criticism of Officials. No coach or other school employee may publicly criticize or berate an official prior to, during or following a contest. Professional ethics require that coaches and other school employees use proper channels to report their complaints about officials rather than airing them publicly. A minimum fine of $50 shall be assessed a school whose coach or other employees are in violation of this provision. 8. Crowd Control. The home school administration is responsible for the control of spectators during a contest. The presence of uniformed officers is recommended. The officials assigned to work a contest are responsible for the conduct of the contest itself. In the event, however, a spectator or group of spectators interferes with the conduct of a contest or causes an official to become distracted through continual, unrelenting verbal abuse, the official should immediately stop the action and report the spectator or group of spectators to the home school administration or the nearest uniformed security officer and ask that they be restrained or removed from the facility. If the home school administration or uniformed security officer is unwilling or unable to comply and the official does not believe the contest can be safely continued, the official must declare the contest ended at that point. Under no circumstance should an official ever confront, challenge, rebuke or threaten a spectator, or make gestures of any kind toward a spectator before, during or after a contest. 9. Banned Substances. (1) The use of alcohol, tobacco or tobacco-like products by student-athletes, coaches and officials is prohibited during any interscholastic athletic contest and in the vicinity of 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 9 Respect the Ref School Officials... • Greet officials personally and let them know where you will be during the contest. • Cooperate with officials during the contest. • Provide refreshments at halftime and after the contest. • Escort the officials to their vehicles after the contest. Spectators... • Treat officials with respect; this is probably not the only job they have and they do it because they enjoy it. 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 07/10/2006 01:58:24 PM the playing field or court. A student-athlete in violation of this policy is guilty of gross unsportsmanlike conduct, will be disqualified from the contest and shall be suspended from subsequent contests in accordance with the provisions of s.3(1). The official must report any violation of this policy by either a student-athlete or coach to the FHSAA Office. Violation of this policy by a student-athlete or coach shall subject the school to a monetary penalty. Violation of this policy by an official shall subject the official to a monetary penalty or suspension or both. For violations of this policy, a minimum fine of $100.00 shall be assessed. (2) The use of anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs by a student-athlete is not permissible and is considered to be an act of gross unsportsmanlike conduct. A student-athlete discovered to be using such substances shall be ineligible to compete in any interscholastic contest until such time as medical evidence can be presented that the student’s system is free of those substances. “Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you. Never excuse yourself.” -Henry Ward Beecher “No student ever attains eminent success by simply doing what is required of him/her; it is the amount and excellence of what is over and above the required, that determines the greatness of ultimate distinction.” -Charles Kendall Adams, American Historian 10 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 10 07/10/2006 01:58:27 PM Crowd Control 1. Establish written behavioral standards and expectations for coaches, players, students, cheerleaders, spectators, and management personnel. Communicate them in a variety of ways, expect them to be followed, and do something when they aren’t. 2. Establish and communicate policies and emergency procedures regarding: a) fire; b) drinking and possession of alcoholic beverages; c) possession, use or sale of drugs; d) medical emergencies; e) lost and found articles; f) bomb threats; g) alternatives in case of score clock, light, or other facility failures; h) transportation problems. Written emergency procedures should be clearly understood by the public address announcer. 3. Identify supervisors and ushers by use of jackets, vests, armbands, or badges, and expect them to be active and visible to discourage problems and quickly identify them. 4. Expect and encourage management personnel, supervisors, and security people to avoid becoming too involved in watching the event and to be observant, active, and consistent in applying rules and procedures. 5. Be consistent in applying policies and rules; be supportive of your management and supervisory personnel. 