My son finally decides to sign up for high school football after NEVER, EVER playing an organized sport in his life!!! Naturally, his father and I are excited and brag to our co-workers all the time on how proud we are of our little “man”.
His first game, like many high school football games, is this weekend and I will honestly say that I’m a bit nervous about what my son will be feeling when he presses his new Nike cleats on the field! Will he be nervous, scared, anxious? I know I’ll be all those things and then some! My son made me promise “Mom, please don’t embarrass me!” So immediately, I cancelled the street team and sign making out of respect for my little wide receiver!
As a parent, we focus on OUR KID and what someone else’s kid will do to OUR KID! I know it’s gonna take alot for me not to run on the field and carry by “baby” off the field should he encounter an injury. But I was told…I mean…WARNED…by his father AND THE COACH…not to do that! LOL!
We get angry! We get excited and we even argue with other’s about what WE feel should be decided when it comes to sports with our kids.
So, how do YOU exibit appropriate sportsmanship?
Before the Game
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Before a football game, both teams usually warm up and run through a mini-practice on the same field. Oftentimes the field is virtually cut in half to allow both teams the necessary space to conduct their pre-game activities. Showing good sportsmanship includes honoring the opposing team’s space and allowing them to prepare without interruption. Just before the game begins, well wishes and handshakes also show sportsmanship. Trash-talk and threats are common occurrences at all levels of football but do not exemplify good sportsmanship and convey a lack of respect for your opponent.
During the Game
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The rules of organized football are clearly defined and explained to players and coaches of either team. The consequences of rules infractions include penalty calls from the officiating crew. When playing an informal game without officials, showing good sportsmanship means adhering to the rules even though a referee is not available to maintain order. The rules generally prevent one player or team from having an unfair advantage; a level playing field is essential to the game. Honor the rules and calls of an infraction by an opposing player as a show of good sportsmanship.
After the Game
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Maintain respect for your opponent after the game. Handshakes and high-fives are common expressions of good sportsmanship. After all, football is just a game. The players, coaches and fans of their team are people who, like you, value the competition and try as hard to prevail.
