Varsity Soccer Captains Lead Conversation about what Sportsmanship Means to an Eagles Athlete

What is Sportsmanship?  Varsity Soccer Team Senior Captains Collin Brown, Ronan Fanning, and Carter Mullin held a conversation with the Upper School student body on Tuesday, October 2, to share ideas about not just the definition of the word "Sportsmanship," but specifically what this quality means at the Creek.  

This presentation at our Upper School assembly was the first in a series of discussions that will be led by our Varsity team captains about themes related to the positive and meaningful athletic experience at Indian Creek. Athletic Director Tyler Larkin has challenged the captains of each fall varsity team to prepare a “2 Minute Drill” to present to the student body. Other upcoming topics include Leadership, Dedication, and Teamwork. 

Carter, Ronan, and Collin accepted Mr. Larkin's challenge and carried it to great heights as, together with the student body, they defined typical acts of "sportsmanship" as playing fair, following the rules of the game, respecting the judgment of referees and officials, and treating opponents with respect.  The boys defined good sportsmanship as the "golden rule" of sports — in other words, treating the people you play with and against as you'd like to be treated yourself. "You demonstrate good sportsmanship when you show respect for yourself, your teammates, and your opponents, for the coaches on both sides, and for the referees, judges, and other officials.," they shared.

The captains went on to specify that sportsmanship isn't just reserved for the people on the field. Fans - including parents - also need to be aware of how they behave during competition. Sportsmanship is a style and an attitude, and it can have a positive influence on everyone. 

The boys left their peers with some advice on Practicing Good Sportsmanship in real-life situations. They encouraged their fellow Creekers to:

• Learn as much as you can about your sport. Play by its rules. Show up for practice, work hard, and realize that on a team, everyone deserves a chance to play.
• Talk politely and act courteously toward everyone before, during, and after games and events. That includes your teammates, your opponents, your coaches and their coaches, the officials presiding over the game, and even spectators.
• Stay cool. Even if others are losing their tempers, it doesn't mean you have to. Remind yourself that no matter how hard you've practiced and played, it is, after all, just a game.
• Avoid settling disputes with violence. If you're in a difficult situation or someone's threatening you, seek help immediately from your coach or from an official. Remember, too, that if you respond with violence you could get penalized, which could hurt your chances of winning.
• Cheer your teammates on with positive statements — and avoid trash-talking the other team.
• Acknowledge and applaud good plays, even when someone on the other team makes them.
• When officials make a call, accept it gracefully even if it goes against you. Remember that referees may not be right every time — but they're people who are doing their best, just as you are.
• Whether you win or lose, congratulate your opponents on a game well played.

We can all follow the lead of our Eagles Athletes in exhibiting sportsmanship.