6. Avoid seating bands or spectators near the visiting team bench and the visiting team seating area. 7. When someone is behaving in an undesirable way, violating the rules of good citizenship, do something about it. Actions speak louder than words. Inaction allows the establishment of undesirable examples and habits that can lead to more serious problems, and result in negative learning. 8. Have admissions, ticket sales, and parking lot personnel observe and screen people for possession of alcoholic beverages, intoxication, and abnormal or suspicious behavior. Alert crowd control supervisors to observe behavior and whereabouts of potential problem people. 9. Supervise the rest rooms. 10. Establish precise job descriptions, expectations, and authority of working personnel and inform them of rules, regulations, and emergency procedures. Procedures For Dealing with Unruly Spectators 1. Timing is critical: get to problems quickly. 2. Use half-time or post-game. Tell a person, “I thought you were getting a little carried away today” and “Try to look at our sportsmanship expectations.” 3. When to go into the stands: a. For abuse or foul language. b. For throwing objects. c. For obstruction of view. d. When a spectator is ignoring the requests of others. e. When game management has been informed by the official that a spectator needs to settle down or be asked to leave. 4. Sit next to them and explain their options: a. Stop the behavior. b. Final step is being escorted out by security. 5. At that stage, say: “I need to see you in the hallway for a few minutes.” Talk with them out of public eye. 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 11 “How a man plays the game shows something of his character; how he loses shows it all.” -Tribune (Camden County, GA) “Remember that sports are meant to be fun. Don’t let someone make the sport unfun for you.” -A.J. Kitt “Improve your performance by improving your attitude.” -Unknown 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 11 07/10/2006 01:58:30 PM 6. If that’s unsuccessful, say: “I’m going to ask you to leave, and if you don’t we may be asking you not to return for the rest of the season.” Follow Up with People Who Have Been Difficult 1. Use a form letter for some situations. 2. For others, meet individually with the person to talk about the situation. 3. Talk to them in a non-threatening manner. 4. Discuss other ways the spectator might have handled his/her disappointment or frustration. 5. Have an established procedure involving the principal and/or superintendent for problems that are unresolved after the initial letter and/or meeting. DEALING WITH CONFROnTATIOn • Keep your cool. • Retain your perspective on the issue. • Let the other person finish his statement completely. When he is finished, ask him what he thinks should be done to resolve the issue. 12 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 12 07/10/2006 01:58:33 PM Program Ideas • Take half an hour once a week at practice to discuss sportsmanship issues. • Provide a seminar on sportsmanship for parents. • Create a Rivals Unite program by inviting your rival school’s teams to join yours in a community service project. • Implement an Athlete Outreach program by sending student-athletes and cheerleaders to elementary schools to talk about sportsmanship. • Send letter home to parents at beginning of season (see example). • Involve your team in a community service project. • Recognize your teams that make it through the season with no ejections or unsportsmanlike conduct reports. Recognize students for outstanding efforts. Give out coupons from sponsors. • List sportsmanship expectations in the parent/student handbook and on school web site. • Recognize students/teams for good sportsmanship on school web site. • Create a committee of your team captains in all sports to discuss leadership and sportsmanship. • Have a student read the sportsmanship pledge before each contest. 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 13 “Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character.” -T. Alan Armstrong “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” -John Wooden 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 13 07/10/2006 01:58:36 PM Promotional Ideas “Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to produce uncommon results.” -Unknown “If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome.” -Michael Jordan “I always tell kids, you have two eyes and one mouth. Keep two open and one closed. You never learn anything if you’re the one talking.” -Gordie Howe • Participate in the State Farm Sportsmanship Program by sending written notification to the FHSAA. • Create a one-week promotion at your school focusing on sportsmanship. Promotions could include a poster or essay contest. • Development of a speaker’s bureau: administrators, coaches or selected student-athletes could talk with local adult civic organizations about the State Farm Sportsmanship Program. Student-athletes could deliver talks to students in the junior high and elementary schools to stress good sportsmanship. • Principals and/or superintendents could write commentaries for school district