Winning and Losing

On the school playground, the school sports team, or an academic team, it is sometimes difficult to show kindness. When someone plays a sport, or competes in any competition they should practice good sportsmanship. When children, parents and coaches share a common goal of having fun, learning to follow rules, and improving skills, then competition is good for kids. Good sportsmanship is pretty simple and goes right along with the Golden Rule, "Treat others the way you want to be treated." When people practice good sportsmanship in competition they are more likely to show respect for others in the home, at school, in their community, around their friends, and everywhere they go.

A team is like a family. When people are on a team together, they should encourage each other and help everyone to be the best team member possible. A successful team has pride. The teammates are respectful to each other and to the other team. Everyone on a team has a job to do, so it is always important to do your job well.

It is nice to be in 1st place when a competition is over, but it is most important to always be proud of the way you have behaved during competition. This means you have played fairly, followed the rules, and always do your best. The goal of competition should be to improve skills, contribute to the team in a positive way, and most important - have fun!

Brazilians and Americans agree! 46% of the people surveyed in both countries report that it is hardest to be kind when playing sports.

Are you a good sport?

I play by the rules of the game.

I avoid arguments.

I encourage my teammates.

I do not argue with the game officials.

I share in all responsibilities of the team.

I listen to the coach.

I respect the other team's efforts.

I show respect to myself, my coach, my teammates, and the other team.

When I make a mistake, I stay positive.

I end the competition by congratulating the other team for a job well done regardless of the outcome of the competition.

Read tips for parents on good sportsmanship

School • Kindness Kids Speak Out • What About Bullies?

Winning and Losing