Portland St. Patrick Catholic School

This weekend, I found myself watching many basketball games at several locations and with a variety of age groups.  I watched our Shamrock varsity and junior varsity girls basketball teams play at home on Friday evening.  On Saturday morning, I traveled to Bath to watch my son’s fifth grade team play and then to Haslett to watch my daughter’s seventh grade team.  On Sunday I was off to Holt to watch my son’s team play again.  

I studied the crowds at these games and watched the different ways fans reacted to the activities on the floor.   I noticed one gentleman who yelled and clapped so much that I thought he would need to gargle salt water and soak his hands in Epsom salts when he got home.  I saw a fifth grader from the opposing team slam the ball to the ground and earn a technical foul with 1.4 seconds on the clock.  This technical cost his team one last shot to win the game.  These and other behaviors led me to reflect on the values and importance of good sportsmanship.  As the winter sports season gets underway, I would like to pass on a few thought and reminders:

•    Remember it is normal for student athletes to make mistakes.  Athletic events are learning experiences.  Praise them, not for perfection, but for their attempts to improve themselves as students, as athletes, and as people.

•    Keep in mind that paying admission to an athletic event is not a license to be obnoxious or verbally assaultive to others.  Refrain from taunting or making any derogatory remarks.  Use only cheers that support and uplift the teams involved.

•    Support your own team, but also show respect to the opposing team, coaches, and fans, as well as to the game officials.

•    Recognize excellent plays by either team and show appreciation for a game well played.

•    Be a positive role model through your own actions and by censuring those around you at events where their behavior is unbecoming.

I would like to offer these additional thoughts for those who have children involved in interscholastic athletics.

•    Remember your child is playing the sport for his/her enjoyment.  They are not playing so you can live your life through them; they are not playing to entertain you.  Children who are pushed too hard will become resentful and will not get any fulfillment from participating.

•    Do not have unrealistic expectations.  Your child will probably not be the next Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, or Derek Jeter.  Ridiculing him/her for making a mistake is unacceptable and will not help them play better.  Doing one’s best is as important as winning.  

•    Help your child focus on his/her role on the team not the amount of playing time that any individual receives.  

•    Remember younger students should be learning the fundamentals of the game, team work, and good sportsmanship, not focusing on winning or losing.

•    Respect the officials’ decisions and encourage your child to do the same.

•    Respect and show appreciation for the coaches.  They are working for very little pay, or are volunteering their time.  They are teachers and role models for our youngsters.  A word of thanks goes a long way.

•    Finally, remember to always show good sportsmanship since young people learn best by example.  Trust me when I tell you they are definitely watching you at all times.

As we enter the busy winter sports season, I wish all of our area teams the best of luck.  May your season be a positive, safe, and fun experience!