Sportsmanship and how it matters. . .

For years sportsmanship, had been a term used to describe a player’s attitude during and after games.   As youth sports have continued to grow so has the concept of sportsmanship.   What studies have shown us is sportsmanship on the field has a direct correlation to off the field.  It’s important we understand their behavior has consequences as it does affect the game.  More importantly than the effect it has on any particular game is the impact it has on the players and referees for years to come. 

Coaches are held responsible not only for their actions, but also the actions of their players and parents.  Parents and fans need to understand in order for the coaches to coach, they can’t be focused on your behavior.  With that being said it seems each season, I am disappointed when I have to put out yet another reminder regarding expected behavior of our coaches, players, parents and fans. 

We all know there have been referees assaulted in the game of soccer.  In fact, one lost his life a few years ago on the other side of the state as a direct result of the assault.   WMYSA is not isolated from this unacceptable behavior.  We have had referees harassed, belittled, threatened and assaulted over the past few years.   One of our 15-year-old referees who was an AR for a game and struck in the back with a banana peel from a parent. 

Now while some may think this is humorous, I do not.  When we get complaints about the quality of referees whose at fault?  Is it the fault of the referee association for not drawing more experienced individuals or the coaches, parents and fans who make the environment intolerable for anyone wanting referee?  If we want better quality referees (and I am by no means indicating, we don’t have good quality experienced individuals officiating our games) then take some personal accountability to make it an environment they want to continue being involved in.  

Just out of curiosity as parents and fans, let’s take a moment to reflect on how many times you have made a negative comment in a game to a referee.  Then think about the number of times as a parent or fan which you actually told a referee thank you after a game or they did a good job.   If I were a betting man I would say the comparison is sadly overwhelmingly lopsided.   Sportsmanship begins with all of us!  Please note negative behavior is not only unacceptable, but will not be tolerated.     

If you are looking for tips on how to help one another deal with frustration, please read the below article put out several years ago. 

” The Importance of the Pause ” By Ken Pope, former WMYSA President