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***FIRST PLACE*** The Day I Was Proud To Finish Last Molly Grace Gorman Notre Dame Academy (Hingham)

It was a beautiful late September day in New England when we lined up for our 1.8 mile race on NDA’s home cross country course in Hingham’s Town Forest. The leaves were beginning to explode in their seasonal colors, and the sky was crisp and clear. Unlike other forms of running, cross country races are generally not run in front of spectators. For the most part, coaches and fans only see their teams at the beginning and at the end of the event. During the competition, participants are on their own. On this day, I felt really strong, and while I am sure that both teams were anxiously anticipating the meet, I was ready to win.

At the starting gun, I bolted into the lead; I had been training hard all Fall and it was finally paying off. The course varies throughout its length and after a mass start, the trail narrows over unpredictable terrain, making it difficult to overtake runners in front of you. As I ran toward the “loop” (the mid-point where runners turn for the trek back to the finish line), I realized that this was one of the few times that I was actually leading a race at the turn. I guessed that my lead was 100 yards (20 seconds over my nearest challenger). I felt a of adrenaline as I began passing other harriers who had not yet reached the ioop, and made my rush toward the finish line and my first win ever!

Prior to the race, I noticed a blonde-girl from Winchester in warm-ups. I could tell she was fast, and I figured that she would be the runner to beat today. Now, as I stretched my lead, I saw her again, sitting by the side of the path, crying and suffering from an asthma attack. Athletes on both teams ran by her without a glance, intent on getting to the loop and winning the race. At first, I too ran by her, focused on victory, however, after a few steps, I stopped racing and returned to her side to give her assistance. As I kneeled next to her, encouraging her to get her breathing under control, and reassuring her that everything would be alright, every other racer on both teams, strode by us on their way to the finish. After a while her breathing trouble subsided, and my fellow competitor and I walked the mile or so back along the trail where we crossed the finish line together.

To this day, I don’t know the name of the girl that I stopped to help. I don’t regret giving up a chance to win my first race because stepping up and helping her was the right thing to do. There will be other races, and I hope that if I am ever in a similar situation, that someone would do the same thing for me.

On a day when Mother Nature’s spectacular color palette of autumn foliage was on display for all to enjoy, I started a cross country race wanting to be the winner. An hour later, I walked across the finish line last, knowing that I was. 6

***SECONDPLACE*** How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Fallon Bushee Mystic ValleyRegional Charter School

As a three-sport athlete, I am lucky to be surrounded by athletes who are not only of top physical prowess, but also of great character. My cross country team chases after opponents who have run off-course to set them straight again; my swim team laughs and jokes with the team that is supposedly our rival; my track team takes javelin-throwing lessons from opposing track teams during meets. I have grown to expect this kind of behavior from all athletes, whether they are from my team or any other team, but just like with anything else in the sports world, one never can cease to be amazed.

This season, my cross country team had a meet against our rival team. One member of that team was a highly skilled racer, an upperclassman whom I knew only as Alyssa. The last time we raced each other, I beat her by just a few seconds, and I knew she must still be furious about it and eager to destroy me. My coach and my team were counting on me to win, and I knew what I had to do, but I was terrified of the outcome: what would her reaction be if I beat her again? More importantly, were she to best me, would I be able to lose with grace?

When the race started, Alyssa pulled way ahead of me, but I gradually moved up next to her. For three miles, I ran on her right side, and for three miles, I could sense her ever-mounting irritation with my presence there. It came to a final sprint: just like our last race, I barely out- sprinted her. I sat down on the ground and prepared myself from the onslaught that was surely to come. I had beaten her, again, by three measly seconds. I could only imagine how angry she must be.

To my surprise, when I looked up, Alyssa smiled at me. She held out her hand and said simply, “Awesome race.” I shook her hand, and with a smile she said “You know, I haven’t lost a race in two years.” She laughed, and added, “Congratulations.”

I was in complete awe. We had run so fast, come so far, and finished so closely and yet she laughed; her first loss in two years, and yet she congratulated me. Anybody else would have been angry beyond belief. I thanked her for running with me; I did not know what else to say to respond to her outstanding grace and amazing sportsmanship.

As athletes, we always try to learn as much as we can about our sports and apply these lessons whenever we get the chance; it is athletes like Alyssa who teach us that even the best of us need to practice the discipline of sportsmanship. She proves that all athletes have the choice to take responsibility for how we carry ourselves, and it is this choice that will forever keep the spirit of sportsmanship alive. 7

***THIPfl PLACE*** How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? James Rindo Lowell High School

It was the second round at the national tournament at the Albany Racquet Club, where I was in a grueling third set with another player from upstate New York. Throughout the match, my opponent has, as players of the sport say, “hooked” me on a few shots, forcing me to lose points, some crucial, some not. Already battling fatigue and frustration, we had reached a deciding point in the match, one that would create a huge advantage for the winner. I vividly remember that point, for my heart was pounding, body was hurting, and mind was racing with various strategies. I quickly served, and thus the rally had begun, allowing me to wait for my opportunity to see the short and slam a winner. Soon my chance had arrived, I saw the open court, and painted the line with an amazing shot. However, that one word, “out,” that I had heard moments later, still rings in my ears today. He had cheated again, and although furious and heartbroken, I could not change a thing, for it was his call and there were no officials present. From that point on, what I did, or most importantly, what I didn’t do, remains one of my proudest and most mature choices of my life.

That tournament proved to be an important learning lesson for me. Although I went on to lose that match, I did not act reactively and let my emotions get the best of me. Instead, I kept a cool head, remained calm, and did my best to maintain good sportsmanship. Despite the fact that this match was one of the biggest of my life, I knew deep inside that I was truly a winner for showing great respect for my sport and good ethics. What I take pride in the most from that experience is my ability to let my love for tennis come before my desire to win. I feel I made the right decision that day: to preserve my honor and walk away a genuine winner. To me, the choice was easy. It wasn’t a question of winning or losing, but as long as a love for the sport was present, the answer was simple. By letting a sense of integrity constantly guide you in the right path and lead you to become the best person you could be, and nothing less, your sportsmanship will always be admired by all. 8

***FINALIST*** Fear or Rice? The Choice is Yours! Julie Fraser Hanover High School

Sports-man-ship; n. Conduct and attitude considered as befitting participants in sports, especially fair play, courtesy, striving spirit, and grace in losing. The majority of the time, it is a difficult task to keep sportsmanship high, especially when things don’t go your way. Unfortunately, some people utterly fail to possess a mere iota of sportsmanship. On the contrary, there are several remarkable team players, who fulfill hope, strength, and positive attitudes not only in themselves, but in their teammates. What creates the difference between these two types of players? The answer is simple; choices. It’s our choices that determine the effects of our lives, they are the basis for the occurrences that either go our way, or go just the way we hoped they wouldn’t.

You’re going strong, nearing the end of the game when the heat is rising and you can feel the tension bursting through the air around you. Your adrenaline has risen; sweat breaking out of every pore; and simultaneously your heart pounds in your chest, stimulating every sense and emotion inside of you. You set your eye on the prize, put your best foot forward, and give that moment everything you have. So, what happens when you fail? Your team loses that point, and the other team takes the lead. The mere thought of losing is far from fathomable, yet your team has now hit this mark, bringing you one step further to that dreadful possibility. It is in this moment that you are presented with a choice.

This choice is not one of action, but of the initial attitude you choose to possess when such unfortunate events transpire. This vital step is constantly overlooked, with one not realizing the consequences it holds. Choose to possess the feelings of frustration and anger from the mistake your team made, and you will receive only negative consequences. As you focus on the negative aspect of the episode, your sportsmanship will suffer. As Master Po from Kung-Fu said, “If a man dwells on the past, then he robs the present.” Focusing your mind on what happened and holding it with you in a negative way will prevent you and your team from successfully performing in the present.

Caine from Kung-Fu goes on to explain, “If you plant rice, rice will grow. If you plant fear, fear will grow.” Making the choice to accept the mistake, to move on, and to believe you will succeed the next time, is the essence of “planting rice.” What you put into your mind, and influence into your teammate’s minds through good sportsmanship, will then be produced in front of your very eyes. It’s the simple step of choosing to stay positive that influences superior sportsmanship, distributing amongst your team a wonderful vibe to create an overall positive outcome.

For all you superstar athletes out there, consider this. Next time you’re in the midst of an exhilarating agile moment, will you simply choose to plant fear, or will you rise to the challenge and plant the rice? 9

***FINALIST*** How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Melissa Psallidas North Reading High School

Life is a series of choices. Each moment may bring us to a different decision; a road with many paths and the route is up to us. Some are easy while others are difficult, and some are fun while others less amusing. While there may never be a distinct right or wrong, this series of choices will eventually lead us to a final destination. If you could choose your destination, what would it be? What kinds of choices will it take to get you there?

Often times, making the choices that will lead you to your goal can mean taking what we often call “the high road.” While this road is a better paved path to your destination, it usually requires sacrifice. If our ultimate goal is being a strong team player with leadership and, most importantly, sportsmanship, what kind of sacrifices do we need to make? What kinds of things will we encounter on this “high road”?

The most important aspect to this kind of decision making is putting your team before yourself. Whether you are a captain or an upcoming freshman, your personal choices affect the team around you. They affect the people that you practice with when your coach is making you run 100 yard long sprints until you collapse. They affect the people that haven’t slept in days because they are so focused on winning the big game coming up. They affect the people that have been there to support you; to lift you up when you’re down and rejoice with you when you’re on top. They affect the people that you cry with when you lost in double . And they affect the people that you win with. These choices affect the people with whom you share your victories.

So if for nothing else, do it for your team because that’s what sportsmanship is. It’s the spirit and the etiquette of the game. It’s the way you treat others and the way you treat yourself. It’s the attitude and the mindset. It’s the understanding of the way that things should be done. Good sportsmanship can mean speaking up in a critical situation, or simply keeping your mouth shut. But whatever it is, take the high road and do it right. Do it for your team.

Does it pay off? Usually, but not always. And that’s the thing about taking the high road. It’s not about getting credit for the right decisions that we make. We make them because we know deep down that we should. Whether for the short term or long term, it will all come back to help us one day. So please bear these things in mind when you find yourself at a crossroad. These correct decisions will eventually turn into a habit, and our habits make up the way that we live and who we are. Always continue to challenge your own limits and create the opportunity to help your team. This is the road to success. 10

***FJNALIST*** How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Joseph Napoli King Philip Regional High School

A bead of sweat lazily rolls down my arm. Its slow march is in complete contrast with the violent world surrounding me. The screaming fans, the blinding lights, the smell of dirt, it can mean only one thing, Friday night football. It is fourth down with three yards to the . A score here will put our rivals Franklin ahead and ruin our perfect season. The ground seems to shake with the excitement of the crowd. Franklin’s offence breaks their huddle, and the world outside of the field disappears. A calmness enters me leaving me alert and focused. As the linemen approach I get into my stance, the grass is cool on my fingers, and I know then that everything I have ever done up until this point was for this moment. The ball is snapped and I break from my stance like a racehorse exploding out of the gate tearing through the offensive line. There in front of me is the with the ball in his hands. I lunge towards him, my heart beating a thousand times a minute, I am driven by a primal desire that burns my body and warms my soggy, frozen limbs. He throws the ball just before I reach him. A whistle blows, every instinct is telling me to finish him; to hit him as hard as I can. The choice I made next is the most important choice I will ever make on a football field.

There are several choices I can make in this situation. The choice I made will directly effect sportsmanship because ones actions determine whether or not one is practicing good sportsmanship. The two paths I could have taken were to either hit the quarterback after he had thrown the ball or to avoid the quarterback and dive away. If I had hit the quarterback it would have been close enough to the whistle that the referee would not call it. Hitting him would not help my team in anyway, it would just be a late hit and a poor show of sportsmanship. If I chose to not hit the quarterback and dove away from him I would get dirty, but I would avoid harming a defenseless player. The second of the two is a true sign of sportsmanship.

