Being a good sport means playing fair, being a polite winner, accepting defeat with dignity, and being friendly no matter what the outcome of the game or match is.It is ok to feel disappointed when it comes to losing, but it is important to control your reaction.And the same goes for losing.Everybody likes to win, but that doesn't mean you should celebrate.Winning and losing aren't as important as playing your best, having fun, getting exercise, practicing your skills, and being friendly with the other players, the most important thing to remember is.
Step 1: You should win the right way.
A lot of winning the right way has to do with fairness and honesty.If you want to win the right way, you must refuse to cheat, be honest, and listen to your coach and referee.
Step 2: Don't get excited.
Being a good winner is important but not essential.The other team knows that you won.It doesn't have to be rubbed in.Don't say things like: "We won and you lost!"
Step 3: The other team should be respectful.
The other team just lost, so they need some encouragement.They already feel bad for losing, so they don't need you to be rude.It's important to be kind and polite to your opponents at all times.Even if you think you can beat them, you still have to be nice.No telling rude or mean jokes, no trash talking the other team, and no making fun of them.
Step 4: Give your opponent a compliment.
Being a good winner requires you to appreciate your opponents efforts and skills.Imagine how you would feel if you lost.The other team might say how well you played.You can say something like, "You guys played a great game, and I really like how well you work as a team," at the end of the game.Say something nice about your opponent if they make a great move.
Step 5: Don't laugh at your opponent
Even though the other team lost, you shouldn't make them feel bad.Even if they lost by a lot, you shouldn't make fun of the other team or the players.You can offer tips or suggestions that will help them improve their game.
Step 6: Give yourself time to cool down.
The first reaction to losing is disappointment, sadness, or anger.Giving yourself time to relax and collect yourself after a loss is part of being a good sport.Instead of yelling, crying, complaining or storming off right after the game, sit down alone for a minute.Try to focus on the things you love about the game, and take some deep breaths.You can shake hands with your teammates after that.Go to the back of the line if you need an extra minute.If you still feel like something is unfair after the game, talk to your parents or your coach.
Step 7: Don't quit if you are not winning.
It can be very discouraging when you're losing in the middle of a game, but being a good sport means sticking with it and trying your hardest, even if you don't win the game.You can't play a game if you quit in the middle of the game.If you make a mistake that could cost you the game, you should still put in the same amount of effort as before.Everyone needs encouragement after a mistake, so you should thank your teammate for trying.
Step 8: Be friendly with the other team.
It can be easy to make other people feel bad when you lose.Being a good sport means being nice to the other team even if you lose.Say something like, "You played a great game."Any team will have a hard time beating you.
Step 9: Congratulate the other person.
Both teams did their best, and you should be proud of them.Being a good loser isn't angering the team who won.You can enjoy the victory they're celebrating if you do that.The winning team should be told that they played a great game after the game.
Step 10: Don't blame others.
Accepting that you lost, and not blaming yourself, other teammates, the referee, or anyone else, is part of being a good loser.You learn from the game and use that to improve in the future.Think of a few examples from your game that show where your team can use more practice.
Step 11: Your team is cheering you on.
Your teammates need encouragement regardless of whether you're winning, losing, or have no chance of winning.You can help them feel good about their efforts by cheering them on, telling them how well they're doing, and being positive.Say things like, "come on team, we can do this," and "what a fantastic play/effort/try." Don't get down on your teammates for making mistakes.Everyone makes mistakes, including you, and nobody needs to point them out.If you want to help your teammates improve, focus on what they are doing right.
Step 12: You have to learn from your loss.
Losing a game is an opportunity to become a better player and a stronger team.If you practice hard on the areas where you need improvement, you can use your loss to your advantage.If you lost a game because your team let in too many goals, you have to work on your defensive skills.If you lost because you weren't able to score enough, then you should work on your offensive skills.If your team is disorganized, you should work on drills to improve how well you play together.If there are team members that need help with coordination or technical skills, then work on drills and exercises that will improve their abilities on the field.
Step 13: Know the rules of a game.
In order to play a fair game, you need to know the rules.The rules will tell you the object of the game, what is expected of players, and what isn't allowed.You need to know where the boundary lines are in order to play the game correctly.If you don't know all the rules of a new sport or hobby, ask your coaches, parents, and other players.You can check websites and read books.
Step 14: It's a good thing to play fair.
If you know the rules of the game, you should play by them and not cheat to get an advantage.Don't cheat means not bend the rules, not lie about how events played out, and be honest about your actions and the actions of other players.If you have an opportunity to score a basket in a game of basketball but can't do it without taking more steps than you're allowed without dribbling, resist the temptation to cheat.Even if you don't score, do your best and follow the rules.
Step 15: It's more important to try your best than it is to win.
Winning isn't the only thing important in many games.Learning the game, having fun, making new friends, and improving your skills are things you should focus on instead of caring only about winning.
Step 16: People should be given the benefit of the doubt.
Part of being a good sport is taking people's word and not suspecting others of lying or cheating.If you think a player went out of bounds but the other team says he was in bounds, let the game continue.The other team will give you the benefit of the doubt if the tables are turned.
Step 17: Don't be mean.
Showing respect for your coaches, teammates, fans, and the game officials is what this means.You can listen to what these people have to say, take their advice, and not argue with them.If your coach tells you to try a certain play on the field, try your best to execute it even if you don't like it.Even if you think you don't need to practice, you can still show your respect by showing up on time.
Step 18: Don't be a solo player.
Everyone on your team deserves a chance to play.Even if you think you need an all-star lineup on the field, you should still allow other players to play even if they need some extra practice.If your coach pulls you to give another player time on the field, don't get angry or upset, because players who do need extra practice will never get better.Even if you're a better player than your teammates, don't be a show-off.
Step 19: At the end of the game, shake hands.
Regardless of whether you won or lost, you should always shake hands with your team and opponents.It's a sign of good faith to shake hands at the end of a game, as it indicates that you're more concerned with playing well, having fun, and encouraging your team.