Competition can be intense and coaches feeling the pressure to produce victories, may find themselves behaving in ways they later regret.
Today the concept of good sportsmanship has been lost. Sportsmanship is a manifestation of our own ethics in real life. Sportsmanship like ethics reflects both the character and the actions of a coach. The image a coach projects on the field is usually a product of his or her character.
Whether your child enjoys soccer, dancing or swimming, “The Kids’ (and Parents, too!) Book of Good Sportsmanship” (GoodMannersKidsStuffPress.com, 2009, $9.99) helps young athletes understand what it means — and how important it is — to be a “good sport.”
Three good sportsmanship tips highlighted in the book include:
- Following the rules helps keep players safe while children learn how to play. And, it’s the only way you can become the best player you can be.(Parents are encouraged to help their little athletes understand the rules and reassure them that practice really does make perfect.)
- Being nice to the other team is just like being nice to your teammates: treat other people the way you would want to be treated. (Parents can provide the “little push” in the right direction when it comes to showing compassion and consideration.)
- Respecting the officials shows you understand they are in charge and are responsible to make sure you follow the rules. (Parents should set an example and not question the ref’s decision.)
Valery Amador, Daily Venus Diva -- Daily Venus Diva.
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