Know it When You See It
#708
AYSO Special Programs
Why Sportsmanship?
•AYSO vision:
“... enrich children’s lives.”
•AYSO mission:
“… promote a safe, fair, fun, family environment …”
Why Sportsmanship?
It is a fundamental AYSO Philosophy!
•Everyone Plays
•Balanced Teams
•Open Registration
•Positive Coaching
•Good Sportsmanship
•Player Development
Defining Sportsmanship
Sportsmanship is defined as “conduct (as fairness, respect for
one's opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming
to one participating in a sport” (Merriam-Webster)
Who Shows Respect?
The AYSO Team shows respect!
Players
PLAYERS
PARENTS/SPECTATORS
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
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.”
Officials
“We respect the officials even when calls go against us, and even if we
think we are being treated unfairly.”
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.”
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 the time!
Observer’s goal
Team goal
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Look for what’s right
Performance against the
standard, not against the other
team
… 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 (continued)
•On time and properly equipped.
•Cooperate with teammates and coaches
•Concentrate on best efforts, team play and encouraging
teammates
…By Coaches
•ONLY positive, instructional and encouraging (P.I.E.) comments
•Allow players to play and think for themselves
•Maximize playing time for all
•Encourage self-control and fair play of players and spectators
By Coaches (continued)
•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
By 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
By Parents and Spectators
•Cheer positively for efforts of both teams
•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
By Parents and Spectators (continued)
•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
Good Sportsmanship
• Recognize it
• Reward it
• Remind others
Why? 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.
Stewards of the Game
• Coaches and Referees are asked to work together as the
Stewards of the Game team in order to make player safety the
#1 priority on the field.
• Everyone is asked to role model the principles of sport, create
kids zone sidelines and promote good sportsmanship and player
safety.
Thank you for attending!
#708
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