newsletters. • Send public service announcements to local radio and television stations on a quarterly basis (see enclosed samples). • Encourage fine arts advisors to incorporate good sportsmanship themes into their competitions. • Send news releases to media outlets (electronic and print) stating that your school is participating in the State Farm Sportsmanship Program (see sample news release). • Use the “Play Strong. Play Hard. Play Fair.” logo in event programs or other school publications. • Place an article in event programs that promote good sportsmanship. • Develop a plan for crowd control for both home and away games. A list of suggestions for developing a plan is included in this manual. • Create a postage meter ad that goes on school mail with a message promoting good sportsmanship. • Create banners/posters that convey the messages of good sportsmanship. • Create a sportsmanship report card for visitors to your school to fill out and drop off after contests. • If you, your athletes, your spectators, etc., felt they were treated particularly well while visiting another school for an event, encourage them to write a letter to the principal or athletic director of that school and submit it to the FHSAA Office. Chances are the school may share that letter with its constituents. The end result is that both parties are encouraged to practice good sportsmanship. • Have your public address announcer or participants read the public address announcements included in this manual at every game. • Make sportsmanship part of the criteria for any performance awards such as MVP; AllConference; All-Area, etc. • Conduct in-school programs or pep rallies/assemblies emphasizing sportsmanship. Have team captains speak about the importance of good sportsmanship. 14 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 14 07/10/2006 01:58:39 PM Sample Letter to Parents Date Dear Parents: Our school has committed to participate in the State Farm Sportsmanship Program through the Florida High School Athletic Association. With this comes the responsibility of the parents to demonstrate the type of sportsmanship they would want their children to display: “Play Strong. Play Hard. Play Fair.” The role of the parent in the education of a student is important. The support shown in the home is often manifested in the ability of the student to accept the opportunities presented at school in the classroom and through co-curricular activities. There is a value system – established in the home, nurtured in the school – which young people are developing. Their involvement in classroom and other activities contributes to that development. Integrity, fairness and respect are lifetime values taught through athletics. These are the principles of good sportsmanship. With them, the spirit of competition thrives, fueled by honest rivalry, courteous relations and graceful acceptance of the results. It seems that over time many parents have lost sight of the fact that the true goal of educational athletics is to educate. It’s not about wins and losses. It’s not about championships or remote dreams of earning an athletic scholarship to college. It’s about learning. And learning the values taught by athletics, especially respect, is what sets school sports apart from other levels of competition. As a society, we are bombarded with the message that winning is everything. Not everyone can regularly win games or finish first. But everyone can practice the “Play Strong. Play Hard. Play Fair.” motto. As a representative of our school, your actions reflect upon us. Displays of good sportsmanship will say positive things about you and our school, and hopefully remind us all that in the end, sports are meant to be fun. Please talk to your student about good sportsmanship, and provide an example for all students to follow. Let’s make this a great year for everyone! “In the end, it’s extra effort that separates a winner from second place. But winning takes a lot more that that, too. It starts with complete command of the fundamentals. Then it takes desire, determination, discipline, and selfsacrifice. And finally, it takes a great deal of love, fairness and respect for your fellow man. Put all these together, and even if you don’t win, how can you lose?” -Jesse Owens Sincerely, Principal Athletic Director 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 15 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 15 07/10/2006 01:58:42 PM Parents Meeting Agenda I. Overview EFFECTIVE SPORTS PARENTING Before the contest... • Tell your child to give his best effort and have fun. During the contest.. • Cheer positively. • Let the coach correct athlete mistakes. • Refrain from commenting on officials’ calls. • Have fun and enjoy the contest. After the contest... • Thank the coaches and officials. • Congratulate both teams. • Compliment your child on what she did well. • Welcome by coaches and administration • State and school rules • Eligibility – academic and attendance requirements • Consequences of violation of rules • Team rules • Athlete pledge