Kids today, are involved in a lot of sports and being on the winning team is often the goal; but are we sometimes leaving out one of the most important components to a great match?

Sportsmanship means good manners in the arena. 

Children need to understand that sportsmanship is very, very important. For without sportsmanship, even with all the equipment and a beautiful arena and both teams present, we could not play any sports.

Understanding that showing our teammates respect, allows us to play together as a team.  We have to respect our competition, so that we have a contest and we have to respect the fans so that they come to witness and support the event. And of course, respect for the rules…teaching them that if there were no rules… there would be no sports!

Respecting yourself enough to enable respect for the other players, the coaches, and the fans….good sportsmanship is not only necessary for sports to be played, but also, necessary for a truly great game.