AYSO 428: News: An AYSO Guide to Sportsmanship

We all use the word, but what is it? This might help us all understand it a bit better and know what we are looking for and how we are acting.

• Excellent - positive encouragement of teammates; displays of good sportsmanship, e.g. help opponent up, few fouls 2 – 3 per half, none violent; good, hard effort and teamwork; accept winning or losing graciously
• Normal - no positive encouragement, but none negative; some displays of good sportsmanship; generally plays fair, but some fouls 5 -7 per half; adequate teamwork; inconsistent effort; accepts winning or losing somewhat graciously
• Poor - concerns about conduct and attitude; negative comments; criticize teammates; bad language; dissent; delay of game; many 8 – 10 per half and some aggressive fouls; lack of teamwork; cannot accept either winning or losing with grace

• Excellent - many positive comments, encouragement, praise; good example for players and parents by tone of voice, comments, etc.; sets standard of fair play by reminding and correcting players; respects officials; encourages gracious winning or losing
• Normal - some positive comments; a few displays of good sportsmanship; no dissent; rarely supports players about fair play, but doesn't encourage unfair play; generally abides by rules with some questioning of ref's calls or non-calls; encourages gracious winning or losing, but generally silent and doesn't set example
• Poor -  more negative than positive comments; display of good sportsmanship not evident; dissent; doesn't support players with corrections and instructions about fair play; frequently questions ref's decision; winning is most important, e.g. shows anger at player mistakes

• Excellent - positive cheering and encouragement for all players on either team; encourage fair play, teamwork, good effort; respect officials’ judgment and never questions honesty; help relieve pressure of competition; gracious winner or loser
• Normal - some positive cheering; neither encourages nor discourages fair play, teamwork; usually respects officials’ calls; doesn't encourage gracious winning or losing
• Poor - more negative than positive cheering; doesn't encourage fair play; frequently questions officials’ call; ungracious winner or loser

Best,

Bill Richards