cards – sportsmanship/drug or alcohol • Practice/game schedule • Expectations – What do the parents/athletes expect from the coaches and vice versa II. Program Philosophy • Sportsmanship – Be a fan, not a fanatic! (Divide parents and students for discussions, then rejoin and talk about answers) • Definition of good sportsmanship • Consequences of bad sportsmanship • Discussion (see sample questions p. 17) • Health concerns • Drug and alcohol abuse with athletes – the signs parents should look for • Pledge cards signed by parents stating they will not allow athletes/ students to host a party where drugs/alcohol are served • Discussion – How to intervene if athlete has a problem with drugs/ alcohol • Eating disorder symptoms • Follow FHSAA steroid program – what to look for in the athlete • HIV – how trainers deal with injuries involving blood • Other diseases • Fees • Fundraisers (if necessary) • Travel guidelines • Athletes travel on bus, unless coaches have written permission for the athlete to travel in a private vehicle 16 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 16 07/10/2006 01:58:45 PM Discussion Questions For Student-Athletes and Coaches 1. What is sportsmanship? Can it be taught? Who taught you? 2. Do professional athletes have an obligation to be role models? Which ones do you see as good role models? 3. Are you a role model to younger athletes? Why or why not? 4. Do fans at your school’s games show good sportsmanship? What about fans from other schools? 5. Is it ever acceptable to break a rule? 6. Do you ever feel peer pressure to break the rules or taunt opposing players? 7. If you knew one of your team members cheated in a victory, would you tell someone? What if it was a defeat? 8. Are trash talking and taunting acceptable ways of gaining a competitive edge? 9. Why is fighting perceived to be more acceptable in some sports (i.e. hockey) than others? 10. Is it acceptable to take advantage of an opponent’s injury? 11. Who should be responsible for mandating guidelines regarding the use and abuse of performance-enhancing drugs? 12. Is too much emphasis placed on winning in high school? Is sportsmanship sometimes overlooked in order to win? 13. If an athlete no longer enjoys athletic competition, should he/she continue because of parental pressure? 14. Do parents exhibit poor sportsmanship at your games? 15. How has your athletic participation affected you as a person? 16. How do you display good sportsmanship? For Parents 1. Do you teach your children the importance of sportsmanship? 2. Do you practice sportsmanship while watching your children play sports? 3. Do parents exhibit poor sportsmanship while watching their children’s games? Have you witnessed this? 4. Who should be the role model for young athletes? 5. Do professional athletes have an obligation to be role models? Which ones do you see as good role models? 6. Can a coach’s style be considered verbally abusive or is it just a means of motivating players? Do you mind if a coach yells at your child? What if that coach uses profanity? 7. Who should mandate guidelines regarding the use and abuse of performance-enhancing drugs? 8. Is too much emphasis placed on winning in high school? Is sportsmanship sometimes overlooked in order to win? 9. Have you ever talked to your child about steroids and supplements and the harmful effects that result from use? 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 17 WORKING WITH TEACHER-COACHES Try to... • give advance notice of schedule conflicts • discuss how your child can improve, his/her behavior, or his/her mental and physical treatment with the coach • make an appointment for a discussion. Avoid... • discussing overall team strategy, play calling, or an athlete’s playing time with the coach • holding a discussion after a game in front of others. 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 17 07/10/2006 01:58:48 PM State Farm/Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Awards State Farm/ Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Awards 2006 Overall Winners 6A–Oviedo HS 5A–Venice HS 4A–no winner 3A–Fort White HS 2A–Freeport HS 1A–Zion Lutheran Christian School MS–no winner Most Awards Received: 6 – Port St. Joe HS 5 – Bayonet Point MS (New Port Richey) 3 – Callahan MS 3 – Freeport HS 3 – LaBelle HS 3 – Shorecrest Prep (St. Petersburg) The State Farm/Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Awards program was implemented during the 1990-91 school year by the Florida High School Athletic Association to honor those schools that exhibited exemplary sportsmanship during the regular season and FHSAA State Series. The award is now the culminating point of the State Farm Sportsmanship Program. Each year the award is presented to one school in each classification whose total sports program best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship by its coaches, players and spectators. Nomination forms for this award are provided to each member school FHSAA representative and officials association. Nomination forms will be mailed at the end of March each year. Criteria for selection of the winners includes: 1. Programs and activities implemented within the school and community to promote sportsmanship. 