Of all the lessons that follow us through our lives sportsmanship is a faithful guide to constantly remind us that most choices have consequences, good and bad, that influence the outcome of who we are. Every choice on and off the field comes back to characterize what kind of player we will become. I strive to make the right moral choice and to apply good sportsmanship where ever I go. I chose that cold Thanksgiving Day not to hit the quarterback but to avoid him on the field and have the dignity to look him in the eye after the game, win or lose, and say “good game”. 11

***FINALIST*** How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Kiernan 0 ‘Malley Monument Mountain Regional High School

Everything we need to know about life, we learn on the sports field. Most of us start to learn this at a very young age. What are some of the things, for instance, that a “U-b” soccer coach might teach his young players? To play nice. To follow the rules. To understand that there is someone in charge who we need to listen to, respect, learn from, and obey. We learn that it’s important to treat our opponents fairly. We learn the limitations of our world. We learn that when we break the rules, there are consequences. We learn that even when players make bad choices on the field and accept their consequences, that the next day, they have another chance to start all over again—to show their teammates and their opponents that they truly understand how to play the game with respect and with character. In learning all these seemingly simple things, we learn what it takes to be a good sport.

So, both sports — and sportsmanship - teach us a lot about life. The question is, will we take all we learn from both and apply it to our lives — apply it to making the right choices in life? And even “when the going gets tough”, as they say, can we “get going” — and “get going” in the right way? This is how sportsmanship can affect our choices.

On the other hand, and to address the question at hand, how do our choices impact sportsmanship? Well, our choices on the sports field, court, diamond, etc. everyday either support the idea of good sportsmanship or do not. That’s the bottom line. Playing “dirty” or even allowing it from teammates, undermines good sportsmanship. Inciting players from the opposing team, breaking the rules behind the referees’ back — these all undermine good sportsmanship. Playing by the rules and keeping our emotions in control, however - even when there are unfair calls against us, or inappropriate and unruly fans in the stands - both help reinforce good sportsmanship.

Arthur Ashe stated, “you are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself, your own highest standards.” Our attitude towards sportsmanship reveals our “standards.” It reveals our character - our morality. It reveals our sense of fairness in the world. It is a true indicator of respect, of responsibility, of honor, and of integrity.

Everything we need to know we learn on the sports field. The hope is that we will all follow these written and unwritten rules on the field and be good “sports,” supporting good sportsmanship, but perhaps even more importantly, if we can take all we learned and apply it beyond the field — in life — the world will be a better place in which to not only play, but to live. So, to all the “U-b” soccer coaches out there — or for that matter, all coaches of all sports — you’re really life coaches, shaping the moral character of America’s youth through sportsmanship. Keep up the good work. 12

***FINALJST*** Sportsmanship - Got It In You? Zach Hall Abby Kelley Foster Regional Charter School

“Good luck today!” “I know you can do it!” “Keep that pace!” “Push for that 5:30 mile today, c’mon!”

In the world of sports, sportsmanship means everything; a true athlete cannot be measured solely by his skill or facility of the sport, but with mindful attention to how he acts during the sport.

I run one of the most unpopular sports at the high school level, cross-country, where I often like to remark that “my sport is another sport’s punishment”, but it’s also for that exact reason sportsmanship is such an integral part to it as it is of any sport. Runners of cross-country display their best efforts for everyone to judge. They can only blame themselves for their failure and they are the only one who can take the credit for their own success. Therefore, it is difficult to see where interaction between athletes makes a difference and thus the role of sportsmanship.

However, if you have ever been out sprinted in the final stretch of a race, you would know. If you have led an entire race and are passed only after you fall up a hill, you would know. If you were running last place but knew that you had teammates at the finish line waiting to see you in the distance, you would know.

It does not matter what team you are on, you must always support a fellow athlete. When you pass someone in cross-country, you cheer that person on; when you are passed in cross-country, you extend a high-five and congratulate them. When you fall, you don’t blame the person who passes you for that unfortunate accident; you encourage her to keep that lead. When you pass a fallen runner, you inspire him to rise up again.

“Get back on your feet, you’re doing too good!” “Run it, run it, run!” “Go, go—you’re so close!” “Move it, don’t stop now!”

It is explicitly the choices that you make that make a sport worth playing, and these are the choices which comprise sportsmanship. It is the golden rule of sports. If a fellow athlete falls, I cheer him on. If I pass another runner, I praise her efforts. If I out-sprint another, I appreciate his competition. Thankfully, I don’t need to hope for that courtesy in return because I know that anyone who exhibits sportsmanship will always encourage me to greater efforts. That’s what I want; so that’s what I give.

Every choice made by an athlete must be made for the benefit of his team; every choice made for the benefit of one team should never be made at the expense of another. That is sportsmanship. That is why sportsmanship continues to flourish. And that is why the choices I make are, as are the choices of every athlete, made with sportsmanship in mind and in soul.

“Let’s go, dig!” “I kill downs, but you certainly kill ups.” “I knew you could do it!” “Congratulations!” 13

***FINALIST*** How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? David Podurgiel Scituate High School

It’s standard sports procedure that after a game both teams line up, extend their hands and walk down the line repeating the words “good game, good game.” The ritual is intended to be a show of sportsmanship, but in today’s world of youth sports, the congratulatory line-up has become so automatic it’s lost its meaning. True sportsmanship doesn’t come automatically; it is driven by real intentions. The unprompted choices we make, both on and off the field, have the most impact on the spirit of sportsmanship.

In my little league days my town team showed true sportsmanship. It was the town championship game, there were two outs, a full count and we were losing. At the plate for my team was a batter who hadn’t made contact with a ball all season. In came the pitch. The batter swung and actually hit the ball, which popped up and landed in the first baseman’s glove for the last out. At that moment, we all felt the urge to groan, but instead we cheered. We piled out of the dugout, gathered around our teammate to congratulate him on making contact with the ball. At the age of ten, with no encouragement from our coaches, we made the decision to be good sports and it had an impact on everyone there.

As I continued my career, I realized you can choose to show good sportsmanship just as often off the field. I’ve played on many travel teams and have come to know many players from surrounding towns. When we get together, there’s a tendency to start “trash-talking,” but I’ve made it a point to keep it positive. Making good conversation, rather than putting other teams’ or players down, not only reflects well on our team, but it positively impacts our sport as a whole.

By the time I entered my freshman year, I understood that our choices also have the power to hurt a team. When I entered high school I heard all too often about athletes getting into trouble outside of sports. News of student athletes getting caught with drugs and alcohol or becoming academically ineligible were outcomes many of them could have avoided by choice. These unfortunate decisions off the field have impacted teams and can reflect poorly on teammates and coaches in the eyes of the public.

When we make the decision to do the right thing, we have the power to positively impact sportsmanship. As student athletes, we have to do more than automatically say “good game, good game.” We have to go beyond what is expected, both on and off the field. 14

***FINALIST*** How Do My Choices Impact Sportsmanship? LyndsyMuri Ashland High School

In every sport, every player makes decisions whether on or off the field. Many of these choices can either highlight a person’s superior sportsmanship, or show that they are lacking of any sportsmanship at all. I believe sportsmanship is what makes a difference between champions who revered and the elite winners who are looked down upon as being self conceited and undeserving. Sportsmanship is shown in a number of ways; whether it is saying thank you to a referee, saying “good game” to your opponent, or encouraging your own teammates to respect themselves and others, you are showing sportsmanship. These things do not just happen however, one must choose to act in these ways, or choose not to.

I have learned from excellent coaches what sportsmanship looks like and I have learned from coaches who do not care about sportsmanship, what not to do when trying to appear like an athlete who respects those around her. Now every game I play, every practice I attend, every youth team I coach, I choose to be more like those superior coaches, and less like those who only focus on other goals, like winning. One of the most consistent ways I choose to express sportsmanship is by smiling to the other team when we shake hands and say “good game”. Even if my team has just lost an important game, and I would rather be crying than smiling, I know that smiling is one thing that I can do to show the other team I respect them, and that I truly enjoyed playing the game.

After a game, my teammates sometimes gossip about the other team and how they showed some type of negative behavior. This forces me to make a decision whether I will take part in the gossip, or whether I will choose to avoid it. Although this is a very difficult decision, and I can feel peer pressure weighing down on me even when my teammates are not purposefully trying to create it, I try to evade this type of activity. I have realized gossiping only creates bad feelings, and has no good outcome. This choice is much harder than just choosing to smile, especially since the other team, my coaches, and the referees do not see me making this decision. However, I know it is wrong to gossip, and right to show sportsmanship, by not talking about the other team behind their back.

Clearly, the choices I make impact my sportsmanship and that of my team. These choices are not ones that my coaches or parents can make for me; they can only be influenced by what they have taught me. Every athlete chooses to show sportsmanship or not, which has a big effect on themselves, their team, their school, and everything else they represent. I now realize that my choices impact sportsmanship and that I should and will choose to act with a sportsmanship like attitude in all I do. 15

***FINALIST*** How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Brett Roche Silver Lake Regional High School

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Or don’t.

In life that’s really the only choice that matters. To take the next breath, to choose to live another moment. And then another. And then another. Or not to. To hold it in, to choke it back and wait for the cold and the blackness and the final beat: thump-thump. But human life is not limited to this choice. Human life is a matrix of choices, a complexity framed by a plethora of everyday decisions and molded together by their ensuing consequences. Choice is more than a manifestation of human free will, it is the notes that compose the symphony of life.

Every choice has consequence and every consequence has value. That value is one’s character, one’s codes and morals and values. For in life, choice is what makes us walking sacks of flesh and bone human. And when sport is life and life is sport, when the air one breathes in is that of a fresh cut soccer field and the air one breathes out reeks of Gatorade and salty perspiration, choice is what makes a human an athlete.

Skill and practice and ambitions make a player; brotherhood and unity and reliance make a teammate; points and victories and trophies make a champion, but none of these make an athlete. None of these set the standards and values of an athlete. None of these compose the codes and morals that define an athlete. Athletes are the product of choice, the choice to lift a fallen teammate from the floor, the choice to shake the hands of their opponents and to stand beside the champion’s podium with the silver or bronze or nothing at all and keep their head held high.

Their choice is to honor the sport and its players and its coaches and its fans, and to know that the points they earn and the baskets they make and the goals they score, and the medals they wear and the trophies they raise are not of themselves but of the sport. An athlete does not make his choice, the choice makes him.

Honesty is the athlete’s bread, commitment is his water, and integrity is his air. The athlete may break his promises, may shun his responsibilities, and may forfeit his honor, choosing a path void of sportsmanship, just as the human may choose not to breathe in. Breathe out. But to do so would bring the cold and the blackness and the final beat: thump, thump. For when sport is life and life is sport, that is the only choice that matters. 16

***FINALIST*** How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Sarah Weisberg North Reading High School

The choices surrounding sportsmanship draw mainly upon inclusiveness, ethical thought and positive actions. It requires us to deny some of our most primitive reactions to challenge and defeat. To control the unabashed residual thrill of beating an opponent, whether they are on the field or off, is the litmus test for true victory.

Success is measured by the consistency of character; not just the ability to overpower the current rival. In the split second between laughing in the face of the loser or shaking hands with a formidable opponent, that moment comes down to the decision we all must make: “Am I being the best person I know how to be?” Choice is perhaps the most difficult life skill to master. Combine that difficulty with a fluid situation involving competition and choices not well made can result in, to say the least, complications.

That’s off the field too. Sportsmanship isn’t just graciously winning the proverbial big game. Ethics, values; they all play a paramount role in the way we comport ourselves in society, the integrity that will follow us as we navigate the game of life. When to advance, when to hold back, and always knowing who our teammates and allies are.

It’s a commonly known fact that life is often less than fair. Sometimes, it’s downright miserable and tough to navigate. With perseverance, ethics and positive actions, any athlete, scholar, student- you name it, is able to advance forward and continue. For every choice we make, we are held accountable for our actions. It’s genuinely up to each and everyone of us to decide if those actions are something to be proud of or not. In keeping with standards set and met by most athletes, any number of us are able to stand up and be held to the choices we have made.

As we leave high school and continue to college, the choices we have made along the way will impact the ones we shall make in the future. Our real challenge now is to make our already admirable decisions and choices even better. 17

***FINALIST*** How Our Choices Impact Sportsmanship Brendan Emanuel North Attleborough High School

Historically, athletes have competed against one another for thousands of years. Be it a simple game native to the region or a large multi-event competition such as the Olympics, sportsmanship has always been valued as a part of culture. As violent as war is there are rules of engagement, a code of conduct between warriors that is left unbroken. These paths of respect and brotherhood that have been set down before us are evident in today’s society. Every game you watch on television or you play with friends there are sets of rules that those who play must abide by them. If you don’t follow these rules, these codes of conduct, you jeopardize the right to participate for you must have respect for your competitor as well as yourself. In our sports the choices we make do not only pertain to the competing athletes but to the spectators, coaches, and teammates.

