Sports & Recreation – The Avant Life

Best Etiquette Practice: Good Sportsmanship Playing sports is a great way to better our mental and physical health. It engages us, providing ambition to exercise, relieve stress, and socialize. Sports can also be a valuable opportunity to improve our communication skills. Whether competing individually or workings as a team, athletics often require clear and effective communication to succeed. Above all, sports are meant to be fun, and to ensure that everyone has a positive and enjoyable experience, good sportsmanship matters. Good sportsmanship goes hand in hand with etiquette both on and off the field. Emotional can run high in competitive sports, and players can face tremendous pressure to win. Like in any part of our lives, it's important that we choose to act as a role model for others and promote a culture of respect. As a player, whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting out, being respectful is the priority. First, be on time, don't keep others waiting. Also be ready and prepared. It's expected that players know the rules of the field and are competent enough not to injure themselves or others. It's to ask questions, but know the right time to ask. Be polite. Start every game on a positive note by introducing yourself to the opposing players. Know that gamesmanship is generally looked down upon. This can be any behaviors aimed at bending the rules, gaining unfair advantages, or deemed obnoxious. Avoid coaching others unless asked to, it's often unwelcome. Keep it light, and aim to control your temper even if the game gets competitive. Don't criticize others. This includes referees and judges. It's ok to calmly dispute a call, though be respectful to their role and authority in the game. Be a good winner and loser by leaving any animosity on the field. Always acknowledge the competition with a "good game" and handshake at the end of each game, as this is a log-standing tradition in sports that shows a sign of respect. Leave a positive impact on the field. As a spectator, you should also be familiar with the basic rules of the games. Know where the designated areas are to watch the game and avoid crowding players on or off the field. Go with the general flow of the other spectators. When entering or leaving the stands, walk slow and don't push through crowds. If seated and those around you are standing, stand as well. There's little use asking others to sit at emotional high points of the game. Cheer and support, though don't over celebrate through taunting and annoying behavior. Never cheer for an injured player. Know that every sport and venue is unique and may have their set spectator rules. In quiet environments, be quiet. Booing is the universal sound of displeasure, leave it at that. Angry tirades or obscene shouting at any individual is over the line. Be mindful of over-consuming alcohol; sporting events can be highly emotional and sometimes contentious. Avoid taking on the boorish behavior of others. As a parent or coach, understand that sports are meant to be fun. Being over-competitive and serious dampens others sense of joy and inclusion. Be a role model sportsmanship. Younger players are especially influenced by the team culture created by coaches. Always promote fair play and respect for opponents. Encourage graciousness in victory and defeat. Coaching sports gives us a chance to learn and practice valuable life skills related to discipline, communication, and leadership development. Use the opportunity to better yourself and others. Alex Latorre, Etiquette Coach

Good Sportsmanship Matters–

Playing sports is a great way to better our mental and physical health. It engages us, providing ambition to exercise, relieve stress, and socialize. Sports can also be a valuable opportunity to improve our communication skills. Whether competing individually or workings as a team, athletics often require clear and effective communication to succeed. Above all, sports are meant to be fun, and to ensure that everyone has a positive and enjoyable experience, good sportsmanship matters.

Good sportsmanship goes hand in hand with etiquette both on and off the field. Emotional can run high in competitive sports, and players can face tremendous pressure to win. Like in any part of our lives, it’s important that we choose to act as a role model for others and promote a culture of respect.

As a player, whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting out, being respectful is the priority. First, be on time, don’t keep others waiting. Also be ready and prepared. It’s expected that players know the rules of the field and are competent enough not to injure themselves or others. It’s to ask questions, but know the right time to ask.

Be polite. Start every game on a positive note by introducing yourself to the opposing players. Know that gamesmanship is generally looked down upon. This can be any behaviors aimed at bending the rules, gaining unfair advantages, or deemed obnoxious. Avoid coaching others unless asked to, it’s often unwelcome. Keep it light, and aim to control your temper even if the game gets competitive.

Don’t criticize others. This includes referees and judges. It’s ok to calmly dispute a call, though be respectful to their role and authority in the game. Be a good winner and loser by leaving any animosity on the field. Always acknowledge the competition with a “good game” and handshake at the end of each game, as this is a log-standing tradition in sports that shows a sign of respect. Leave a positive impact on the field.

As a spectator, you should also be familiar with the basic rules of the games. Know where the designated areas are to watch the game and avoid crowding players on or off the field. Go with the general flow of the other spectators. When entering or leaving the stands, walk slow and don’t push through crowds. If seated and those around you are standing, stand as well. There’s little use asking others to sit at emotional high points of the game.

Cheer and support, though don’t over celebrate through taunting and annoying behavior. Never cheer for an injured player. Know that every sport and venue is unique and may have their set spectator rules. In quiet environments, be quiet. Booing is the universal sound of displeasure, leave it at that. Angry tirades or obscene shouting at any individual is over the line. Be mindful of over-consuming alcohol; sporting events can be highly emotional and sometimes contentious. Avoid taking on the boorish behavior of others.

As a parent or coach, understand that sports are meant to be fun. Being over-competitive and serious dampens others sense of joy and inclusion. Be a role model sportsmanship. Younger players are especially influenced by the team culture created by coaches. Always promote fair play and respect for opponents. Encourage graciousness in victory and defeat. Coaching sports gives us a chance to learn and practice valuable life skills related to discipline, communication, and leadership development. Use the opportunity to better yourself and others.