2. Number and type of unsportsmanlike ejections. 3. Number and type of exceptional sportsmanship reports. 4. Source of the nomination. An anonymous selection committee of representatives from the sports community shall review all nominations and select the winners. There may be one winner from each of the four sections in all seven classifications; the overall winner in each classification shall be chosen from the section winners. The section winners will each receive $500 and a commemorative plaque. The overall winners will each receive an additional $2,500 and a larger plaque. Awards will be presented at the schools in the Fall of the next school year by local State Farm agents. The award is named for FHSAA Commissioner Emeritus Fred E. Rozelle, who served as the Association’s executive secretary and commissioner from 1980-1991. State Farm is an official corporate partner of the FHSAA and the sponsor of the State Farm Sportsmanship Program. Past Winners 1991: Class 4A: no winner; Class 3A: Venice HS; Class 2A: Eustis HS; Class A: (tie) Jay HS and Wymore Career Education Center (Eatonville). 1992: Class 4A: Coconut Creek HS; Class 3A: Naples HS; Class 2A: DeSoto County HS (Arcadia); Class A: Shorecrest Preparatory School (St. Petersburg). 1993: Class 4A: Coconut Creek HS; Class 3A: Rutherford HS (Springfield); Class 2A: Frostproof HS; Class A: Greensboro HS. 1994: Class 5A: Columbia HS (Lake City); Class 4A: Bay HS (Panama City); Class 3A: Osceola HS (Seminole); Class 2A: Port St. Joe HS; Class A: Hilliard HS. 1995: Class 6A: Dwyer HS (Palm Beach Gardens); Class 5A: East Lake HS (Tarpon Springs); Class 4A: Bolles School (Jacksonville); Class 3A: Port St. Joe HS; Class 2A: no winner; Class A: Saddlebrook Preparatory School (Wesley Chapel); Middle/ Junior High School: no winner. 1996: Class 6A: East Lake HS (Tarpon Springs); Class 5A: St. 18 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 18 07/10/2006 01:58:51 PM Cloud HS; Class 4A: Central HS (Brooksville); Class 3A: Port St. Joe HS; Class 2A: Liberty County HS (Bristol); Class A: Jupiter Christian School; Middle/Junior High School: Green Cove Springs Jr. High School. 1997: Class 6A: Mandarin HS (Jacksonville); Class 5A: St. Cloud HS; Class 4A: Interlachen HS; Class 3A: (tie) Keystone Heights HS and Port St. Joe HS; Class 2A: Shorecrest Preparatory School (St. Petersburg); Class A: Jupiter Christian School; Middle/Junior High School: Bayonet Point MS (New Port Richey). 1998: Class 6A: Lincoln HS (Tallahassee); Class 5A: Washington HS (Pensacola); Class 4A: Bradford HS (Starke); Class 3A: LaBelle HS; Class 2A: Port St. Joe HS; Class A: Summit Christian School (West Palm Beach); Middle/Junior High School: Bayonet Point MS (New Port Richey). 1999: Class 6A: no winner; Class 5A: no winner; Class 4A: DeSoto County HS (Arcadia); Class 3A: Clearwater Central Catholic HS; Class 2A: (tie) Maclay School (Tallahassee) and Port St. Joe HS; Class A: Orangewood Christian School (Maitland); Middle/High School: Bayonet Point MS (New Port Richey). 2000: Class 6A: Palm Beach Gardens HS; Class 5A: Belleview HS; Class 4A: Dunnellon HS; Class 3A: LaBelle HS; Class 2A: All Saints’ Academy (Winter Haven); Class A: Coral Springs Christian Academy; Middle/Junior High School: (tie) Bayonet Point MS (New Port Richey) and Gulf MS (New Port Richey). 2001: Class 6A: (tie) DeLand HS and Lake Worth HS; Class 5A: Spruce Creek HS (Port Orange); Class 4A: Rockledge HS; Class 3A: Maclay School (Tallahassee); Class 2A: Summit Christian School (West Palm Beach); Class 1A: Canterbury School (St. Petersburg); Middle/Junior High School: Callahan MS. 2002: Class 6A: University HS (Orlando); Class 5A: South Fork HS (Stuart); Class 4A: no winner; Class 3A: South Sumter HS (Bushnell); Class 2A: Freeport HS; Class A: Bronson HS; Middle/Junior High: (tie) Callahan MS and Bayonet Point MS (New Port Richey). 2003: Class 6A: no winner; Class 5A: Rutherford HS (Springfield); Class 4A: Mitchell HS (New Port Richey); Class 3A: LaBelle HS; Class 2A: Freeport HS; Class A: Shorecrest Preparatory School (St. Petersburg); Middle/Junior High School: Stewart MS (Zephyrhills). 2004: Class 6A: Deerfield Beach HS; Class 5A: Centennial HS (Port St. Lucie); Class 4A: North Marion HS (Citra); Class 3A: Pensacola Catholic HS; Class 2A: Lakeland Christian School; Class 1A: Berean Christian School (West Palm Beach); Middle/Junior High School: Callahan MS. 2005: Class 6A: no winner; Class 5A: Mitchell HS (New Port Richey); Class 4A: North Marion HS (Citra); Class 3A: The Villages; Class 2A: no winner; Class 1A: Cedar Key HS; Middle/Junior High School: Inverness MS. 2006: Class 6A: Oviedo HS; Class 5A: Venice HS; Class 4A: no winner; Class 3A: Fort White HS; Class 2A: Freeport HS; Class 1A: Zion Lutheran Academy (Deerfield Beach); Middle/Junior High School: no winner. 