Teaching Sportsmanship to Students

It’s not always easy to display good sportsmanship; it can be tough for kids to overcome their disappointment and congratulate the winner. But, those children who learn it at early age are able to handle their letdowns better in future. Teachers can help children understand importance of imbibing sportsmanship as practicing it will earn respect and appreciation for him. It is nothing but small gestures such as shaking hands with opponents, acknowledging good performance by others and accepting one’s shortcoming gracefully. What includes sportsmanship? ‘Actions speak louder than words,’ this comes in handy while teaching children basics of good sportsmanship. Children learn the basics from the adults around them, especially their parents and their coaches. Sportsmanship is nothing but to know how to persevere one’s dignity, whether one lost or won the game. It is reflected and surfaced when teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials treat each other with respect. Your behavior during practices and games helps building an opinion about you. Tips to build good sportsmanship- • Ask child to remain positive always and never bad-mouth about coaches and other players. If he is upset about something, then ask him to discuss it with his coach privately. • After a competition, don’t dwell upon losing or winning. Rather ask him "How did he felt during the game?” Stress more upon the experience than the end result. His conduct and attitude during the game should be more important. • As an educator portray examples of good sportsmanship. Don't expect too much out of the child, don’t overburden him with your expectations. • Ask students to have all the fun. Even if he is not the main player. Explain it to him that enjoying game is more important than thinking of all the benefits of gaining. • Tell him more than winning its learning new skills, gaining new friends, and attitudes that helps all through the life. • Don’t make it a big deal -attitude helps. Keep perspective that it's just a game. Even if you lose, it's unlikely to ruin your life and chances of success in future. • Teach children to applaud and cheer good play or sport no matter what if they participate in it or not. Cheering for others is very crucial and the child needs to understand its importance. • Teach students that sportsmanship is typically regarded as a component of morality in sport, composed of three overlapping concepts – sportsmanship, fair play and character.