FUNDAMENTALS OF SPORTSMANSHIP (Adopted from the SDHSAA)
"We are pleased to welcome you to the Middle School Activities. Under the guidance of the Rapid City Area Middle School Activities Program for the enjoyment and educational benefit of the middle school students. Good sportsmanship is essential for the success of these programs. Remember, you do not have to be an athlete to be a Good Sport!"
All schools must be aware that they have certain responsibilities as a host school for a variety of activities. The responsibility may vary in degree but not in importance. Crowd control is a problem only if there is a crowd. It must be assumed that an athletic contest is a potentially explosive situation. To ensure correct behavior of student athletes and fans it should be mandatory that an administrator or designee be present during contests. His/her duties vary with the type of activity, but primarily the administrator/designee is the person of responsibility.
- Always show Respect for the Opponent:
The opponents should be treated as guests, greeted cordially on arriving and given the best accommodations. Good sportsmanship is the golden rule in action.
- Show Respect for the Officials:
The officials should be recognized as impartial arbitrators who are trained to do their job and who can be expected to do it to the best of their ability. The middle school environment is a training ground for new officials. Good sportsmanship implies the willingness to accept and abide by the decisions of the officials.
- Know, Understand, and Appreciate the Rules of the Contest
A familiarity with the current rules of the game and the recognition of their necessity for a fair contest are essential. Good sportsmanship suggests the importance of accepting the decisions of the officials during the contest.
- Always maintain Self-Control
Showing good sportsmanship requires one to understand his/her own bias or prejudice and to have the ability to recognize that rational behavior is more important than the desire to win. A proper perspective must be maintained if the potential educational values of athletic competition are to be realized. Good sportsmanship is concerned with the behavior of all involved in the game.
- Recognize and Appreciate Skill in Performance Regardless of Affiliation
Applause for an opponent’s good performance is a demonstration of good sportsmanship that should not be looked upon as negative. The ability to recognize quality in performance and the willingness to acknowledge it without regard to team membership is one of the most highly commendable gestures of good sportsmanship. With the fundamentals of sportsmanship as the points of departure, specific responsibilities and expected modes of behavior can be defined.
Remember:
Let the players play,
Let the coaches coach,
Let the officials officiate,
Fans, please support ALL players!