In all competitions there’re people who attend and root for a favored side. There are spectators in every sport and they wish to see their favorite competitor rise to the challenge and soar above the rest. They expect rules to be followed so that fair combat can be waged based on skill and determination rather than tricks and cheating. The conduct within a match is just as important as who wins or loses. Those who cannot play by the rules are chastised and are seen as villains instead of the heroes they wish to represent.

Every competitor has a coach who mentors them. They teach them the rules of the game and how to abide by them. Coaches are very important to any athlete because they prepare them for the battles to come and push them to their full potential; they see you for what you could be rather than what you are. When you win a match your coach shares in that victory and it’s a powerful and fulfilling thing. But this is a double edged sword. If your actions are disrespectful then your coach shares in that disrespect. You hurt the person who’s given everything for you to have a shot at seizing glory.

Your teammates are your brothers and you should treat them as such. Show them pride and honor and they will give it in return. You must also set a good example for your teammates. Acting poorly and not showing respect to your competitors breeds bad behaviors throughout the team. So when you make bad decisions you aren’t the only one who pays in the long run, you negatively affect your teammates too.

The choices we make on and off the playing field are important. Whether it’s a mat or a field your actions have consequences. You must do the right thing because the choices you make affect all those around you. Don’t be selfish; earn respect for your spectators, coaches, teammates, and even your rivals by showing good sportsmanship. Remember, you aren’t the only one affected by the choices you make.

“You must he the change you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi 18

***FINjJjST*** How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Jacqui Lyman Wilmington High School

As Denis Waitley once said, “There are two primary choices in life; to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.” This idea is essential to good sportsmanship and leadership on a team. When you step on the field as part of a team, everyone out there represents one unit, one town, one group. Each individual person makes a choice of how they want to act during the game. If a bad decision or action occurs, they are no longer only showing disrespect on their behalf but it is also a reflection on the entire team. This is where key leadership comes into play. From a captain’s perspective, they are the ones who are the backbone and basis for the team. The captains earned their title with hard work over the years and proved that they are capable of managing, organizing, and motivating the group.

To reinforce this idea, I will set the scene. Imagine the last home game of the season. The stands are packed with fans and it is the last time the seniors on the team will ever play at their high school. The three senior captains are counting on this game to be the most exciting and thrilling game for them. They want to win one more time just to leave their mark. Just before the game, the captains pump up the team and get everyone ready to dominate and come out strong. As the game begins, the refs start to realize some players are starting to play dirty or make side comments. These actions could escalate into something worse if not handled right away. One person needs to step up for their team and make the choice to act better than that. If the entire team was to let the bad actions continue, the game would no longer be enjoyable for anyone playing or watching. Not only that, but then the players are showing how disrespectful and immature they are.

When a true team player steps on the field, they would never let personal vendettas against an opponent get in the way of their primary goal to win. If a player makes the right decisions to ignore the dirty actions of another opponent, they are proving to everyone of how strong they really are. Standing tip against something like that and making a choice to be better than that reveals character and good sportsmanship. Attitude is everything and motivating and raising spirits of a team is very important. Choices made on and off the field prove whether a team is really as strong as they may look. A team not only needs skill, but they need integrity and unity. “You are the person who has to decide. Whether you’ll do it or toss it aside; you are the person who makes up your mind. Whether you’ll lead or will linger behind. Whether you’ll try for the goal that’s afar, or just be contented to stay where you are.” (Edgar A. Guest) 19

***FINALIST*** How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Kayla Setters Somerset High School

Every choice you make has an impact on something. Whether it is slight or large, there is still significance to your actions. An athlete holds a huge responsibility, because it’s not just about being the fastest, the top scorer, the highest jumper, and the most aggressive defender, it’s also about who you are on and off the playing field. The noblest idea that an athlete can choose to believe is that winning isn’t the most important thing. What it’s about is being able to say to yourself at the end of a game or practice, “I tried my best.” You can be a player that will just give up at the sight of a losing game, but the difference between a good athlete and a great athlete, is someone who will finish what they started, and do it the very best they can. When my grandmother, Shirley May France, attempted to swim the English Channel, she was competing with three other swimmers who also wanted to complete the swim. They became friends and helped each other along in their training. She not only gained respect for attempting the swim, but also the respect from her competitors. Choices are so important in athletics because you are in charge of the person you wish for people to see. It’s your choice whether you will cheer on a teammate who you may be competing against for playing time. It’s your choice whether you want to help your competitor off the ground after they’ve fallen. It’s your choice to follow the rules of the game, and to be an honest player. It’s your choice to shake your opponents hand after you’ve lost a hard game. Sports may just be games, but more than that, they are a test of your character and spirit. Displaying true sportsmanship is a prime example of an athlete, who not only makes the right choices, but also truly believes in the right choices. 20

***FINALIST*** How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Sean Vanzant Sabis International Charter School

Six minutes is all I have. Within that time I must wrestle my heart out. Every second is vital, and every move I execute must be flawless. I know my hard work and dedication in practice is essential to win a match. However, my physical strength alone will not defeat my opponent. I must be mentally prepared as well. For I have come to the realization that there must be a winner and a loser. I may not win every match, but mentally, I win them all. Regardless of the outcome I display sportsmanship. That is ultimately what I can control. As this represents me positively, in turn, I positively represent my sport.

The choices that I make are a direct reflection of my sport. Sportsmanship is defined as; “having respect for one’s opponent”, but it also exemplifies the character of an individual. Leadership, respect, and the appreciation of a sport are displayed when sportsmanship is used. Athletes who integrate many of these traits tend to have a higher stature than others. I do my best to make the correct choices in order to accommodate all aspects of sportsmanship. I make it a point to not only shake the hand of my opponent, but also the hand of the coach. If I win a match, of course I’ll be ecstatic, but I would never boast in my opponent’s face. I will always be courteous toward my opponent, despite the outcome of a match. I practice the values of sportsmanship, because that is how I wished to be treated. If I do not get treated with sportsmanship, I still continue to exhibit these values proudly.

I strongly believe that sportsmanship should be at the very center of high school athletics. I choose to pursue the values of sportsmanship in order to represent myself, as well as my sport. From a simple gesture of just shaking a hand, all the way to holding your head up high after losing terribly are examples of sportsmanship. Sportsmanship has been around since the dawn of sports. It has been passed down from generation to generation. I will continue to make the correct choices which entail the values of sportsmanship. Hopefully, as I practice this, more people will follow suit and preserve the principles of sportsmanship. For now, I will lead by example and make the proper choices to impact sportsmanship within the athletic world. 21

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Evan Ryan Norton High School

Before you can answer the question how your choices impact sportsmanship you need to ask what the word sportsmanship means. Sportsmanship is defined in the Webster’s dictionary as “conduct (as fairness respect for one’s opponent and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport”.

How do I as a player in the MIAA impact my sport? When I step on any playing field I not only represent my community, my family, and myself, I represent my school. I am meeting, in many cases, for the first time a person who does not know me or the community I come from. My actions from this moment will impact my appearance on how others view me. If I talk when my opponent is on the tee box it could affect his concentration and cause him to hit a bad shot. It not only shows poor sportsmanship but it shows disrespect for them as well. If I, however, watched their ball it would be better in case there was a question on where it went. This would give me an opportunity to demonstrate good sportsmanship towards others. Sportsmanship is another word for respect. Respect for your opponents as well as your teammates and coaches. Without the respect of your teammates and opponents the games we play would be long and chaotic. Sports are meant to be fun, challenging, and a time where you get to meet new friends. When we go on our fields to play our games, we take with us more than our equipment. We take our parents, our coaches, our schools and everyone who believes in us on that field. Everything we do and say is a reflection of those things. There’s a lot more to it than just me showing up. That is why everything I do has to demonstrate sportsmanship in our sport.

Some athletes think they have earned the right to be on a team, I think it is a privilege to be on a team. Your skills may have enabled you to make the team but what you do on that team keeps you there. Our coaches don’t want to see how many points are on the board, they want to see us demonstrate respect towards others. At the end of each match, even when I lose, I try to take my hat off and shake the person’s hand that I just played against and say “nice game.” I do this even when I don’t want to because it’s not the other person’s fault I lost the match, it’s mine, I own it. I don’t blame my teammates, I don’t blame my opponent, at the end of the match as long as I know I’ve done my best for my team that’s the only thing that counts.

Every choice I make impacts sportsmanship both good and bad. The choice is ours on how we represent ourselves and the people who believe in us. It’s more than a game it’s our character. 22

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Dean Driscoll Cohasset High School

Sports have been a part of my life since I can remember. Some teams that I have played on include baseball, soccer, , lacrosse, , and football. Being a good sport versus a poor sport was never an option for me. My feeling has always been that my opponent is just like me though there have been a few that I rather not minor. I am out there with my team doing what we love with a goal of winning and perhaps bringing home a trophy or bragging rights. My opponents are doing the same. If an opposing player is on the ground, I lend a hand. If the other team wins, I first offer a handshake to the opponent covering me and then in the line up to their entire team. I always remove my gloves and helmet before I offer my hand.

Now that I have had some time to reflect and have been posed with this question, I do recall where I exemplified good sportsmanship. Our varsity lacrosse team had made it to the MIAA Division 111state championship lacrosse game for the third year in a row. Scituate was once again our opponent. We have been rivals for years and had won in overtime the year before. Both teams had a title to win and I knew that for Scituate, it meant more than just a trophy. We all were focused and putting in 110%. Scituate connected with the pass, battled through our defense and the game was over. Scituate, ML&ADivision ill state champs “2008”. We had lost our title to our rivals but I knew we always had next year. Some of my team mates threw their helmets and sticks to the ground and blurted out—well, we won’t go there, while others actually displayed a tear or two. I felt a tear trickle down my cheek too but not because we lost. You see, my dear friend Tim, my opponent, my lifelong rival could not make the game that day. Tim’s brother played while another brother helped coach. Tim’s parents were in the stands cheering on Scituate and holding up Tim’s jersey, #9. Tim died in a car crash just a couple of months before. He was 16 years old. I never got to play against Tim that day but I did feel his presence and left the field with a happy heart.

The choices that I make like being a good friend, respecting the opponent, following the rules, realizing that it is a game and just having fun do reflect who I am and do have an impact on being a good sport. Sometimes there is more to the game than meets the eye. Hopefully some of the younger players who witness how I handle the games will realize that your opponent is also your friend. Play hard, have fun, show them respect and remember they are just like you. 23

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Havlee Bacik Greater Lowell Technical High School

As a student athlete, staying on a straight and narrow path has become next to impossible, when every day, innocent teenagers are being constantly bombarded by the pressures of drugs, alcohol, and violence. In the high school environment of today, young athletes are continuously pitted against these negative factors and are forced to make choices and decisions that if handled inappropriately, could forever affect their lives. Working hard to keep oneself away from the allure of drugs, the appeal of alcohol, and the temptation of violence, is all that is required to keep a student both safe and unscathed in the defining years of their young lives. Consequently however, when integrated with the peer pressure and forsaken ideals of today’s fallen youth, making intelligent decisions have become a habit of the past.

Personally, I have always found that ignoring these pressures, and minding my own business is one of the best ways to avoid getting caught up in anything dangerous. But for others, it’s not so easy. Time and time again I have heard of countless accounts of car accidents, injuries, and even deaths that were a result of using drugs, alcohol, or violence to solve a problem. The students involved in these tragic accidents chose not to ignore the enticement, curiosity, and overall lure of such forbidden manifestations of negativity. These students who had fallen into the trap of the pressure could very well have been a couple of football players celebrating with a little alcohol and recreational drugs after a homecoming victory, or as simple as two players fighting over an unfair call. Either way, both offenses are grounds for dismissal off a team, and this is where sportsmanship comes into play in the whole equation.

When you become part of a team, you immediately take it upon yourself to become not only a team mate, a competitor, and an athlete, but also a leader. Students who are athletes are all leaders no matter if it’s on the field, in school, or in the community. And all athletes who are leaders project a profound sense of sportsmanship on and off the field. In order for this sense of sportsmanship to be backed up however, it’s important to uphold the positive ideals of what is right. These ideals in contrast, can be tainted as you know, by the factors that I had previously mentioned; drugs, alcohol, and violence.

As both a student leader and an athlete myself, I have made the right choices over the last three years, and have had great successes because of them. Its simple choices such as refusing a drag of marijuana, opting for a soda instead of a beer, and walking away from a confrontation that has brought me positive outcomes in my athletic career so far. Because, without taking the right actions to uphold my position as a leader, a member of my team, and a representative of my school, how could I ever come to call myself a good sport. 24

How Do My Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Erin McHugh St. Mary’s High School (Lynn)

For the last three years, I have participated in the MIAA Sportsmanship Essay Contest. My compositions have answered the questions, “What is My Role in Promoting Sportsmanship,” “What Does Sportsmanship Mean to Me,” and “What is the Role of the Fan in Promoting Sportsmanship.” Each of these compositions reflects choices I made that impacted sportsmanship.

