Sportsmanship at LPHT

According to the Webster dictionary, sportsmanship is defined to be “fair play, respect for opponents, and polite behavior by someone who is competing in or observing a sport or other competition”. From my observations so far this year our student athletes here at LPHT are showing good sportsmanship.  Not once have I seen a player berate an official for what may have been a “poor call”.  I applaud them for their self-control and their efforts.  Now if we can only carry this quality of sportsmanship over to the fans (students and adults).

Before every LPHT home basketball game the announcer reads a sportsmanship creed speaking to this very subject.  Are you listening to it while it is being read?  It goes like this: “Lester Prairie and Holy Trinity Schools encourage positive sportsmanship and behavior at our activities.  Please encourage players and coaches with positive comments and acts and also by respecting the decisions of the game officials.  What you do and say during the contest reflects on your team, school, and community.  Enjoy the game by being a good sport.”

Are you being a “Good Sport”?  Are you applauding the efforts of the athletes?  Are you respecting the calls of the officials?  Are you being positive with your comments directed towards the players, coaches, and officials?  If not, then what kind of example are we setting for the student athletes of LPHT?

Let the Coaches coach.  Let the officials officiate.  Let the players put forth their best effort.  Do not embarrass this community by yelling things like “you guys are terrible”.  Let’s be positive and proud of our teams no matter the call or the outcome.  Let’s make our section of the bleachers a “Good Sportsmanship Zone”.