GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP
Know It When
You See It
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Why Sportsmanship ?
AYSO vision:
“... enrich children’s lives.”
AYSO mission:
“… promote a fun, family environment …”
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Why Sportsmanship ?
A Program for a Core AYSO Philosophy
Everyone Plays
Balanced Teams
Open Registration
Positive Coaching
Good Sportsmanship
Player Development
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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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Who Shows Respect?
The AYSO Team!
Players
Coaches
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The ROOTS of Respect
Rules
Opponents
Officials
Teammates
Self
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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, not
against 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
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Good Sportsmanship
Recognize it
Reward it
Remind others
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Because …
• YOU are an AYSO ambassador!
• You serve your region’s parents,
players and communities at large
• Sportsmanship completes the
package of excellent customer
service that you provide
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