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Be a Good Sport

August 16, 1999

"Good sports grease the wheels of group interaction.  They promote harmony.  Poor sports, on the other hand, put a strain on team relationships.  And if people in the group have trouble getting along, the team can't come close to achieving its true potential.

So what is involved in sportsmanship?

Start with a sense of fair play, instead of playing dirty or trying to beat the rules.  Show respect for others rather than putting them down, finding fault, or promoting yourself at their expense.  Humility fits into the picture, too.  This comes down to not bragging or getting the big head when you score... not showing off... and being big enough to ask for help, admit your mistakes, or say "I'm sorry."   The good sport also can take criticism without taking it personally.

Sportsmanship requires that you show grace - for example, forgiving teammates who foul up, and sharing the spotlight when you're the hero.  It calls for a sense of humor.  Instead of taking yourself too seriously, make sure you can take a joke and laugh a t yourself.   Finally, to be a good sport you must compromise and share, rather than having to get your way, grabbing for the best toys, or "hogging the ball."

You face many moments of truth on the sportsmanship issue.  Like when you lose.  When you win.  When you don't get your way.  When y you're under pressure.  Even during the daily routine of just doing your job and dealing with others.  Your character, your attitude, are constantly on display.  Teammates pay attention to how you handle yourself.  Make sure they don't chare you with unsportsmanlike conduct (Pritchett, 1992, pp. 61-62)."

Reference:  Pritchett, P. (1992).  The team member handbook for teamwork. Dallas:  Pritchett & Associates.

Are you a good sport?

The Team Member Handbook for Teamwork is available on loan at the OSU Leadership Center.  A listing of all the Leadership Center's resources is available on our website www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~leaders

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Created: 2009-01-06, Updated: 2009-01-16