As we navigate through another exciting season of athletics, I wanted to take a moment to emphasize the crucial role administrators and coaches play in modeling good behavior and sportsmanship for our student athletes. I want to take a moment to remind you of behavior expectations and the purpose of education-based athletics. We have already seen a number of occurrences of poor sportsmanship from both players and coaches in the spring season.

In the realm of education-based athletics, the values we impart to our students extend far beyond the scoreboard. It is imperative that we demonstrate integrity, respect, and sportsmanship in every aspect of competition. Our actions serve as powerful examples for our athletes, shaping not only their performance on the field but also their character off it. Sportsmanship is the cornerstone of healthy competition. It fosters camaraderie, respect for opponents, and graciousness in victory and defeat. When our coaches and student-athletes exhibit good sportsmanship, they contribute positively to the overall culture of our schools and communities.

However, the absence of these principles can have detrimental effects. When sportsmanship is compromised, it tarnishes the reputation of our schools, undermines the integrity of our athletic programs and results in penalties that diminish the support available for our students. Moreover, it perpetuates a culture of hostility and division within our community, detracting from the true essence of education-based athletics. We understand that emotions can run high in the heat of competition If you have concerns about the officiating at a game, it is important to address them calmly through the proper channels after the game. Coaches and others should communicate with the school's Athletic Director to file a complaint or express a concern. The athletic director can then contact the assignor or the MSCIAA to ensure that the issue is handled appropriately. Nevertheless, it is our responsibility to instill in our students a deep-seated respect for the game and the officials who oversee it.

Student-Athletes, coaches, administrators and spectators should help to create a positive and sportsmanlike environment regardless of what is happening in the contest. We all should also refrain from derogatory actions and/or negative remarks during athletic contests. There should be a mutual respect demonstrated among coaches, student-athletes, spectators, and officials.  We must be intentional about teaching and modeling acceptable conduct. We have been entrusted with a profound influence over the development of our student athletes. Together, let us demonstrate to our students the true essence of competition and the profound impact of exemplary behavior both on and off the field.

*Common outcomes for participants:

• Learning sportsmanship to win humbly and graciously and to lose with dignity.

• Modeling integrity through playing by the rules.

• Using teamwork in order to contribute to a greater goal in which the athlete places the team’s success or recognition before that of an individual.

• Reaching out to assist teammates, which translates into helping others around them in life and contributing to the community.

• Developing perseverance and the ability to bounce back from defeats.

• Incorporating goal-setting learned through athletics into their approach to life.

• Developing a solid work ethic that emphasizes preparation and effort.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our student-athletes and our athletic programs. Your dedication to fostering a culture of excellence does not go unnoticed, and I am confident that together, we will continue to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship.

*Ref: https://www.nfhs.org/articles/defining-education-based-activity-programs/