As a parent or teacher, we know that sportsmanship is essential to the healthy practice of various sports and activities. However, sportsmanship isn’t a value that is always easily acquired during a child’s evolution. Luckily, with a few good practices and consistent coaching, it is possible to help them develop this important value!
Cultivating pleasure
Kids mostly practice sports to have fun. It is therefore important to ensure that it remains an enjoyable and positive experience for them, that they are encouraged to do their best. Children shouldn’t be exposed to pressure to perform, but rather be encouraged to see sports as fun and entertaining.
Accepting defeat
Teaching children to accept defeat is a crucial part of developing sportsmanship. It is important to make them see that failure is normal and part of a healthy learning process. That a defeat allows us, on the contrary, to learn, to improve our skills and even if we lose, that it is possible to have fun. Whether it is in sport or life in general, learning to lose with grace and philosophy is capital!
Collaborate with others
Sportsmanship also means to be able to show mutual support and respect to teammates and opponents. It is thus essential to teach children how to work together to encourage others and to listen to their ideas, follow the rules, recognize qualities and strengths of other players, share, and wait for your turn…Here are just a few examples of behaviors to adopt and encourage.
Give the example
It is a known fact that children repeat what they see. It is therefore essential to set a good example during sports practices. Whether it is respecting the referee’s decisions, refraining from making disparaging comments, encouraging others, adopting a positive attitude, never forget that your actions and words have a direct impact on your children or students. Leading by example has never been so true!
By applying these tips, your children/students will quickly become sportsmanship champions!
