The sight of a kid throwing a tantrum when called "out" on a base or smashing a tennis racket after an easy missed volley makes most people cringe. You want your child to exhibit exemplary sportsmanship. Though playing on a school team does not ensure a kid will develop good sportsmanship, the chances are more in his favor than for those who do not. For example, according to Michigan State University's Institute for the Study of Youth Sports , certain schools have adopted policies dictating good sportsmanship be practiced among student athletes and their coaches and parents.
Coaching Advantage
One of the advantages of school teams is the presence of a coach who often is an academic teacher as well. Most team members naturally look up to their coach/teacher, who strives to instill in his kids the attributes of fair play. Children who play pick-up games rarely have the sage advice of a coach to help them develop good sportsmanship.
Teamwork Atmosphere
Kids who perform as part of a team in a school sport become accustomed to working with others. These children quickly learn to cooperate well with one another for the good of the whole. School spirit is a factor as well. The kids on the team strive to unify themselves as group leaders for their academic facility. The best leaders are those who play fair, fight to win and don't make excuses for losing.
Correction from Peers
Schoolmates on sports teams are known to share the responsibility for their behavior and that of their peers on and off the field. Correction from one's peers often is the chief motivation for developing good behavior in sports. Nobody likes to let down his friends and teammates. A single word from a fellow player instructing his buddy to "shape up" often is all it takes to change negative actions and attitudes of an errant athlete. Some academic institutions, such as Iowa's Central College, make it part of their mission statement that student athletes hold one another accountable for their actions in an effort to maintain excellence in sportsmanship.
Serious Approach
A serious approach to the game helps athletes develop ideal sportsmanship. A kid takes it seriously when she plays for her school. There is a pride present in school athletes that often is lacking among kids who train in independent facilities. You approach the game with a professional attitude because you are representing your school. This mature attitude translates to upholding the sportsmanship values your school treasures.
Role Models
Your school likely commemorates the sports stars of its past and present. Current players on school teams have role models who provide inspiration for them in their academic and sports careers. Seniors desire to keep the tradition of good sportsmanship alive that was exemplified by players who graduated before them. Likewise, freshmen and sophomores look up to the juniors and seniors who provide excellent role models who compete while displaying fine sportsmanship in winning and losing.
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