FALL 2017
maskmatters.org
79
What You Can Do
D
Help them set realistic goals.
D
Don’t lose perspective—it’s just a game.
D
Show tolerance, respect and good
sportsmanship.
D
Identify negative sportsmanship and
help your child deal with it without being
affected by it.
D
Have ongoing conversations about the
importance of playing fair.
D
Praise effort and teamwork.
D
Learn from losses.
D
Help them learn grit.
D
Teach them it’s OK take a break and
then go back in.
D
Teach them to lose or win with grace.
D
Teach them to be inclusive.
Conversation
Starters
“
How does being a good sport affect
the way people play the game?”
“
How does being a good sport on the
field help you off the field?”
“
How does your behavior affect
your teammates and coaches?”
“
How do your teammates, coaches,
and friends’ behaviors and expectations
affect your sportsmanship and behavior
on and off the field?”
T
he heat is on. Kids in high school want to excel if they’re vying
for college scholarships or have their sights set on playing in
the pros. Parents need to keep perspective, both for themselves
and for their high schooler. Set realistic goals for sports and
academics. Ensure your child acts with integrity no matter what they
choose to do.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that your child’s life isn’t
your chance for a “do-over.” Your child needs to choose what they want
to do for themselves, not because it’s what you wanted to do. Whatever
their chosen activity is, remember, it’s their life and their game.
Continue to emphasize respect and tolerance in their chosen activity
and remind them that it’s not about the win, but about the effort.
Colleges and pro leagues are starting to emphasize that it’s not about
the win, but how the student plays the game and what they did in the
face of adversity. Grit is what teams and colleges are looking for now, not
just awards and championship wins. When they look at applicants or
potential candidates, they want students who show good sportsmanship
by demonstrating respect, grit, perseverance, tolerance and teamwork.
So it’s important for parents to help build those skills into their
children’s identity and character, so when your child applies, their good
sportsmanship shines through.
Signs &
Behaviors
q
Deals with adversity and challenge
q
Focuses on effort not outcome
q
Shows perseverance
q
Is respectful and tolerant
q
Loses with dignity
q
Plays fair
q
Helps teammates
q
Allows weaker teammates the chance to play
q
Shows leadership skills
q
Manages conflict positively
q
Tolerates failure
q
Has positive social skills
q
Doesn’t taunt, tease or bully
