Sportsmanship

1. Sportsmanship Captains Coming Together to Promote

2. Introduction • Today’s presentation will focus on Character Development: • At South Fayette we strive to provide an athletic program that will enhance each student’s personal growth. • Your involvement in athletics provides an environment for you to learn and demonstrate important life skills that you will utilize throughout your life. • Good Character is the main ingredient for Good Sportsmanship

3. Character “You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.”—Malcolm S. Forbes “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Hellen Keller

4. Why you are here today… • You assume a leadership role when you are on an athletic team especially when you are the captain. • You represent not only yourself as an individual but also your team, your school, and your community. • The student body, your community, and other communities judge our school by YOUR conduct and attitude both on and off of the field/court.

5. Why you are here today… • When you wear the colors green and white you represent and contribute to a great athletic tradition based on the following responsibilities: Responsibilities to Yourself • Broaden and develop strength of character • Prepare you for your life as an adult Responsibilities to South Fayette Schools • Contribute to school spirit and community pride • Make South Fayette proud of you and your community proud of your school Responsibilities to Others • You represent your family and friends • Younger students in the South Fayette School District are watching you. You serve as a role model. Set a good example for them and don’t let them down.

6. Why you are here today… • Your conduct as a student-athlete should demonstrate the highest standards of citizenship, leadership, and sportsmanship • What IS citizenship, leadership, and sportsmanship?....

7. Citizenship

8. You Are… Citizenship • A Citizen: • Of your country, your community and your school • A Role Model: As a student-athlete, you are a role model for others at your school and in your community! Your teammates, fans, and the opposing team are watching closely how you react to situations! • Your actions impact others so make sure they are worthy of respect • Take an interest in the issues at your school • Be a leader rather than a follower • Winning is fun but resist excessive celebration • Lose gracefully and congratulate the opposing team • Compliment and encourage your teammates • Compliment opposing players • Assist and show respect to injured players • Stay positive - as the captain you help set the tone of the game • Respect the rulings of the officials

9. Citizenship As a role model you need to be aware of ALL of your actions including your activity on Social Media Sites! • Social Media “Don’ts”: • Criticize the officials, players, coaches, or fans of an opposing team or your team • Use obscene language • Post any information or pictures, tweet, or text when you’re angry or upset • Make violent or threatening statements • Refer to women using derogatory words • Use derogatory or discriminatory words to describe someone’s race or sexual orientation • Tweet or post information discussing behaviors such as sex, drinking, getting high, etc. • Post provocative or naked pictures • Post anything that displays you violating your school and team conduct policies

10. Citizenship How can you be involved in your school and community? • Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Actively participate in community service projects • Stay informed; vote in school elections • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer

12. Leadership • Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal. • Leadership is vital for the functioning and performance of your team. • You’re teammates are looking to you to learn how to handle situations and how to conduct themselves as athletes. You are the veteran, the captain, and the one with the most experience.

13. What Kind of Leader are you? • An Executing Leader? • Makes things happen • Constant need for achievement • Works tirelessly towards a goal • An Influencing Leader? • Always sells the team’s ideas • Speaks up, takes charge, makes sure your group is heard • A Relationship Building Leader? • Glue that holds team together • Helps to minimize distractions • Helps to keep peace and harmony within group • A Strategic Thinking Leader? • Constantly absorbing and analyzing information • Always thinking about the future and what “could be” • Explains how past events influence present situations • Sees countless opportunities for growth

14. Leadership and Teamwork Characteristics of a Strong Team: • Healthy conflict - strong teams don’t always agree, but rather have healthy debates which brings the team closer as they are focused on the results and one common goal; disagreements aren’t personalized. • Goal-Oriented - prioritize what’s best for the team and move forward to rally around goals that are set. • Balanced - strong teams focus on maintaining academic standards with intensity that matches their performance on the field. • Embrace Diversity - the best teams are made of individuals with unique skills and strengths.

15. Sportsmanship is about demonstrating respect for opposing teams, coaches and fans, as well as officials

16. Sportsmanship • As a student-athlete you should always display great sportsmanship at all times whether you’re playing or are a spectator. Strong sportsmanship demonstrates that you and your team play the game with integrity and have respect for your competitor. Sportsmanship is when opponents respect each other and appreciate honest efforts that are made fairly in pursuit of victory.

17. Sportsmanship How to be a Good Sportsman: Be Loud • Support your teammates throughout the entire game • Cheer for your team, not against the visitors Be Proud • Represent your team, school and, coach with respect and integrity. No profanity, vulgarity, racist, or sexist comments. Be Positive • Always approach the field, court, etc., your opponents, and the game with a positive we will win attitude. • Don’t get personal in your comments about players, coaches, or officials.

18. The Fundamentals of Sportsmanship: (see handout for details) • Gain an understanding and appreciation for the rules of the contest. • Exercise representative behavior at all times. • Recognize and appreciate skilled performances regardless of affiliation. • Exhibit respect for contest officials. • Display openly a respect for the opponent at all times. • Display pride in your actions at every opportunity.

19. Questions or Comments? • Good luck this season!

20. References Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. (2012). Retrieved August 1, 2012 from http://www.piaa.org/schools/sportsmanship/resources.aspx High School Player Development (2012). Retrieved August 1, 2012 from http://www.nflhspd.com/hs-player-development/program-overview/ South Fayette Township School District (2011). Athletic Handbook for Students, Parents and Coaches.