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 19 “Winners must have two things, definite goals and a burning desire to achieve them.” -Brad Burden “Never give up, never give in, and when the upper hand is ours, may we have the ability to handle the win with the dignity that we absorbed the loss.” -Doug Williams “The country is full of good coaches. What it takes to win is a bunch of interested players.” -Don Coryell, exSan Diego Chargers Coach 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 19 07/10/2006 01:58:54 PM Inspirational Materials “I always felt that my greatest asset was not my physical ability, it was my mental ability.” -Bruce Jenner “The best inspiration is not to outdo others, but to outdo ourselves.” -Anonymous “To succeed . . . you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you.” -Tony Dorsett Golden Rule of Coaching If athletes are coached with criticism, they learn low self-esteem. If athletes are coached with hostility, they learn to fight. If athletes are coached with ridicule, they learn to withdraw. If athletes are coached with shame, they learn to feel guilty. If athletes are coached with patience, they learn to improve. If athletes are coached with encouragement, they learn confidence. If athletes are coached with praise, they learn to have faith. If athletes are coached with fariness, they learn justice. If athletes are coached with approval, they learn positive self-esteem. If athletes are coached with honesty, they learn to trust. If athletes are coached with modesty, they learn teamwork. If athletes are coached with acceptance and friendship, they learn to find love in sport. The Real Score A coach can never make a great player of a youngster who is not potentially great. But a coach can make a great competitor out of any child. And miraculously, coaches can make adults of children. For a coach, the final score does not read so many points for my team, so many points for theirs. Instead, it reads: So many men and women out of so many boys and girls. And this is a score that is never published. This is a score coaches read to themselves, and in which they find real joy…when the last game is over. Champions Champions get up one more time than they have been knocked down. Champions give their all no matter the score. Champions do what is right even when it hurts. Champions know winning is not necessarily measured by the final score. Champions take a stand for what is right, even when they stand alone. Champions see every challenge as an opportunity. Champions make those around them better. Champions do the right thing even when no one is watching. Champions dedicate themselves to prepare for success. Champions put the success of others above individual achievement. Champions understand winning is not the only thing. Champions live by a higher personal standard. Champions lay down their own desires for the benefits of others. Champions willingly accept responsibility, and graciously deflect honor. Champions never sacrifice what is best for something good. Champions may fail…but they never quit. 20 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 20 07/10/2006 01:58:57 PM Sportsmanship is: S...Stressing value derived from playing fairly. P...Promoting the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well-being of individuals. O...Observing the rules and supporting such. R...Remembering that the sport is only a game, not a battle. T...Testing your modesty and your pride. S...Showing cordial courtesy in establishing happy relationships between fellow competitors. M...Maintaining good moral behavior and cooperation in dealing with others in situations. A...Accepting decisions as they are made without question. N...Never forgetting that you and each spectator are representatives of that organization and that individual conduct is a reflection of such. S...Setting a good example at all times by encouraging leadership of initiative and good judgement. H...Having respect for officials and fellow contestants, their decisions and their efforts. I...Impressing upon participants their responsibility for maintaining proper standards of conduct. P...Playing hard and clean for the love of the game and being pleased and proud no matter what the outcome. (used with permission from the Texas Youth Rodeo Association) Sportsmanship Links • Center for Sports Parenting: www.sportsparenting.com • Character Counts! Sports: www.charactercounts.org/sports/ • Citizenship Through Sports Alliance: www.sportsmanship.org • Heart of a Champion: www.heartofachampion.org • Institute for International Sport: www.internationalsport.com • Learning Through Sports: www.learningthroughsports.com • Mendelson Center for Sport, Character and Community: www.nd.edu/%7ecscc/ • National Alliance for Youth Sports: www.nays.org • Positive Coaching Alliance: www.positivecoach.org • Sports Done Right: www.mcsc.umaine.edu/sportsdoneright/ • Sports Plus: www.sportsplus.org 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 21 “Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.” -William A. Ward “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” -Mother