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GOOD SPORTSMANSHIPKnow It When

You See It

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Why Sportsmanship ?

AYSO vision:

“... enrich children’s lives.”

AYSO mission:

“… promote a fun, family environment …”

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A Program for a Core AYSO Philosophy

Everyone Plays

Balanced Teams

Open Registration

Positive Coaching

Good Sportsmanship

Player Development

Why Sportsmanship ?

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Defining Sportsmanship

“conduct (as fairness, respect for one's opponent, and

graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one

participating in a sport” (Merriam-Webster dictionary)

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Who Shows Respect?

Coaches

Spec

tato

rs Referee

sPlayers

The AYSO Team!

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The ROOTS of Respect

Rules

Opponents

Officials

Teammates

Self

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Rules“We obey the rules even if we can get away with

bending them, and even if our opponents don’t.”

-- PCA’s Honor the Game talking points

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Opponents“A worthy opponent helps us get better. We want to play

our best but never think of them as enemies or not

respect that they’re trying to play their best, too.”

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Officials“We respect the officials even when calls go against us,

and even if we think we are being treated unfairly.”

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Teammates“We support our teammates, encourage them to show

good sportsmanship, and don’t do anything to

embarrass them, either on or off the field.”

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Self“Be a good sport because you want to, not because I

tell you. We live up to our own standards even if our

opponent doesn’t.”

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Examples of Sporting Behaviors

“Good Sports” exhibit them all, all the time

Observer’s goal Look for what’s right

Team goal Performance against the standard, notagainst the other team

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… By Players Acknowledge good plays and sporting gestures,

before, during and after game.

Play with skill and not force.

Win with humility and grace/accept defeat with dignity

Respect referee calls and decisions

Know and play by the Laws of the Game

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… By Players, Cont’d

On time and properly equipped. Cooperate with teammates and coaches

Concentrate on best efforts, team play and

encouraging teammates

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… By Coaches ONLY positive, instructional and encouraging

comments

Allow players to play and think for themselves

Maximize playing time for all

Encourage self-control and fair play of players and

spectators

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… By Coaches, Cont’d

Respect referee calls and decisions

Players are organized and ready to play

Acknowledge opponents’ good plays

Win with humility and grace/accept defeat with dignity

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… Referees Be prepared, arrive on time, professional appearance

and demeanor, introduce yourself, set the right tone Be approachable and open to questions Explain decisions when needed

Always be fair -- don’t change a call to “make up” for an earlier one

Be aware of on- and off-pitch actions, and respond appropriately

Compliment examples of skilled play and sporting behavior, and control unsporting behavior early

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… By Parents and Spectators

Cheer positively for efforts of both team

Encourage teamwork and fair play at all times

Support coach decisions with silence or positive

comments. (Let the coaches coach)

Respect referee calls and decisions

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… By Parents and Spectators, Cont’d Remain in designated spectator areas

Maintain self control and decorum at all times

Acknowledge that soccer is a GAME and that best

efforts of all are to be applauded

Learn the Laws of the Game for better enjoyment

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Good Sportsmanship

Recognize it

Reward it

Remind others

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Because …• YOU are an AYSO ambassador!

• You serve your region’s parents,

players and communities at large

• Sportsmanship completes the

package of excellent customer

service that you provide