Sports Etiquette -Everyday Etiquette Lessons Revealed

Articles, Ask Dallas, Make Your Best Impression Blog   ·   November 18, 2009

What happened to good sportsmanship? Even the game of golf, where this concept is highly regarded as the standard for the game, can be riddled with poor manners and inconsiderate behavior. The ever present disregard for others is a challenge that we need not take lightly.

Recently Bud Adams, the owner of the Titans made an obscene gesture to Buffalo fans when he was celebrating their victory. What are we teaching our children? Isn’t the purpose of sports to teach discipline, work ethic, teamwork, and determination? These are values we can hang our hat on. What are we saying when our behavior as adults does not match that message? Confusing?  Yes!

Is it ok to tell our children “You must win at all costs;  when you do win, boast being loud and rude making sure your competitor knows that they are the loser.” ?  Perhaps we are not saying that directly; however we lead by example.

Recently I witnessed a situation on television where a group a  female soccer players in a tournament were involved in a knock- down- drag- out fight. When did this become ok?

If you are a parent and your child is in sports, what are you telling your children about the elements of sportsmanship? Do you yell, scream and say derogatory things on the stands in effort to show your support?  If so, please ask yourself what you are really doing. Your actions will live forever in the lives of your children and grandchildren.

Begin today by being a positive influence, promoting good sportsmanship. Be respectful of others regardless of outcome of the game. If you will make this priority, you will always win.