Firstly, I wrote about my role as a player. I have participated in softball, , and track and field at St. Mary’s High School in Lynn. I chose to be an honest player who followed the rules and always played fairly. I chose to listen to my coaches and to be respectful of their instructions. I was respectful of the referees and umpires. I chose to be conscious the fact that they do make mistakes and sometimes the calls went against my team. I realized that sportsmanship builds character. I never criticized calls or other players. My conduct on and off the field have defined me as a person. I chose to be known as a fair, team player.

Secondly, I wrote about how easy it is to be a good sport when your team is winning. Sportsmanship, however, also requires me to be a gracious loser. This is not always an easy task. I was at a girl’s basketball tournament watching the St. Mary’s compete. During the game, an opposing player scored her one thousandth career point. What an accomplishment! Her teammates and fans were excited and applauding for her. Standing and cheering along with her supporters were the St. Mary’s coaches, players, and fans. St. Mary’s was on the verge of elimination but we were all proud to be present for this moment.

Lastly, I wrote about the role of the fan in promoting sportsmanship. One way is for the fans to show pride in their country. I wrote about a football game held on September 11, 2008. St. Mary’s was playing Lynn Classical. Prior to the game, there was a moment of silence for those who had lost their lives on that fateful day. This was to be followed by the playing of the National Anthem. After a few minutes the announcer said there would be no National Anthem due to technical difficulties. At that moment a group of St. Mary’s fans started to sing our anthem. Within seconds they were joined by many other voices and soon the words traveled across the field in tribute to those who had given so much. It didn’t matter what the score would be that night, all of the fans and players were already winners.

Each of these compositions dealt with choices I made that had an impact on the way I promoted sportsmanship. I know that being a good sport makes me a better person. A game is just a game. Fairness, courtesy, spirit, and respect have made me who I am today. My choices have not only had an impact on Sportsmanship, they had an impact on my life. 25

The Winning Attitude Jessica Kelleher Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School

There are choices that affect everything you do in life; such as the efforts you make at school or work, the people that you surround yourself with, and the decisions you make to do what’s right. However, there is one choice that not only impacts your sportsmanship, but also your team as a whole; the choice to leave all of life’s problems off the field and give each game one hundred percent, every time.

Before each field hockey game my coach gives our team a speech that helps us get our minds set for the game ahead. No matter what team we will be playing, the speech always has the same message, “Girls, you have a choice here. You have 60 minutes to show this team how good you are. You can spend your time worrying about boyfriends, or the arguments you had with your parents last night, or the papers you have to write for school. Or, you can leave all that off the field and show this team for 60 minutes the pride and finesse with which our team plays.” Despite what mood our team is in while warming up, that speech reminds us all of the importance of having a good attitude. The key to success lies in the cooperation and encouragement of our team mates. Before every game, my teammates and I dedicate ourselves to showing the best of our character to each other and to our opponents, win or lose. We do so by making the choice to leave any of our problems or hostility off the field and remembering our dignity and respect for ourselves and each other. The team is what is truly important.

Sportsmanship is a key component to winning games, but it’s the choice you make to try your hardest that creates that winning attitude. We make choices everyday, some affect ourselves, some affect others, but none are as important as the choice we make to show our sportsmanship to all of those around to see it. 26

Choices For Success Helen Smith Mount Alvernia High School

Sportsmanship is not just for game days, it is for everyday, and is directly impacted by all kind of choices, some are personal and some are made as a team. Choices have results that impact you and your team positively and negatively.

On the personal side one of most important factors is developing a good work ethic. As an athlete you control: how hard you work to get in shape, how much effort you put into practice, how you work with your teammates, and how well you listen to your coach. Making good choices in these areas increases your chance to succeed and compete well. There are different skill levels within a team so all members need to work together to improve both individual and team performance. Attitude and commitment are also important parts of sportsmanship. Choosing to have a positive attitude makes others want to keep practicing with you and encourages them to do their best. Participants choosing to play a sport should recognize they have made a commitment to the team and themselves. Uncommitted members might let the team down. Respecting the coach’s choices and decisions is necessary for an athlete since the coach has a view of how the whole team fits together and what it can achieve.

Wearing school colors reminds athletes that they are representing their school and share a bond with the team. They are dedicated to the same goal which may not always be winning. Sometimes the goal is to show a strong performance or improve in an area the coach has identified. Showing school pride through appropriate, enthusiastic cheering is part of sportsmanship. It is important to be respectful of all competitors and congratulate both team and individual accomplishments. Sometimes athletes need to manage disappointment because in a competition there are winners and losers. By reviewing the results of a game, meet or match you can learn from your mistakes and make a conscious effort to improve in areas that need work. This will help to change future outcomes.

Even when you are not in uniform you still represent your school and your daily choices matter. Many decisions made in the sports arena are similar to everyday choices. As an athlete you have goals and as a student you do as well. Academic performance matters and you need to put effort into schoolwork just as you would a sport. Good choices can help you develop into a leader and a valued team member. 27

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Zach Gaucher Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School

One of the best definitions of sportsmanship that I have ever heard goes as follows; sportsmanship is conduct and attitude considered as befitting participants in sports, especially fair play, courtesy, enthusiasm, and grace in losing. In this definition one word caught my attention; that word was participants. In sports, all too often, sportsmanship is only the responsibility of coaches, referees, and players during organized sporting events. But many people fail to recognize that sportsmanship is much more than that. Sportsmanship is the responsibility of anyone involved in any form of competition or sport, whether it’s a playoff game, an essay contest, a video game between friends, or a friendly game of wiffleball in your backyard.

Early last winter I watched from the as the Hamilton Wenham Generals Boy’s Soccer Team made a run for the state championship. The school was electric with the play of the team and on the day of the championship we packed into the neutral stadium against Bromfield. My friends, parents, and teachers surrounded me as we cheered for the generals. Hot chocolate and mittens were the standard attire as the frigid air and wind stained our cheeks a bright scarlet. Looking back, it was as perfect as a late November day could be and we were lucky enough to see some of the finest soccer in the state. The Generals scored an early goal to go up 1-0, but by halftime Bromfield had knotted it up 1-1. But in the second half our luck began to change as Bromfield scored three goals to win by a score of 4-1. The fun of a state championship game still persisted but as the Generals started to lose some of my friends and classmates began making negative comments at the other team and town. Passive comments about certain plays by the other team turned into personal attacks as the game spiraled out of control for the Generals. The playful banter and cheering for our team had been replaced with insult and negativity toward our opponents.

On the way home with my father I knew something was wrong. His terse comments gave no hint to his anger before he finally spoke and said, “Zach, that game was embarrassing”. He went on to explain how the comments that my friends and classmates and even parents had made throughout the course of the game lacked sportsmanship and decency. I replied that these people were not playing in the game and therefore could not be held accountable to the same standards of sportsmanship. But he held firm and calmly explained to me the true meaning of sportsmanship. Sportsmanship is a level of decency and demeanor that everyone is held accountable for in any form of competition. At a tournament game or in a game of cards our decisions reflect our sportsmanship. 28

How Do Our Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Marcus Mitchell Another Course to College Pilot High School

Go past athletics; go past sports, competition, and competitive physical activity. Sportsmanship is an anchor in building character, being a decent citizen, and definitely becoming a complete athlete. A major goal of competitive sports is to be the better individual or team; we must remember that it is healthy competition that is crucial to all athletics. Maintaining a positive attitude, along with the hunger and drive to win leads to a path of great sportsmanship.

The main element I believe in sportsmanship is character. An element that consists of how you carry yourself and how you act when you believe no one is looking. Always make sure you will act in the best interest of others, because showing courtesy is the other element or the other half of Sportsmanship. If you are playing your most heated rival, and he falls, or injures himself, don’t rub it in, or talk “trash”. Help him up, put his health or well being in your best interest.

Sportsmanship is always being fair, and helping your teammates become better at the sport in which you are participating in. Being a team player and being unselfish is also a large part. Sportsmanship, in my opinion, is really putting together a lot good characteristics that you may have picked up in your lifetime. If you are ever involved in an altercation, make sure you don’t act on it. Unless acting in self-defense making sure you hold your composure and lead by example. By holding one’s composure we are able to make the better decision.

To a competitive athlete winning is very important. We must disregard winning or losing when it comes to our attitudes. Always respect your opponents and give 100%. Although losing leaves you with a sour taste, don’t apply that to how you present yourself to the public and nor to your teammates. If you have given it 100%, work on the things you could have done better, and move on. Don’t dwell on something you can change.

Playing hard and maintaining a steady positive and influential behavior is what sportsmanship is all about. Helping your team’s chemistry is very valuable. Being a leader, and caring for your sport and team with passion is just as valuable. Make sure to be positive, and always respectful, and sportsmanship comes naturally. Be aware of right from wrong while having courtesy will lead to greatness. Play hard, give 100%, never give up, and most importantly always respect your teammates and opponents. 29

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Nicole Daly Bishop Feehan High School

Sportsmanship is not only an essential part to any great sports team, but it is also an essential part to any successful human being. You have to make definitive choices in order to be a good sport. Every day we wake up and choose whether or not we want to work hard at practice, eat healthy food, and get enough sleep at night in order to enhance our performance on the field, court, track, or pooi. However, we also make the choice each day whether we want to act like a champion: win or lose.

My fourth grade teacher always taught me that, “The little things make the big difference.” Not only can you make big decisions that impact your overall performance, but you can make the small choices, which really win the games and the meets in the end. Those little things could be as small as holding your breath for just one more stroke to get to the wall a little bit faster. More importantly, the little thing could be going up to the players after the game, and even after you shook hands, to congratulate them on a game well played. That could be cheering for the person coming in last place, even if they aren’t on your team. That could be spending time with a teammate who needs a confidence boost. All these things and more keep us playing the game.

Just recently, my brother showed me an article he found on sportsmanship. In a southern town, a football player was killed in a car accident. His team had to play the next Friday night even though they were emotionally and physically drained. At this game they had a moment of silence for the lost player and wore stickers with his name and number on their helmets. However, the greatest act of sportsmanship was committed by a member of the other team that night. The other team was playing well, and the score showed it. With the time in the game about to expire, the ball was kicked deep and retrieved by a player from the other team. This player on the other team ran it all the way down to the other side of the field breaking many tackles. Instead of pretending to fall down at the first attempt of a tackle, he did something even more praise worthy that night. He ran to the 2-yard line and stopped, knelt down on one knee, in respect for the lost football player on the other team. That day, one player chose to sacrifice his in exchange for being a good sport, even though he didn’t have to. 30

Breaking Ranks Sarah Myers King Philip Regional High School

We stand side by side; everyone is silent. The air is still and all I hear is my heart beating a hundred miles per hour. My hands are clenched tightly behind my back, palms sweaty. I can’t

stay concentrated as the announcer informs the crowd “and in second place. . . .with a score of 86.7”. I look at my friend to the left, she’s just as anxious. The announcer continues “Kiii.. .“, it’s either King Philip or Kiski; “Kiski Area High School”. A muffled cry shakes through the band, I turn to my friend; tears stream down both our faces. We had just won the Bands of America Regional Championships!

This was it; all the long hours practicing finally made sense. Yet this was the most distinguished part of our show, respect. Despite our big win, the entire band remained calm; no cheers, no jumping. With respect to the other bands, we basked internally in our glory. We understood that the other bands had worked just as hard as we had. This was our choice to respect the others, after all we were all the same. Soon after our band had gathered together, the announcer bellowed “break ranks”. At this time, every band in the finals swarmed over the field, most coming over to congratulate us. Out of sportsmanship, they showed us respect and we wanted to do the same.

Everyone shook hands and congratulated each other; this was the true win. Even if the King Philip Band had not won that night, our choice to value all the other competitors would have been the greatest success. As Ralph Waldo Emerson had once said ‘What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.” Within each member of any band is a hard working individual. As a cooperative team, our band made the most of the time spent perfecting our show.

To our band sportsmanly conduct means respecting the other participants through little things. We hold ourselves with pride and distinction, never making a show of our band or a ruckus. If our band wins a competition, we smile and internally pride ourselves on any and all achievements. By choosing to display these subtleties, we exhibit a distinguishable sportsmanship that inspires others.

