Week 17 - Sportsmanship

Date: 27 Feb 2011 Time: 9-11am
Location: Si Ling Primary School

While strength, speed, agility and mental resilience have been discussed again and again in soccer. There is one particular factor that should be emphasized and taught by the coaches besides technical skills and strategy. Sportsmanship.

What does it mean to be a good sportsman? In my opinion, to name a few, good sportsmanship shows when you can congratulate and shake your opponents hand at the end of the game when you lost and admit defeat. It is when you cheer NOT jeer when your opponent is playing. Not belittle or criticise your teammate's mistakes but learn from it and move on. Respect your teammates and your opponents. And also being humble(not boastful of your own skills and thinks you are better than everyone else etc).

Being an observer on the field, I am glad that the boys are well-behaved on the field and I hope they carry that attitude off the field, at home, school and everywhere. Having said that I have summarised an article I read on the internet.

Good Sportsmanship as a Player
- Play fair (Don't cheat or play dirty to win. Remember it's just a game).
- Be a team player (Get everyone involved, don't try to be star and hog the ball).
- Stay positive (Even when the odds are against you, give it your all).
- Keep trash talk to a minimum (Let your performance speak for itself).
- Lose gracefully (If you lose, be a man and give the winner a handshake).
- Win with class (Don't gloat or put down the other team).
- Respect the rules of the game/officials (Respect the coach's/referee's decision even if you think it's a bad call).

Below is an old educational video from the 1950s, it may be old but you'll get the message. Enjoy!