What Is Good Sportsmanship?

Good sportsmanship is when people who are playing or watching a sport treat each other with respect. This includes players, parents, coaches, and officials.

How Can I Be a Good Sport?

There are lots of ways you can be a good sport. You can:

• Have a positive attitude.
• Give your best effort.
• Shake hands with the other team before and after the game.
• Support teammates by saying "good shot" or "good try." Never criticize a teammate for trying.
• Accept calls and don't argue with officials.
• Treat the other team with respect and never tease or bully.
• Follow the rules of the game.
• Help another player up who has fallen.
• Take pride in winning but don't rub it in.
• Accept a loss without whining or making excuses.

By being a good sport, you learn respect for others and self-control. These skills can help you manage many other parts of your life. They're also key to becoming a mature, respectful, and successful adult.