Without sportsmanship, my experiences would have left me fruitless. Appreciating the small things in every competition, no matter if it is how we behave or treat those around us, nothing could make for better memories. By choosing to show sportsmanship in all aspects of marching band, the overall outcome is very much worth while. 31

Not a Problem! Molly Wilson South Lancaster Academy

When I think of sportsmanship, I picture a group of young, athletic kids cheering each other on to the winning touchdown or goal. Sports are positive in so many ways. You can become in better shape physically while playing, and not to mention having fun doing it! However, sometimes, but not always, sports become negative when the focus is purely on winning, and not on just having a good time and spending quality time with peers. Lets take a look at a few different scenarios regarding sportsmanship.

In this first scenario, lets say there are two soccer teams. On team A there is a young man, Albert, who is the star player of his team and often scores the most goals. On team B there is a young woman, Sandra, who isn’t the greatest player but still enjoys the sport of soccer to a great deal.

Now, a teammate on team A, passes the ball to Albert on offense and Albert makes his way through the field with the ball at his feet towards the goal. Sandra, on the other hand, is on defense, and has a perfect opportunity to gain possession of the ball, but right as she is about to do it, Albert shoves her out of the way, yells a negative word at her, and remains in possession of the ball making a winning goal. The whole team A watches in amazement as Albert will do almost anything to win. His choice made an obviously negative impact on Sandra. You can imagine how she would feel; neglected, left out, hurt, and just overall bad. Albert’s choice took the fun out of the whole game. Sure, he made a winning goal, but in order to do it he had to make another player feel bad, which takes the fun and good sportsmanship right out of the whole game!

However, things turn around for the better in this second scenario. Albert was given possession of the ball by one of his teammates, and he spots Sandra trying hard to block him while he’s coming towards her. Albert kicks the ball towards the goal and Sandra gains possession of it just in the nick of time. She makes her way through the field towards the winning goal and scores! This time, Albert cheered her on the entire time she had the ball and gave her two high fives at the end. Can you imagine how much different Sandra would feel now? Supported, encouraged, and happy are all words that would come to my mind. Clearly, Albert would feel happier too.

So, as you can clearly see, it doesn’t matter what team you’re on, or what team the other player is on. The choices you make on the field can either make or break your sense of sportsmanship, as well as yourself. Think before you act. Be kind, encouraging, supportive, and most of all have fun while playing, and you can’t go wrong. 32

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Alexa Pappas Bedford High School

The choices made by a high school athlete will create a reputation that, whether positive or negative, will follow him or her until they graduate their senior year and even possibly beyond. One’s choices in their sport greatly affect not only how they are viewed by the rest of their team, but also impact the idea of sportsmanship and fairness.

The sport that I will be using as my example for sportsmanship is tennis. Tennis has often been portrayed as a very snooty sport, with the all-white dressing and the attitudes of the audience. However, one thing that has always interested me was at the very end of the match, the two opponents, no matter how ruthless or disrespectful to each other they were, are forced to look each other in the eyes and shake hands, hopefully having the dignity to throw in a “Good job” or “Nice match”. Even if the opponents showed no signs of sportsmanship or respect throughout the match, when it’s all said and done, they must shake hands and move on. The question that often arises in people’s heads during a match is “Which is more important? Winning at all costs, or playing fair and respectfully?” The decision that the player chooses to make shows what he or she truly thinks of sportsmanship.

In my freshman year of tennis, I obtained the third singles position on the Varsity team. I was extremely happy about my position; and yet, I became totally overconfident about it. I had written on a social networking site to one of my friends that there “was not enough competition on the team for me” when telling her about my new position. Of course, my coach and team captains found out, and I soon realized how childish and unsportsmanlike I had acted. I was mortified, horrified, and embarrassed with myself. It was dreadful, knowing that just two weeks into our season, I had already ruined all first impressions of myself, and that it would be a long rest of the season. Soon after, I apologized to the team, and especially for my rude actions and that if they didn’t want to forgive me, they were absolutely justified in doing so. It was terribly difficult for me to go up to my entire team, and having them watch me admit to and apologize for the awful things that I had said. To this day, my poor decision still affects me, and I now strive to always be a respectful and courteous player (and student), whether in tennis or in life in general. I wasn’t thinking about sportsmanship at the time, but now it is a major part of whenever I am playing tennis.

All in all, sportsmanship is an omnipresent factor in all sports teams alike. Sportsmanship helps create a more civilized and courteous environment for all sports players, and shapes them out to be more mature in and out of the game. 33

How Your Choices Affect Sportsmanship Catherine Fonnan Lexington High School

Practice started around the beginning of school and we swam together everyday. The team shared a common goal to win first place at the Middlesex League meet.

The day of league meet is one I will not soon forget. All the teams were there, ready to swim their best; this was the moment we had all been training for. During the meet, I was astonished at the level of sportsmanship my fellow teammates showed. They chose to treat everyone on that pooi deck with the utmost respect and courtesy.

My teammates cheered for each other, regardless of how they placed in the event. My team not only supported and cheered for Lexington, but for all the competitors. They respected in each athlete a shared dedication to swimming. During the meet, my teammates both shook hands and congratulated their opponents, no matter what the outcome of the race. Their support of all the girls swimming revealed their true sportsmanship.

Later in the meet, I was struggling to keep up with the other girls, my lungs bursting and my face red. When I looked up to breathe, I saw my teammate walking alongside me as I swam. She was cheering and clapping for me. I felt a rush of renewed energy from her support. I finished strong, and when I climbed out of the pool, I was surrounded by my teammates. They high-fived me, and patted my capped head. Years from now, I won’t remember what place I scored in that event, but I will remember being surrounded by such love.

Most importantly, my team made the choice to always stay positive. They were mature enough to recognize that they were there to compete, do their best and enjoy their sport. It was obvious through their actions that these girls weren’t all about winning. My team made a conscious choice to demonstrate good sportsmanship by staying humble through our wins, and composed through our last places. They had only positive and encouraging things to say to the officials, team members and opposing teams.

At the end of the meet, we stood awaiting the score. We ended up receiving second place, and despite our disappointment, my teammates cheered for the winning team uproariously. The pride I felt to be a part of my team at that moment was more than the pride I had ever felt from any win. They were the paradigm of good sportsmanship.

About a month after the meet, the team received an email from our coach. She informed us that we had earned the sportsmanship award for the league. That title meant more to me and my teammates than any first place trophy ever could. This was proof that when you make the choice to be positive, supportive and respectful to your sport and all its players, you are a winner, no matter what the scoreboard says. 34

On Sportsmanship and Self-Compensation Nina Mazzarelli Andover High School

The walls echo vibrations of 40 pairs of hands meeting thighs and 40 boisterous voices clamoring for a place among the din. Cheers congratulating the rival team progress in smooth undulations, from the mouths of swimmer to swimmer, teammate to teammate. The feeling lingers as the sea of blue and yellow suited girls files to pass a similar line of girls. As a hand from the opposing side is offered, I peer into the face of its possessor; her tired eyes, framed with familiar red goggle marks, are reflections of my own. She too bears a grin, embodying her pride for her team’s accomplishments. Though she was revered and perhaps abhorred on the starting block, I now view her as a fellow swimmer, an athlete striving towards similar ambitions. My attention is reverted to the outstretched hand, and I join it with my own, exclaiming “Great job!” This time, I mean it.

At the close of many a meet, after expressing her satisfaction for our hard work and effort, my coach will continue, “What I was most pleased with was the complimentsfrom the officials and the other team concerning your cordial behavior.” Swimming for my high school has both allowed me to implement and shown me the importance of sportsmanlike conduct. While confronting ones adversary may be daunting, it is not without compensation. Whether it is the handshake from an opponent at the end of a race, the feeling induced by offering a handshake, or the praise from ones coach, choosing to act in an ethical manner always rewards itself.

The nature of competition insures interaction between adverse athletic teams; it is the way in which these members choose to act that defines the individual athlete, as well as their sport. It is by choosing to look beyond the color of one’s jersey, uniform, or bathing suit, and recognizing them as a fellow athlete, that greatly enhances the experience. 35

Changing Ends Caleb Fields King Philip Regional High School

Sportsmanship is like a restaurant; sometimes it is exceptional, other times it is atrocious, but most if the time it lies somewhere in between. Unfortunately, I am more of a Taco Bell than a five star eatery. As a varsity tennis player last spring, I had a hard time managing my emotions, and I often threw my racquet or smashed a ball over the fence when I missed a shot. I am usually a calm person, but in these instances I let my anger take over, even though it embarrassed my teammates, my coach, and me.

After losing a match near the end of the season that I thought I should have won, I hurled my racquet against the fence. I then realized the fence was the only thing preventing my racquet from hitting the opposing team sitting on their bench. I apologized to the opposing player and his coach, but that did not lessen the shame that I felt. I realized that every time I let my emotions get the best of me, I disgraced myself and my school.

The coach threatened to bench me for a match if I ever showed disrespect again, so I took action. Bobby Jones, the legendary golfer, once said, “Competitive sports are played mainly on a five- and-a-half inch court, the space between your ears.” I realized that his quote applied to my own situation, as my self-condemnation of my performance was at the root of my anger. To learn more about my problem and to hopefully fix it, I began to read W. Timothy Gallway’s book, “The Inner Game of Tennis.” Gallway’s teachings have helped me to gain better control of my mind, and therefore my emotions, while I am on the court, but I know that I still have a long way to go before I possess the outstanding sportsmanship that I desire.

In some of my offseason matches I see huge strides forward in my gamesmanship, but then in others I seem to take a step back. However, I know that over time I will develop into the calm and composed athlete that I desire to be, because I never want to hurt my opponents, my teammates, my coach or myself again with my disturbing actions. I look forward to next season when I will prove that I have truly changed my ways. 36

Brothers at War: Sportsmanship Matthew Kneece Shrewsbury High School

Time is winding down, five minutes. . . four minutes. . . three minutes, until finally our coach calls us over for our last pre-game speech. “It’s time to go to war men” he states emphatically in a voice easily mistaken for an army colonel leading his troops. We listen as our coach prepares us mentally, not to play a game but to quite literally fight in a two hour long battle. We listen as he curses and badmouths the other team, and tells us that we deserve the win, that we are truly superior. You focus dead ahead to avoid looking over at the other team. Because you know your best friend is sitting on their bench, listening to a similar war cry from their coach. Two brothers prepared to fight to the death against one another, all for the love of the game, no, for the love of the win. This is the reality of the modern sports world.

The game wears on, and you are playing against your brother in a battle that offers no mercy or pity. It is a game for the books, double over-time and the score is still tied. You feel no remorse and no longer have any feeling towards anyone but those on your team. Your train of thought is limited to one simple paradigm: “nothing matters right now, just win”. You can’t help but throw a cheap elbow in here and there, even if it’s your best friend on the receiving end of it. Every second makes you madder, and madder, until just thinking about the opposing team fills you incredible rage. Men pushing each other back and forth, getting as close to fist fights as they can without being ejected, and hearing your teammates support you as you do this. The end of the game comes to a screeching halt, the timer reaches zero, the war is over. You look up at the scoreboard... you lost.

You fall to down to the floor, astounded, completely void of all remaining energy. “It’s over,

we’ve lost. . .“ you think, your spirit hits rock bottom. You don’t want to accept defeat to anyone. Your awareness dwindles away... too tired, too heartbroken to remain focused on what is happening around you. A shadow comes over you, “hey, get up come on I’ll give you a hand”. You guess it’s a coach or a teammate wanting to get you onto your feet. But it’s not, it’s your friend from the other team, your brother. The same person you were just fighting with to win nothing more than a game. He offers his hand to you and helps you stand up. The rest of his team is lined up behind him. You shake his hand and embrace each other, he whispers to you “good fight”. Happiness replaces your misery as his team follows him to do the same. You know that the war is over, but the brotherhood will live on. 37

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Julia Warner Lee Middle/High School

Every choice that I make impacts sportsmanship. I am committed to everything I put my mind to, hold high expectations of myself and push myself to not only reach these expectations, but to far surpass them. I have been a three sport, varsity athlete throughout high school playing volleyball, basketball and track and field. My life is devoted to athletics and I don’t know what I would do without them. This is why I strive to excel in academics as well. I am a member of the National Honor Society and ranked 4’ in my class. I aim to be looked up to both on and off the court by younger players especially, and try to inspire them to be the best they can be. I always maintain my composure to model great sportsmanship and even in the heat of the moment, after a bad call or a frustrating play (or game altogether) I keep my head held high, knowing that I put everything I had into that game. In volleyball I have been captain for two years, and am a three time All-Berkshire selection. I was selected as the Berkshire County MVP last year, as well as the WBEC Sports Caravan MVP in volleyball. I was an integral part of the Lee girls basketball team that won the MIAA Division III West Sectional Championship in 2009 and have been named captain of this year’s team. I was also named MVP in field events for track and field in 2009. Most recently I was named September’s MIAA athlete of the month. Through all of these acknowledgements I have stayed humble and I don’t brag to anyone about my accomplishments. The biggest, most influential decision that I have made through my high school career is staying drug and alcohol free despite much peer pressure even from my close friends. I always keep the greater picture in mind even though it was hard to create alternative opportunities for myself, limiting some friendships. I do the best I can to be the best person I can be.

