TeamSnap Logo
Log inFind My Team
  • Solutions
    • For Business
      For Business

      Tools for clubs, leagues, tournament organizers, and associations to run their business

      For Teams
      For Teams

      For coaches, players & fans to stay connected on our top-rated mobile app

      Promo image
      • Overview
      • Program ManagementManage all aspects of your organization
      • SponsorshipAccess our network of opportunities
      • RegistrationPayments, dues, and more
      • TournamentsBuild and manage your events
      • PaymentsA better way to manage payments
      • Website BuilderProfessional & mobile friendly sites
      • SchedulingAutomate games & practices
      • Services & SupportIndustry-leading account support
      • MessagesSimple, reliable communication
      • Get started!Chat with our team right now
  • Pricing
  • Resources
    • Community

      Our mission is to enhance the lives of kids by enabling participation in sport

        Other resources
        • Blog
        • Coaches’ Corner
        • For Business Resources
        • TeamSnap Updates
        • Help Center
        Company
        • About
        • Careers
        • Partners
    • For Brands
      • Build relationships in the moments that matter.

        Convert families into superfans with TeamSnap for brands.

          • OverviewThe #1 way to reach the Chief Household Officer
          • AudienceLearn about our audience and network
          • CapabilitiesExplore our products and measurement solutions
          • Download Media Kit

      Find My Team

      Sign upLog in
      Sign upLog in
      BlogCoaching
      • General Sports
      • Health and Safety
      • Coaching
      • for Business
      • Announcements
      Featured image: Are You a Good Sport? How Athletes (and Coaches) Can Practice Better Sportsmanship

      Oct 14, 2021 • 4 min read

      Are You a Good Sport? How Athletes (and Coaches) Can Practice Better Sportsmanship

      /images/teamsnap-badge.png
      Monica Stockbridge

      Posted in:
      • Coaching
      • Managing Your Team
      • Sports Parents

      We’ve all seen what can happen when an athlete or a coach experiences a lapse in sportsmanship. Foul language flies out their mouth; they withhold a handshake; they disrespect the ref. It’s not only unbecoming, but it can easily derail the game and spread negativity throughout the team and spectators. 

      But what is sportsmanship, and how can we encourage our teammates, coaches and kids to show up with a great attitude, win or lose?

       

      What is sportsmanship?

      Sportsmanship is about being bigger than the scoreboard. It’s about facing difficulty with grace and respect rather than losing your cool to a tough play or a bad call. Sportsmanship is showing respect for teammates, coaches and referees no matter the outcome of the game.

       

      What is unsportsmanlike behavior?

      Most of us have probably seen examples of unsportsmanlike conduct during televised sporting events or even at live and in-person games. We may have even experienced it first-hand while playing sports or even been the victim of poor sportsmanship. So, what does unsportsmanlike behavior look like?

      • Taunting. Mocking other players or personnel through insults, sneering remarks or mean comments is rude and uncalled for. 
      • Walking off the field in the middle of the game. This not only looks bad, but can leave the rest of your team in the lurch. 
      • Running up the score. When your team is clearly ahead and the game is well in hand, continuing to score goals just because you can is selfish and tactless. 
      • Being a sore loser. No one wins all the time. When you can’t lose a game with grace and concede a loss, others will lose respect for you.
      • Being a bad winner. Winning is fun and energizing. Even if it’s a hard-earned win, temper the dramatic celebrations and resist the urge to throw it in the other team’s faces. 

      Managing emotions in the heat of the moment

      Sports can get our adrenaline pumping, and emotions can run high when we’re in the field or on the court. It’s critical to teach self-accountability. While you can’t anticipate what others will do, and can’t control someone else’s emotions, you can control your own.  

      The key to managing your emotions? Take a minute before you react. When your emotions bubble up, or when another player, ref or coach gets in your face, remind yourself to take a breath, take a water break, or even call a time-out before responding. This can give you critical time to suppress those heat-of-the-moment reactions that can cause a conflict you might regret later. 

       

      How to be a good sport

      Being a good sport is about facing the game with grace and humility no matter the outcome. Instead of focusing on winning or losing, it’s about encouraging your teammates as well as your opponents. Overall, it’s about practicing mutual respect.

       

      What are some ways to be a good sport? 

      • Try offering compliments or giving praise for a great play, even if someone scored a point on you. 
      • Respect the referees and the calls they make. Give them the benefit of the doubt – they’re probably just trying to do their best, just like you. 
      • Always shake hands after the game. It’s a great opportunity to give credit for great playing.

      Overall, remember to treat others like you want to be treated. We’ve all had great wins and suffered tough losses. Sports are about so much more than winning and losing, and treating others with dignity is a lesson we can all take to heart.

       

      Do you or someone you know need help managing their sports team or club? Sign up for a free 21-day trial today. Or check out our club and league solution, TeamSnap for Clubs and Leagues if your team is part of a larger sports organization.


      Download our app

      app-storegoogle-play

      Share this post


      Create Your Team Today!

      It’s Free and Free is Good!

      Sign Up Your Team!Free and Paid Plans Available
      Products
      Sports Organizations
      • Get a demo
      • Features
      • Pricing
      • Tournaments
      • FAQs
      Coaches or Team Managers
      • Features
      • Pricing
      • Tournaments
      • Get Started
      Parents or Athletes
      • Features
      • Pricing
      • Find My Team
      • Get Started
      Sports
      Sports Organizations
      • Baseball
      • Basketball
      • Football
      • Ice Hockey
      • Lacrosse
      • Soccer
      • Softball
      • Volleyball
      Teams
      • Baseball
      • Basketball
      • Football
      • Ice Hockey
      • Soccer
      • Softball
      • +100s more
      Resources
      • Blog
      • Coaches’ Corner
      • Return To Play
      • For Business Resource Library
      • Skills & Drills
      • Press Releases
      • TeamSnap Updates
      • TeamSnap Help Center
      • Community
      • Why TeamSnap?
      Company
      • About
      • CareersHiring!
      • For Brands
      • Partners
      • TeamSnap API
      • Responsible Disclosure Policy
      • Youth sports team and sports org app Apple App Store Logo
      • Youth sports team and sports org app Google Play Store Logo
      • social-media-facebook
      • social-media-twitter
      • social-pinterest
      • social-instagram
      • social-video-youtube
      • professional-network-linkedin
      • social-tiktok

      TeamSnap Footer Logo

      Copyright © 2005–2025 TeamSnap, Inc.

      • Sitemap
      • Terms
      • Privacy Policy
      • California Privacy Policy
      • Your Privacy Choices