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Why Sportsmanship ?
AYSO vision:
“... enrich children’s lives.”
AYSO mission:
“… promote a fun, family environment …”
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A Program for a Core AYSO Philosophy
Everyone Plays
Balanced Teams
Open Registration
Positive Coaching
Good Sportsmanship
Player Development
Why Sportsmanship ?
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Defining Sportsmanship
“conduct (as fairness, respect for one's opponent, and
graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one
participating in a sport” (Merriam-Webster dictionary)
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Rules“We obey the rules even if we can get away with
bending them, and even if our opponents don’t.”
-- PCA’s Honor the Game talking points
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Opponents“A worthy opponent helps us get better. We want to play
our best but never think of them as enemies or not
respect that they’re trying to play their best, too.”
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Officials“We respect the officials even when calls go against us,
and even if we think we are being treated unfairly.”
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Teammates“We support our teammates, encourage them to show
good sportsmanship, and don’t do anything to
embarrass them, either on or off the field.”
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Self“Be a good sport because you want to, not because I
tell you. We live up to our own standards even if our
opponent doesn’t.”
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Examples of Sporting Behaviors
“Good Sports” exhibit them all, all the time
Observer’s goal Look for what’s right
Team goal Performance against the standard, notagainst the other team
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… By Players Acknowledge good plays and sporting gestures,
before, during and after game.
Play with skill and not force.
Win with humility and grace/accept defeat with dignity
Respect referee calls and decisions
Know and play by the Laws of the Game
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… By Players, Cont’d
On time and properly equipped. Cooperate with teammates and coaches
Concentrate on best efforts, team play and
encouraging teammates
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… By Coaches ONLY positive, instructional and encouraging
comments
Allow players to play and think for themselves
Maximize playing time for all
Encourage self-control and fair play of players and
spectators
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… By Coaches, Cont’d
Respect referee calls and decisions
Players are organized and ready to play
Acknowledge opponents’ good plays
Win with humility and grace/accept defeat with dignity
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… Referees Be prepared, arrive on time, professional appearance
and demeanor, introduce yourself, set the right tone Be approachable and open to questions Explain decisions when needed
Always be fair -- don’t change a call to “make up” for an earlier one
Be aware of on- and off-pitch actions, and respond appropriately
Compliment examples of skilled play and sporting behavior, and control unsporting behavior early
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… By Parents and Spectators
Cheer positively for efforts of both team
Encourage teamwork and fair play at all times
Support coach decisions with silence or positive
comments. (Let the coaches coach)
Respect referee calls and decisions
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… By Parents and Spectators, Cont’d Remain in designated spectator areas
Maintain self control and decorum at all times
Acknowledge that soccer is a GAME and that best
efforts of all are to be applauded
Learn the Laws of the Game for better enjoyment