Being an influential student-athlete in my community has made me aware of how my choices impact others. This is why I have chosen to set my goals high, strive to reach them, stay humble, and never compromise my future goals by jeopardizing them with just “one night out.” It is my hope that I have shown uncompromising leadership by modeling sportsmanship and a positive attitude for young student athletes to look up to. I believe I have achieved my goal to be an outstanding sportsman and plan to continue reaching higher as I pursue athletics for the rest of my senior year, into college, and for the rest of my life. 38

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Jensynn Rocke Wahconah Regional High School

When I walk onto a court, field or even fairway, I feel serenity and as if all stress melts away with every step closer to my goal. Whether it be to the hoop, green, or over the stands, I plan to shoot high. Being anti-drug and alcohol free has helped me to make better decisions. My choices benefit me not only in the game, but also in the bigger game of life. I personally have had plenty of chances to ‘smoke a cig’ or ‘light up’just for the fun of it. ‘Taking a sip’ can turn into a trip to the principal’s office or even worse, I could be sitting in a en-caved cubical, under the light in police custody being charged with drinking and driving, a DUI or DWI. These opportunities to do what some people think is cool has given me plenty of chances to turn down the ultimate ‘killer’of most teens. Drinking and/or smoking would ruin my attitude on and off the field. Never once have I tried drinking or smoking, but numerous times, I have told people to put it down or put it out and think about what and who it can affect.

Being the product of an alcoholic mother I’ve seen the person that alcohol can turn you into, and what being high can do to your head. I know what it feels like to be unsafe and neglected, but I can find my outlet in sports. If I ever had the notion to light up or just take a few sips, I wouldn’t feel right about myself. Whether or not I got caught, it’s the fact that I did it, and can’t take it back. Recently our Athletic Director Robert ‘Boog’ Powell passed away and with his death, he left a message. He was the heart and soul of our high school and he helped athletes make the decision to stay clean from poisoning our liver or blackening our lungs. So, I stay ‘above the influence’ for Boog, myself, those who I wish I can be more like, those who wish to be more like me, and for victory. I choose to stay clean on and off the court, in and out of the game, on the bench or in the field so I can be the person I know I can be.

When I’m asked, “How do my choices impact sportsmanship?” I answer, “It’s my decision to pick up the bottle or pick up the ball. It’s my decision to light the cigarette or light up the court, and it’smy choice of whether or not to take the shot, or ruin my chances of making it back to the other end of the court - back where I can defend my goal.” So I say, to those who think they know the real definition of “cool,” to tell me one thing; have they defined “cool” for themselves, or has someone else defined it for them? 39

What Sportsmanship Truly Means To Me Katie Burton Falmouth High School

Sportsmanship can be defined as, conduct and attitude considered as befitting participants in sports, especially fair play, courtesy, striving spirit, and grace in losing. Wow, what a powerful word that is thought of so modestly by most people. I think otherwise. To me sportsmanship is not only a word but a prominent action in which I strive to express through every sport I participate in. Whether it is soccer, basketball, karate, or lacrosse sportsmanship can be applied in any manner. All of these activities have taught me the importance of having sportsmanship and the influence it can have on any one person or a team as a whole.

I love sports, not only for the aspects, such as skill and competition of the game, but also for the ability for myself to grow as a person. Through sports I have become a better, well-rounded individual, who has learned basic principles of life. Participating in sports I have attained confidence with myself, competitiveness, determination, guidance, and the motivation to do and learn something new everyday. Being part of a team has made me a better individual as it has taught me how to deal with other personalities as well as my own. As a teammate I am challenged to interact with others who have a similar interest as I do. Taking this small similarity I am able to develop important friendships, ones that build my character and aid me individually to succeed in many aspects of my life, such as academics and other social activities.

The respectful discipline that comes from sportsmanship is a distinctive quality that only unique people can acquire. Although I believe that everyone should strive to achieve and express sportsmanship through everything they do, it is a difficult skill to be a sportsman. Being involved in many sports, I think that sportsmanship has become a major part of my academic and sports career. I feel it is extremely essential for others to respect their peers no matter what their thoughts, beliefs or views are. I have been on many different teams and played sports with many different people and coaches, however the aspects that stick out the most are self control and sportsmanship. When a coach expresses these qualities it is admirable to all players as well as opposing coaches. Those people, who have acquired sportsmanship and self control, have the benefit of being a teacher of moral value and respect. Those people I feel are the most important. With their understanding of the aspect of fairness and unselfishness, and their ability to attain “striving spirit, and grace,” when involved in whatever activity, shows their maturity in addition to their potential in becoming an improved, more equipped person for the world and what their future holds. 40

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Caitlvn Segalla Hanover High School

Understanding the true meaning of sportsmanship is one of the most valuable lessons one can be taught while participating in a sport. One not only benefits from the knowledge on the court, in the field, on the stage, in the pooi, or even on the mats, but moreover in life. Sportsmanship stands for not just the way in which one conducts themselves while participating in a sport. It symbolizes much much more. It embodies a person of strength, optimism, fairness, hard work, and a person with insight of what respect is all about. The choices one makes and the actions one take directly impact and help define sportsmanship.

One who has sportsmanship has strength. They are always being “the bigger person.” After draining a three point shot at the buzzer, one would celebrate, yet with taste. They would never throw their victory in their opponent’s face. After being crushed eight to zip in a hockey game, one would not be bitter, yet would shake hands and congratulate their victorious opponents.

One with sportsmanship is optimistic. They are extremely positive. They are constantly encouraging others to push themselves and go for the gold. Never do those with sportsmanship give up. They forever hold their heads high. They fight until the end, making them hard workers.

One with sportsmanship always pushes themselves to the limit. They bust their tail for every loose ball, every pop fly, and every . They are unstoppable. They have the mindset of a champion.

One with sportsmanship is fair. They treat others as equals, including teammates and opponents. They are never ball hogs. They have a strong grasp on the concept of team work and working together. Never would one with sportsmanship dare to cheat. They know better. They know that cheaters never win.

Most importantly, one with sportsmanship is respectful. They have respect for themselves, their coaches, their teammates, their opponents, and even their fans. Shaking hands at the end of a game is a sign of respect. Not talking back to one’s coach is a sign of respect. Listening to others’ suggestions on how to improve is a sign of respect.

There is more to sportsmanship than just being a descent teammate. The choices one make and the actions one take contribute to the true meaning of sportsmanship. One who exemplifies power, positive thinking, equality, hard work, and esteem has sportsmanship. 41

Sportsmanship Always Wins Natalie White King Philip Regional High School

The referee blows the final whistle, signaling the end of the game. The home team’s players hang their heads in dismay. They glare at their victorious opponents with frustration and displeasure. The winning team cheers, gets into a line, and waits to shake hands with the other team. The losers slowly trudge into their own line, bickering with each other and blaming their other teammates for their mistakes. Instead of shaking hands, they make fists at opposing players’ high-fives, and even spit at their feet. The winning team refuses to acknowledge their poor sportsmanship, and continues to congratulate them on their game. After, they get together as a team and discuss what they did well and how they could improve for their next game, while the losing team walks away bitter and disappointed.

In this situation, there are two teams with different attitudes towards sports. The losing team believes that the only purpose of playing a game is to win. When they do not win, they do not display any positivity, choosing instead to sulk and disrespect the other team. They blame each other for mistakes that they made. The winning team, however, is able to look at the game as an opportunity to have fun as a team and work together. They realize that the score is less important than how well they play. In addition, they know that one person does not make a team and that one player’s mistake does not ruin the game. Finally, they are able to stay positive and be respectful of the team that lost.

Oftentimes, a team believes that the only goal of a game is to win. When winning becomes the priority, players can forget the importance of sportsmanship. As Mia Hamm states in her book, Go For the Goal, “Sportsmanship is being equally as gracious in defeat as in victory” (Hamm 196). This quote is significant because it displays how the team should have acted. When a team becomes so set on winning, it is not easy to accept a loss. They begin to strive for victory so much that they will disregard the rules and criticize their teammates when they make an error. When players choose to act in such an arrogant way, they lose the respect of their teammates. Instead, teams should learn to act graciously when they lose.

This situation might have turned out differently if just one player had demonstrated good sportsmanship by simply shaking the victorious players’ hands or by giving some encouraging feedback to their team. If one player had decided to have a positive attitude, their example might have compelled their teammates to be positive and work together. One player’s choices affect not only themselves, but their entire team. Although it can be difficult for a losing team to show good sportsmanship, one player is all it takes to turn a team’s attitude around. 42

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Marissa Avanzato St. Joseph Central High School

“The most important lesson I’ve learned from sports is how to be not only a gracious winner, but a good loser as well. Not everyone wins all the time, as a matter offact, no one wins all the time. Winning is the easy part, losing is really tough. But, you learn more from one loss than you do from a million wins. You

learn a lot about sportsmanship. . .“ (Amy Van Dyken.)

I am a three sport athlete currently a sophomore at St. Joseph’s Central High School in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Sportsmanship has a big impact on life as well as in sports. The sports that I play are soccer, basketball, and softball. My favorite sport is softball, and my main position is a pitcher. I have been playing sports since I was five years old. Sportsmanship is involved throughout every sport and is a major aspect throughout my high school career.

Softball is a perfect example of the need for good sportsmanship. One time during my softball career, I was pitching in a tournament game. One of the base runners from the other team purposely ran into my shortstop, plowing her over and making the shortstop miss the ball. My coach at the time was not very happy about the situation. He called a time out and walked to the mound to meet me. He told me to hit the next batter intentionally. I was shocked with what he said as I took a step back and I was appalled by his request. I was not going to hit the next batter. Coach or no coach it was not the right thing to do. My catcher set up close inside for the next pitch, and as I pitched, I made sure the ball did not hit the batter. I threw an inside pitch. I just could not hit a girl on purpose! I knew it was not the right thing to do.

Sportsmanship plays a big part in all sports. I have learned this through my athletic years. Whether the score is outrageous, or if I finally get the chance to do something great, I just think that I know what it feels like to be on the other side. I know it is not fun losing 6-0 in a soccer game or having the guest team keep hitting me and scoring more and more runs and taking extra bases on errors. When I am on the winning side, I go back and remember all these times. I never flaunt my success in sports. There is no point in disparaging the other teams and the other girls I am playing against. Sportsmanship not only plays a big part in sports, but as well in life in general. 43

Choices Impact Sportsmanship TimSabean Nipmuc Regional High School

The choices you make in the heat of the moment define who you are; that choice qualifies your sportsmanship. Cross-country is a simple sport with the basic object to run as fast as you can for 3.1 miles. By competing in this simple yet difficult sport, I have been tested physically and mentally. The choices I have made coming up to that last homestretch in a heated race with competitors clipping your heels, the crowd screaming in your ears, adrenaline pumping through your heart, my legs moving, and my body so tired I am incapable of thought ultimately impact your sportsmanship. This one short, thirty second, moment can bring out the best and worst of student-athletes. Being cast into this thrilling moment gave me a first-hand look on my sportsmanship status.

It was another day, another race on a crisp November morning. Today was a big meet with over 200 athletes in my race and I didn’t know what to expect for a result. The gunshot cracked into the windy air; the race was on. After two miles the solitary leader was far ahead, too far to catch, but the chase pack pushed on. We were about thirty kids including myself. We were spread out along the path. We were constantly increasing the pace. With a half mile to go, the pack was reduced to four.

The last stretch of the course consisted of two small hills that dipped down and rose straight up and had waves of spectators on both sides. Less than 300 meters to go and it was down to me and another racer. Coming up the second hill I was passed as if I was in slow motion. I looked over my left shoulder and there he was, moving just fast enough to pass me. It was almost as if time had stopped. I knew I could easily throw an elbow or trip him so he wouldn’t pass me, I didn’t. In a blink of an eye the race was over. He beat me and I got third.

