FALL 2017
maskmatters.org
63
“Sportsmanship for
me is when a guy
walks off the court
and you really can’t
tell whether he won
or lost, when he
carries himself with
pride either way.”
– Jim Courier
LIFE
BEYOND
THE
GAME: SOLIDIFYING
SPORTSMANSHIP
By // Sydney Wolfe
A
s the humid air blankets the atmosphere, and the
tension and anticipation rise, there’s nothing left
but the game and the player. Suddenly, the cheers
are a muted whisper and the lights enclose what is
left. They all say the opponent is your enemy, but
what if this whole time people have been stereotyping what
constitutes sportsmanship?
Why look at the ball when the move you make is the
most important thought? It is this man-versus-self conflict
that determines a true athlete.
Sportsmanship is often stereotyped to heroic
players and MVPs. However, sportsmanship applies
to different aspects of each person’s life. From
putting on the jersey to hitting the books, it is how
we carry ourselves that describe us as a human.
Sportsmanship goes beyond the game. Obviously, the
humble player is cherished for their ethics, but who’s to say
it’s different in the real world? A true athlete expresses calm
in the midst of chaos and hope in the face of darkness.
When I was younger, I used to play soccer. My team
and I would always lose; we were the team others took a
breather on, but we were always left breathless. Although
it was discouraging, perseverance and hope would always
somehow persist. We tried to remain optimistic about a goal
and be hopeful for a positive outcome.
As opposing players lined up to
exchange a “sportsman-like” handshake at
the end of a game, you could always tell
the type of player they were:
THE LIMP LIMB
– This player is often
the discouraged type who either doesn’t
care or is disappointed with their teams’
outcome.
THE FIRM FIST
– Usually the most
humble way to confidently, yet kindly,
exchange a high-five to the opposing team.
THE SASSY SLAP
– Expressing your
utmost disrespect through arrogance—a
smirk and typically a stinging palm.
While there are all different types of people, you can
choose the traits you possess. Not only do they define the
player within, but solidify the person you are.
As celebrated tennis player Jim Courier once said,
“Sportsmanship for me is when a guy walks off the court
and you really can’t tell whether he won or lost, when he
carries himself with pride either way.”
Throughout life, there are ups and downs. Sportsmanship
is not defined by the player you are, but by the person you
choose to be. And no matter the choice, there is a good
sport in all of us.
there are infractions,” says Trent Thornton, an
economics teacher at Perry High School. “If [a
player] commits a penalty, there is a consequence.”
Another key tenet of good sportsmanship
is respect. Respecting teachers, parents, siblings
and peers is important when displaying healthy
sportsmanship in everyday life.
“In the classroom, it’s a little different because
I’m supposed to be the ‘referee.’ But I can’t see
everything,”Thornton says. “Be honest with me,
be honest with yourself, have some integrity.”
Being a good sport isn’t always easy. When
competing, the main focus might be winning, but fair
behavior toward others is just as important. Competing can
be difficult, especially if the mindset is only on winning.
There will always be a winner and a loser, but it’s how people
handle the situation that truly makes them a winner.
“A good sport is someone who stays humble in times of
victory and defeat, and is able to keep their cool no matter
the outcome,” says Perry High School senior Bella Vojacek.
Being a good sport takes hard work and dedication, and
also takes a quality attitude and humility. Sportsmanship is
a key aspect in a teen’s life and can leave a lasting impact on
their future.
