SPORTSMANSHIP IS #1 IN 3on3
Good sportsmanship - playing by the rules, respecting opponents and officials, and exalting hard work over outcome - is one of the most important of life’s lessons. Parents should ask themselves what they want their child to learn through playing hockey and embrace healthy and attainable goals for their children, such as developing new skills, learning to get along with others, and dealing with the emotions that come with winning and losing. Help your children set attainable goals for themselves, such as learning a new play, giving their all in practice and games, and controlling their anger after bad calls or mistakes that have been made.
Experts agree that kids should be taught good sportsmanship as soon as they begin playing in a sports program. This way, being a good sport becomes a natural part of their behavior. Children model the behavior of adults they admire, and parents are generally No. 1 on that list. So make sure your own sportsmanship is impeccable. Don't just cheer for the home team. Show your appreciation when the opposing team makes a good play. After the game, whether your child's team has won or lost, congratulate the opposing team for playing well, and shake hands with their coach. Set clear standards of behavior and enforce them, as you are ultimately responsible for teaching your child good sportsmanship.
It is so important that parents, coaches, and kids define success as trying your hardest, not winning or losing. When a player equates their self-worth by the number of games they’ve won, what do they think of themselves when they lose? Your reaction to winning or losing is really the key. After a game, don't just ask, “Did you win?” Instead, ask your child, “Did you have fun? What did you learn? How did you play? How did the team play? What did you do well? What could you have done better?” When your child loses, don't blame the officiating, the weather, faulty equipment, teammates, or some other factor. Parents should help children accurately assess their performance, to acknowledge and take responsibility for it. It's also important to acknowledge superior skill in other players. Of course, there will be times when referees and officials miss a call. Remind your child that the officials are doing the best they can and that missed calls are just part of the game - and of life.
Above all, to build good sportsmanship, parents must demonstrate unconditional love for their children, and coaches must demonstrate unconditional respect for players. Children might not always live up to our expectations, but they will always be our children.
Expectations on the other hand, come and go.
Comment on this story:
Your email address will not show up on this page. Your web site will show up if you choose to enter it. All comments are approved by a site administrator before they appear on the website.