I never got a commendation for good sportsmanship or any recognition for appropriate behavior that day because I didn’t take any action. Instead I thought about doing something wrong to beat someone in a race that wouldn’t matter after today. However, the choice I made that day was correct: my sportsmanship helped to enlighten my respect. I didn’t need a pat on the back because I knew I did the right thing. Sometimes in life when you are given an opportunity to do something that you know is unsportsmanlike, don’t do it. No one may realize your thoughts but every time you revisit your achievements, you will gain the most important type of respect one can have: self-respect. 44

Sportsmanship Is Preceded By A Choice Crystal DeSimone Greater Lowell Technical High School

Being a team player that honors not only yourself, but your coach and your school, is the essence of choosing to be a good sport. We can all agree that sportsmanship can be represented in any sport, whether it is a board game, or an athletic contest. Whatever the case, you must make decisions every second as to how you will play that game and how you will represent yourself to others.

Lets define the word “sportsmanship.” According to Webster it is defined as follows: “Is an attitude that strives for fair play, courtesy toward teammates and opponents, ethical behavior and integrity and grace in losing.” Personally there is no argument here in showing exactly what good sportsmanship is supposed to be! Our society is so void of morally right decisions today, that often times you will find bad sportsmanship in the attitudes of the youngest players on the field. Someone must and should be teaching them right from wrong so that when they mature into adults, the character is already built into them.

So where does training begin? It begins in the home of course, with parents displaying good sportsmanship and teaching their children to respect the other team and to demonstrate fairness and losing gracefully right from the moments they play their first game. Then it is supported by teachers who also play a large part in the training, along with the pastor of every church they may attend. The final component and the most effective, of course, is the coach. His or her example will be the most infectious because how they react to every situation at every practice, at every game, will speak volumes to his team. Players will emulate the coach in their actions as the discipline of that training is going deep into their minds and hearts. So for a coach to be recognized as a coach with “good sportsmanship” is an honor and that coach will often times get a better position or asked to speak at local meetings because of the success that he has had with his team. Haven’t we all seen this in the moves? I can remember two such movies, and they are “Remember the Titans” and “Pistol”. Those coaches were successful because of their good sportsmanship and high moral ethics.

Recently, we just watched a famous tennis player lose her match because of her poor sportsmanship and lack of self-control by spewing out threats and swearing on national television. The crowd was silent, dismayed, embarrassed and ashamed that this was taking place on their court. The player was fined, and there are still meetings to determine what else should happen. She will lose endorsements and fans. Whatever the case, her bad sportsmanship brought disgrace to herself, to her family’s name, to her coach and to the world. In conclusion, the lesson that I personally have learned about good and poor sportsmanship is the cause and effect it has on those in my life, as well as myself. 45

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Emily MacDonald Hanover High School

When you first learned about good sportsmanship during the early years of sports, it was simple; rules like, don’t spit in your hand while shaking the other teams hands, or just because you’re losing doesn’t give you the right to beat up the other player. But as you grow older, it becomes a little more complicated than that. It’s not just about how you act on the field anymore. It’s how you act outside the game. It’s how you participate during practices, or how you conduct yourself in the outside world. “Sportsmanship is the conduct and attitude considered as befitting participants in sports, especially fair play, courtesy, striving spirit, and grace in losing” (Dictionary.com) Every choice you make can affect the rest of the team, and the good or bad choices you make is your sportsmanship.

“Football is like life — it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority.” All of these qualities that Vince Lombardi lists are those that are required in order for you to be a good sport. One of the major aspects of good sportsmanship is how you conduct yourself in practice, especially if you are an upper classman. The way you perform in a practice sets an example for the younger or newer players. If you are lazy and lethargic, then you are sending the message that it’s okay for them to slack off. But if you have high energy, and you put one hundred and ten percent into every activity in practice, the other players will try to rise to your level. You get out of practice what you put into it.

In high school, if you are caught at a party, or are caught intoxicated, you get banned from sports. It’s no joke. This means that, for a certain amount of games, you can’t play. This is a definite injury to the team, especially if you are a key player in the game. The five or so games that the banned player misses could be the five games that you need to win in order to make it to the championship. The choices you make on the weekend don’t just affect you, the repercussions extend further. The team is a whole; it is a symphony of every player putting their all into the game. If one instrument, or player, is missing from the orchestra, or team, then you can’t create beautiful music.

Being a member of a team is not just to keep you in shape. It’s not just about winning or losing. Sports are practice for skills that you need later in life. If you start practicing good choices for your team, then you will be more likely to make good choices with more important decisions. Whether it be your family, your friends, or your team, the choices you make help you realize that you are part of something larger than yourself. 46

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Erica Quallen St. Joseph Central High School

When I sat down to write this essay the thought that went through my head was, “I don’t want to sit here and write good things about myself. I hate doing that.” After thinking for a little while I talked to my mom and she helped me realize that I am not just writing about myself, but I am thanking my coaches and showing people what they taught me. I was very lucky growing up with the coaches that always taught me and the people that I was around while I played any sport.

My freshman season playing softball for St. Joe, I was named one of three captains. I was not only a team captain but I was relied upon greatly on the field, for I was the starting catcher. I caught every game but one, when I was on crutches and I tried to lead the team as best as I could. Any time a teammate of mine made a mistake or got down on themselves, I would make it a point to go up to them and just let them know that it is okay and there was no point in getting upset. By doing this, I set an example for other girls on the team on how to be a leader and to be a good teammate. Even if one of the girls may seem like they did not care that another teammate or I went over to them, I know that they did, because I have been that upset girl too.

One of the best things that happened to me while I was on the St. Joe softball team was not when we beat Drury in the last inning, or when I threw out the first girl of the season, it was not even while I was on the field; it was when my mother came up to me one day and told me that another girl told my mom how much she appreciated the little things I do for the team. The girl told my mother that she really felt welcome when she was playing with me and felt like she was as good as any of the other girls on the team. She also told my mom that I made her feel so much more comfortable on the softball field and I made it seem like it was OK to make a mistake while she was playing which was the most rewarding and exciting moment in my high school softball career so far.

As I was sitting here writing this essay, I thought to myself, “I may have chosen to do these things, but I learned it from my coaches.” I have to give almost all credit to my coaches for everything I do on and off the softball field; the way I act, the things I say, and the way I carry myself. The one thing that I have to give credit to myself for is the choices I make. 47

What Effect Do Choices Have On Sportsmanship? Nicholas Blake Somerset High School

Sportsmanship is an attitude. It is the willingness for an athlete to maintain their composure, poise, and a positive attitude in the face of often heart-wrenching and passionate competition. Although sportsmanship is often assumed to be the attitude maintained by most athletes, it is often ignored as a practice in favor of gamesmanship, arrogance, and disrespect for fellow competitors. Young athletes today too often follow the example of professionals, who often exploit their status as larger-than-life figures in our society by demonstrating antics, in and out of competition, that are unbecoming of a true athletic ambassador. Sports first originated as a means by which fellow human beings could compete in a way that was both friendly and honorable, a fact often forgotten today. Athletes today are asked to choose between two conflicting examples of the ideal athlete. One example is that of egotistical professionals who have forgotten the true spirit of athleticism, but a true athlete who adheres to the spirit of sportsmanship is able to look beyond this caricature of athleticism by choosing to act in a way that is honorable to themselves, their team or school, and their sport.

The choice to act honorably as an athlete is not always easy. Competition often has a tendency to bring out rash emotions and intense passions out of normally-composed people. The pressures put on athletes (by parents, by coaches, by scholarships) too often cause us to magnify each moment of an athletic contest. One bad call by an official, for example, can lead to reactions from players and spectators that can tarnish their perception as honorable competitors among spectators, officials, coaches, and fellow athletes. The pressure to be confident in the face of competition often causes us to act over-bearing, pompous or arrogant. The pressure to win causes some to overstep the boundaries of fair-play, consequently tarnishing, impeding, or disrespecting the achievements of others.

It is important to act honorably as an athlete, perhaps more so than in any other walk of life, as athletes are a public representation of their larger communities. The actions of an athlete cause spectators, whether they are out-of-town visitors or young children in the community, to draw certain conclusions about the community represented by that athlete. Spectators look to athletes to demonstrate the characteristics we wish to see in all people such as honor, respect, and good etiquette. Therefore, when an athlete chooses to demonstrate poor sportsmanship, he or she is also ignoring their responsibility to represent their community in a positive way.

All athletes can recognize the presence of these pressures in their daily lives; they are not exclusive to a select class of unsportsmanlike athletes. To juggle with these pressures and responsibilities is to be an athlete. Making choices is routine for an athlete, just like long practices and arduous workouts. Therefore, it is wrong for an athlete to magnify each personal decision, just as it is wrong to magnify each decision made by an official, coach, or fellow athlete in any particular contest. There are not just honorable athletes and arrogant athletes. Being a good and honorable sportsman is rather a cumulative effect; it is a skill developed over time just like throwing, shooting, catching, kicking, or running. However, just as we must choose to devote our time and energy towards these physical skills, we must also make a conscious commitment to make the choices that an honorable sportsman would make. 48

Sportsmanship And How It Can Change An Athlete’s Reputation Amanda Abromson Braintree High School

Sara Tuchoisky had played softball for four years at Western Oregon, and as a senior, had never hit a homerun. In a game last season, Tucholsky became an official “homerun hitter” when she sent a pitch from Central Washington’s pitcher far over the fence. However, Tuchoisky rounded first base without touching it, most likely due to the excitement of hitting her first home run, and tore her ACL while doubling back to tag it. The umpires notified Western Oregon’s coaches that a pinch runner would have to be brought in to run for Tucholsky and her home run would only count as a single. Just like that, Tucholsky’s glory was taken away from her. Then, unexpectedly, a pair of Central Washington players asked if they could carry Tucholsky around the bases and have her touch each one until she was credited with her much deserved home run. There was no disagreement, and Mallory Holtman and Liz Wallace hoisted Tucholsky upon their shoulders and rounded the bases. Despite the fact that a single for Tucholsky would have benefited their team, Hoitman and Wallace generously granted their opponent a home run, and also displayed the ultimate example of sportsmanship.

Sportsmanship is a word often used, but seldom demonstrated. Sadly, poor sportsmanship is seen just as much, if not more, than good sportsmanship. Take for example, parents yelling at their kids from the sidelines of recreational youth soccer games, or hot-headed coaches shouting at the referees and setting bad examples for their players. Many people who know me would say that I am extremely passionate about sports, and sometimes slightly too passionate. I play ice hockey and softball for Braintree High School, and my teammates and coaches would agree that it is difficult for me to hold back my quick temper and frustration. It is my most obvious weakness in sports and I have been trying to think twice before I let my temper get the best of me. Not only could I receive a penalty or a suspension, but having an over-passionate reputation could also change the image I have earned as an athlete and the way I am remembered. In games when I feel my fiery temper burning within, I try to reflect upon how my choices could change the way people view me as an athlete. Instead of making the poor choice of retaliating, I make an effort to show good sportsmanship or mere kindness in the rink or on the field.

Sportsmanship does not have to be extreme to be noticed. Hoitman and Wallace took sportsmanship to a whole new level when they carried Tucholsky around the bases. Shaking hands, saying “good game,” cheering on teammates, or helping a fallen opponent get up are some less glorified examples of sportsmanship that should surely be recognized. With these instances in mind, it is safe to say that an athlete’s choices, whether they are good or bad, will directly impact his or her sportsmanship and the reputation they leave behind. 49

Sportsmanship Caitlin Davino-Draper Hanover High School

Less than a minute remains in the game. Though the numbers on the scoreboard seem to change quicker now, to match the heartbeats of the anxious fans, the surge of adrenaline makes the time seem to pass in slow motion for those on the field. Threee, tw000, oneeee and a line of zeroes decorate the screen. The familiar, hollow sound of the air horn fills the arena, and each player is faced with several important choices.

Will they thank the officials as they walk off the field, or will they walk past without so much as a glance? Will they shake hands with every player on the team, or will they pull their hand out of reach when they approach certain ones? And will they sign that autograph for the young fan waiting patiently near the exit, or will they hurry past because they aren’t in the mood? If a person demonstrates true sportsmanship, then they not only exemplify sincerity, but consistency as well. True sportsmanship is found in an athlete who handles losing just as gracefully as they handle winning. They are role models for other athletes regardless of the circumstances of the game.

