Sportsmanship: the rules of character

In any sport that we play or compete in there are rules that we follow so that everyone has the same opportunities and winning is based on who does better on the task at hand.  Following those rules is good sportsmanship.  At the same time keeping things safe in a competition is important too.  So some sports have a ‘no pushing’ rule, or they may tell you how many individuals can be on the floor.  This keeps things safe.  Following rules like taking turns keeps things fair. 

There are other kinds of rules though that are not written down but are still important to a game being fun for all the participants.  These are rules of character.  Rules of character are unwritten rules that ask us to be polite, kind and respectful to the coach, the referee, to our teammates, and to the opposing team. 

If we follow the rules of character we are going to cheer others on and say “good game’, at the end of a game with a great attitude and smile.  We will choose not to yell at our teammate or opponent, we are not going to BOO them, we are not going to argue with them.  We may not agree and we may express our disagreement, but those practicing good sportsmanship will do so with respect, kindness and politely.  

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