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TIPS For Families |
Written
by: Deb Weitzenkamp, Extension Educator As
parents of athletes we love to watch our children play in games and
push them to achieve success in every play of each game. We sit on
the edge of our seats waiting for the next moment in time when our child
goes into the game and the team works together like a well oiled machine.
At the same time, it’s hard for us to walk that fine line between being
supportive and becoming over-involved. However, through example and
conscious teaching, we can help our children to have a positive experience
in their activities and to become a good sport. Ten Tips for Teaching your Children About Sportsmanship 1)
Expect and reinforce good sportsmanship with your child.
Point out and reward good sportsmanship. Have a plan for dealing with poor
sportsmanship. 2)
Model sportsmanship. Discuss how you personally show sportsmanship.
Describe how you can show respect to the opponent by shaking their parent’s
hands after the event. Describe the good feelings you get from being a good
sport yourself. 3)
Help your child remember to play. Discuss both the competitive
and fun parts of involvement. Discuss the fun that comes from doing their
best, performing well, and spending time with friends – regardless of the
outcome of the event. 4)
Discuss the headlines. When you watch TV or read the newspaper,
point out actions related to sportsmanship. Ask your child what they think
of competitors who “showboat” or about the cost to the team for a technical
foul. Look for examples of positive behavior as well. 5)
Read books together with a sportsmanship theme. Particularly
younger children, you can use this time to discuss examples of good sportsmanship
and poor sportsmanship behaviors. 6)
Reflect. Use the language of sportsmanship (respect, integrity,
responsibility, fairness) with your child when discussing practice and games.
Ask them to think about why they had a bad or good game and what role sportsmanship
played. 7)
Emphasize teamwork in team events. Help your child to think
“we” instead of “me.” 8)
Make sure that you and your child know the rules of the event.
When you know the rules of competition, you can help your child to follow
the rules as well. 9)
Emphasize good sportsmanship at home. Games or contests at
home are great family activities. Keep sportsmanship in-line during these
activities. Watch for teachable moments when your family is engaged in competition. 10)
Emphasize good character in daily life. The same behaviors
that demonstrate good sportsmanship extend beyond the competitive arena. Promote
respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring and citizenship
in your daily lives. If
you wish to leave feedback about this TIPS for Families, click on the TIPS
Feedback Form link below.
For more information on Good Sportsmanship go to the http://www.greatfansgreatsports.com
or contact your local University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension office. Source:
Great Fans. Great Sports.
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