Teresa “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.” -Benjamin Franklin 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 21 07/10/2006 01:59:00 PM Tips for Working With Your Local State Farm Agent Thank you for participating in the State Farm Sportsmanship program. Your commitment to reiterating the “Play Strong, Play Hard, Play Fair.” message is an important step in molding the minds of today’s student-athlete. Part of this program may include a local sponsorship of your athletic program by your local State Farm Agent(s). This sheet is a guide to ensuring that your student athletes get the recognition they deserve for setting a sportsmanship example and your local sponsoring agent(s) receive the support and opportunities to work with your athletic program(s). Keys to Activating Your Local Agent(s) Relationship • Make sure your sponsoring agent(s) have your contact information or your athletic secretary’s contact information. • Make sure your local sponsoring agent(s) have the up-to-date schedules of your athletic teams. • Invite your local sponsoring agent(s) to talk to your student body about safe driving habits, seat belt usage and other safe driving tips. • Make sure your local sponsoring agent(s) are invited to each of your athletic banquets. • Promote your local ‘Good Neighbor, Good Sport’ award winners through your local media. • Invite your local sponsoring agent(s) to present the ‘Good Neighbor, Good Sport’ award at each team’s athletic banquet(s). • Recognize your local agent(s) on your school website for their support of your athletic program and commitment to promoting good sportsmanship. For more information on activation or sportsmanship programs, or to sign up your school, visit FHSAA.org/sportsmanship. 22 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 22 07/10/2006 01:59:02 PM Intent to Participate Please fax to Cristina Alvarez or Laurel Ring at (352) 373-1528. Participation in the State Farm Sportsmanship Program includes: • Initial eligibility for the State Farm/Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Awards • Opportunity to have a student-athlete recognized at the FHSAA Finals in each team sport if your team advances • A banner to hang in your gym • Pledge cards for your student-athletes • Opportunity to work with a State Farm agent in your community Our school would like to participate in the State Farm Sportsmanship Program. This is a formal commitment to the promotion of sportsmanship to our students, coaches, and community. Name of School City Athletic Director’s Signature Principal’s Signature 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 23 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 23 07/10/2006 01:59:03 PM Florida High School Athletic Association Exceptional Sportsmanship Report This form is to be used to report any instance where a coach, student-athlete, team, official, spectator(s) or school in general has done an exemplary job of displaying sportsmanship at an FHSAA interscholastic athletic contest. Prompt reporting of good sportsmanship will help promote and encourage those associated with interscholastic competition to sport the proper attitude! This form is to be completed and signed by the person reporting the instance of exceptional sportsmanship. A copy should be sent to the principal, a copy to the FHSAA Office, and a copy should be retained by the submitting party. NOTE: An exceptional act of good sportsmanship is just that . . . exceptional. It is an act that goes beyond ordinary expectations! This report is on ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of School or Individual(s) concerning a ( ___ girls) ( ____ boys) ____________________________________________ contest on the ( ___ jr. high) ( ___ jr. varsity) ( ___ varsity) level Name of Sport between ______________________________________________________________ High School ( _______________________________________ ) Name of Visiting School City and __________________________________________________________________ High School ( _______________________________________ ) Name of Home School City at _________________________________________________________________ on ____________________________________________ . Site of Contest Date of Contest Specific matter being reported (provide as many details as possible; attach additional sheets if necessary): Your name: ________________________________________________________________ Phone: ( __________ ) _____________________________ In what capacity did you attend this event (i.e,, administrator, coach, student-athlete, official, spectator)? _________________________________________ Your mailing address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street or P.O. Box City State Zip Code Signature: ______________________________________________________________________________ Date: _____________________________ 24 2006-07 FHSAA Sportsmanship Manual 13_Sportmanship_TEXT.indd 24 07/10/2006 01:59:03 PM
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