Sportsmanship and Ethics in Middle and High School Sports

by Susan Mullane, Ph.D.

Core Values

• Fairness - considered a part of good sportsmanship when all have an equal chance to win a contest, respecting the rules and other players, and not cheating or gaining an unfair advantage over an opponent.

• Honesty - being truthful during a sports contest, telling officials what really happened, and refraining from using illegal methods such as false starts and altering equipment.

• Integrity - using the agreed upon principles of sports participation and sportsmanship such as accepting losing, mutual respect for opponents and rules, fairness and doing one's best, and playing the game the right way.

• Pursuit of Excellence - trying one's best, appreciation of good competition, attending practices and games, and not giving up.

• Responsibility - accepting the coach's and official's rules, doing what is best for the team and not being selfish, and giving full effort, including attending practices and all official games or contests.

• Cooperation - working as a team, abiding by coach's and league rules and guidelines, and helping teammates and opponents.

• Respect - treating others with courtesy, abiding by the rules, and accepting decisions of coaches and officials.