The Sportsmanship Academy Story
The Sportsmanship Academy has been inspired by the experience of myself and many other players, coaches, officials and parents I've had the pleasure of playing, coaching, and officiating with througout the years. Although sometimes it is hard to see in the heat of competition, people involved in atheltics have so much more that unites them rather than divides them.
The idea to launch this program came out of two years of closely observing the local, college and profesional sports competitions as well as off the field news. Leading up to this I was an official for ice hockey after hanging up my coaches whistle and playing skates. I was now able to look at these situations as a player, a parent, a coach, and an official. It is a unique view many of you may have as well. This opened my eyes to more games, more player activity, various practices and customs of different teams. There were several wonderful things observed that should be shared. Then there were several not so nice habits I began to observe more closely. There were football practices with teammates fighting eachother and coaches looking the other way or brushing it off. I observed abuse of officials penalties from 8 year olds, that were never rebuked, but encouraged from their coaches. Goal crease scrums in scrimmage games, headbuts in youth soccer, physical assault between coaches, and parents attacking officials. Outside of competition was sometimes shocking as well. Adult leagues and pick up games that had whole games spoiled. Not as a result of fighting or penalties, but because of a lack of respect for the game being played or simple manners.
For years in my coaching and officiating life I strived to make my players understand what sportsmanship means. How to treat your parents, coaches, teammates, and of course, the competition. I've been blessed with great coaches and mentors that emphasized that when I played. It made for a very satisfying experience that helped me get the most out of those activities. At the end of the day, these games, these competitions are to showcase your gifts, grow your talents, and enrich yourself and those around you. We at the Sportsmanship Academy would like to help your athletes succeed, stay out of trouble, and get the most out of their participation. Our goal is to teach every one of our participants or visitors to this site, the value of respect in competition as well as the many benefits that come from that one mindset. If you respect the sport, your coaches, teammates, and competition, you can't lose. You make the game safer, more enjoyable, stay out of trouble, and set yourself up for success on and off the field. We would like to help you bring your play and focus to the next level. Learn to win and lose gracefully, and avoid tempers and distractions.