They are able to keep their cool in situations of great frustration and get their point across with class. They respect coaches and officials because they are aware of the time and effort that they put into the game. They aren’t critical of referees because they understand that they too, are only human. When they disagree with a call they find a respectful way to address the situation. An athlete who demonstrates true sportsmanship is supportive of their teammates and respectful to other athletes. If they are provoked, they do not reciprocate the violence and no matter how difficult, they let insults and negative comments roll off their shoulders. They can appreciate constructive criticism and the talent of their opponents because they see them as opportunities to learn. They shake the hand of every player. .even the one who ‘accidentally’ tripped them at half time. They play to win, but it isn’t the end of the world when they don’t because their main reason for playing is their love of the game. Not only do they respect coaches, officials, and other athletes, but their families and fans as well. They are grateful for their support which they know has helped them get where they are. Also, they would never cheat to get ahead because they believe in the importance of honesty and hard work.

Ultimately the essence of sportsmanship remains unchanged from little league to the major leagues. The choices an athlete makes define their level of sportsmanship. What will your choices say about you? 50

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Inspired by Coach Walsh and Frontier High School Athletes Thomas Morneau Cathedral High School (Springfield)

“Sportsmanship is an act of class, and when you show class you’ll always be remembered as a class act team,” said Head Cross Country Coach, Dan Walsh. It wasn’t until he said these words that I fully understood what sportsmanship was. To me, sportsmanship was always just a simple hand shake and a “good game,” but now it seems to really have some meaning. The choices made at any sporting event can affect what a team thinks about their opponent. In any case, sportsmanship should not be something that has to be shown, but rather something that wants to be shown.

On a warm autumn day in September the Cathedral Cross Country team faced Ludlow and Frontier in a tn-meet up at Ludlow High School. The three teams raced to their potential each trying to beat each other. The race came to a close as the last few runners passed the finish line leaving only one Cathedral runner left on the course. The Cathedral team lined the last 100 feet as their runner hit the final stretch giving him high fives as he passed. What made this memorable is that the entire Frontier team lined up as well, giving high fives to the final Cathedral runner too. As he passed the finish line both teams erupted with applause and congratulated the runner. After the meet Coach Walsh said, “I’ll always remember Frontier as a classy team.” That is sportsmanship right there, that is class. When something like that is witnessed, it isn’t forgotten. These runners were not required to root on an opposing team member, but in doing so, they earned respect from me, as well as the entire Cathedral team.

The second time I witnessed true sportsmanship was at a Hampshire-Frontier soccer match. Both teams are playing their hardest trying to score and crush their opponent. A Hampshire player carried the ball into Frontier territory and made up it into the goal box. Before he could get the shot off, he fell over and was lying on the ground in pain; the ball was still in play. Then the Frontier team had taken control of the ball, and kicked it out of bounds so that time could be stopped and the player attended too. The player was carried off the field and play continued. It was Hampshire’s throw in, but rather than making an attempt to score they threw the ball back to the Frontier defense as a sign of respect. In such a fierce soccer game there was a degree of respect and honor shown by both teams that really made it clear on what sportsmanship meant.

Sportsmanship summed up into one word is respect; respect to yourself and your opponent. When a team shows good in sportsmanship, they earn respect for themselves. I know that anytime I see the Frontier soccer team or cross country team I’llregard them as a cool team. 51

Sportsmanship: Is It A Choice? Marisa Markowitz Sharon High School

Everyday choices made by ordinary people make a big impact on sportsmanship. If everyone made smart choices in life, the world would be a better place. In sports, it’s very crucial to make the right decision. My own definition of sportsmanship is the ability to win or lose graciously and showing courtesy and compassion to the other player’s team. Simply shaking your opponent’s hands at the end of the game is a very good choice, leading to great sportsmanship. People take for granted that the have choices in life. “Every person, regardless of whatever different abilities they may have, can contribute, can be a source of joy, and can beam with pride and love.” That was a quote from Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Eunice Kennedy Shriver was a very significant person. She helped children with disabilities develop self confidence, social skills, and a sense of personal accomplishment. Eunice founded the special Olympics which is an immense achievement. Also, she helped kids with intellectual disabilities compete in the Special Olympics. In 1962, Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a summer day camp for children and adults with disabilities at her home to explore their capabilities in a variety of sports and physical activities. She made history in her own backyard. This extraordinary woman really did care about these children. They didn’t choose to be born with a disability, but they still accept it and make the best out of it. Whether these children won or lost they still were kind to the other kids who won and was happy for them, and that is what sportsmanship is all about. Eunice Kennedy’s sister Rosemary was born with special needs. Eunice’s very special relationship with her sister, Rosemary inspired her lifelong work to create a more accepting and inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities. My sister Jessica was born with special needs. She didn’t choose to be born with it but she has to go through obstacles in her everyday life. She enjoys going to super bowl parties and watching the football game, she cheers for both of the teams and is happy for whoever wins. In sports the coaches make a big impact.

Coaches should be respectful to one another and not get into any arguments. They should also be role models to their players because they look up to their coaches. Sportsmanship starts at the top with the coaches. If the coaches show great sportsmanship then the players will want to follow in their footsteps. I believe that coaches of all sports should congratulate each other whether they win or lose and not give them dirty looks because the other team won. The goal of the game is to play fairly but still win the game. Therefore decisions made in sports will resemble the choices made for the rest of your life. 52

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Lauren McNelley Austin Preparatory School

For many High School students, sports are a big part of their day. They’ll come into school sick just so they can attend practice or a game. They make sacrifices, like going to team diners instead of doing homework or eating with their families. Other difficult choices are made as well, when it comes between going with the team or hanging out with a friend or friends you haven’t seen in awhile, majority of the time, the team is put above everything else. A team can form such a strong bond together that they become a family. They protect each other, look out for one another and encourage each member of the “family” to do their absolute best. The spirit and moral of a team is what leads them to greatness. Together they can defeat and rise above any and all challenges thrown at them.

If one team can bond together and show respect, decency and sportsmanship toward one another, why is it so difficult for that one team to show the same respect, decency and sportsmanship to an opposing team? It all comes down to school rivalries. Years before sportsmanship was an issue addressed, teams would battle each other for top spots. Each school has it’s own personal rival and each team looks forward, every year, to defeating their rival. At every practice, the focus point is, be better, practice harder, push yourself, because such and such a team is doing that right now at their practice and they aren’t going to let you beat them without putting up the best fight they can. That mentality isn’t bad, but what’s dangerous about it is a lot of the time athletes will forget that the other team is composed of human beings just like them who deserve respect, decency and sportsmanship like conduct just as must as they deserve it.

Trash talking, swearing, harassing officials, coaches, and players, throwing arms and elbows, shoving, cheap shots and intentionally not shaking an opponents hand at the end of the game are just a few of the un-sportsmanship like conduct you see on and off the field almost everywhere. Any one of the above acts, and any other acts you could think of, has a huge effect on the sportsmanship of everyone else around you. When one of the above acts occurs, that angers someone else so much that they in turn do something back to someone else. Soon, you have two entire teams, including coaches and sometimes referrers, who are now very upset, aggravated and angry. When this happens, the game your playing is no longer about skill and talent. It is now about who can hurt the other team more.

By showing sportsmanship to all your opponents and choosing not to retaliate against someone who isn’t, you are helping to create a better and safer game for everyone else. By encouraging your teammates to show sportsmanship as well, you are sending a message to your opponents that they to should show sportsmanship. It makes a better game and creates a better player and person. 53

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Catherine Tracy Tantasqua Regional High School

A few weeks ago, I learned that sportsmanship is important both on and off the field. I was approached by one of my fellow classmates to go to what would have been my first party where alcohol would be present. I politely told them that I was uninterested. I declined the invitation not only because I am underage and know the effects that drugs and alcohol can have on someone’s body, but I also thought of how my decision would affect my team. If I had accepted the invitation, I would probably not have had my best performance the next day during the game. I could risk being caught, being taken off the team, or losing playing time, all of which could greatly affect the outcome of the game. I also would not be a good role model to the underclassmen and would lose my good reputation.

I think it is very important to be spirited about your team. I participate in the spirit days, wearing what the captains decided whether it be dress up, jerseys, or school colors. By participating in the spirit days, I show my support for my team, and encourage my teammates to have a positive attitude towards the team and to show their spirit for what they do.

On the field, it is important to keep a good attitude towards the opposing teams and your players. I never make a teammate feel bad for making a mistake on the field. Instead, I tell them they are going to do well the next time and that they had a great game and gave it their all. Playing fairly against the other teams and showing good conduct is also important. When the ref makes a bad call, I do not talk back to the ref and get my team in trouble, I just try to focus on the game and try to continue playing my best and help my team win.

Recently, during one of my games, one of the opposing team’s players accidentally injured one of our players. To show my respect to the injured player and to show good sportsmanship, I gathered my teammates together in a huddle, and took a knee until my teammate was able to stand up and walk off of the field. At the end of the game, when it was time to shake hands, I gave the opposing team high fives knowing my teammates tried their best and were good team players. My teammates were courteous, played fairly, and kept positive attitudes after losing the game. I am happy that my decision to not go to the party had a positive impact on my team. 54

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Blair Bigwood Acton-Boxborough Regional High School

My choices impact sportsmanship because I am a leader and the biggest part of that is leading by example. Leading by example is a much underrated characteristic, as it may go unnoticed by many people. The person who talks a big game, or gives a great speech before a game is noticed more by his fellow teammates, then by the player, who goes out, gives it everything he has. However it is the actions of a leader that teammates can look up to and follow. Therefore, my choices to lead by example greatly impact sportsmanship.

For instance, fair play is an essential part of all sporting events and sportsmanship. No matter the event, everybody wants the players to play cleanly, and stay away from cheap or dirty plays. That is why as a leader, I keep my calm during situations, and do not penalize the team. Many players will take stupid and unnecessary penalties during a game, and those penalties hurt their team. At the time, they many not realize it, but it potentially could end up costing their team. Now, as a leader, if my teammates saw that when the situation was inappropriate, I hurt the team, well then they would also think that it was okay. However, restraining myself from taking unnecessary penalties, I chose to shows everyone else how they should act, and gives them an example of proper sportsmanship.

Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure and displeasure to play against many of my former teammates. It is always great for competition to play against past teammates, but it can also be very difficult when you lose to them. Nobody wants to get beat by old friends, and sometimes sportsmanship can get in-between. A saying I’ve heard is “they are friends before and after the game, but forget who they are during the game”. Sportsmanship involves the spirit of the game and in order for that to hold true, you cannot allow for friends to get in the way. Again leading by example, I will always recognize them before the game, but during the game, I expect their best and they should expect mine. It would be a detriment to the sport if, because of who you were playing, you did not give it your all. This choice to forget your friends and old teammates is a tough one, but to make it allows for the spirit and sportsmanship of the game to remain. The earlier choice really becomes tough after the game, as this is when I must confront my old teammates. Win or loss, good sportsmanship is essential because after the game, nothing can be done to change it. Another saying is “leave it all on the ice”. This saying can mean two different things, first give the game everything you got, but also leave the differences you have on the ice, as nothing was personal. After the game, you are once again friends and it essential to sportsmanship to remember this. 55

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Greg Wilson Medford High School

Sportsmanship is commonly described as a “conformance to the rules, spirit, and etiquette of sport.” I believe that the inspiration for sport is often an indescribable element. Ultimately, these personal choices are what can make or break athletes. A successful athlete must always have the necessary poise and composure because in many cases they are looked upon as the models of hard work and accomplishment.

As a student-athlete, my parents and coaches have taught me that a persons true colors show during times of adversity rather than during times of triumph. An excellent example of true sportsmanship comes from a story I read in Sports Illustrated in 2008. The story chronicles a softball game on April 29, 2008 in Portland Oregon where two girls selfless act influenced the lives of so many.

Western Oregon’s 5-foot-2-inch right-fielder came up with two runners on in the second inning in a rather meaningless game against Central Washington. The career .153 hitter, who had never hit a home run, blasted the second pitch of the at-bat over the center field wall. While enthusiastically rounding first, she realizes she missed the bag and suddenly stops to touch the bag. As soon as she stops her knee gives out triggering a great deal of pain. The whole stadium went into disbelief and no one knew what to do including the umpiring crew, but what happened next is something that all athletes should aspire to. Two players from the opposing team proceeded to lift her off the ground and carry her around the bases until they reached home plate. Any participant interviewed at the game said it was the “greatest act of sportsmanship they have ever witnessed.”

To get back to the original question; I completely believe that choice plays a major impact on one’s sportsmanship. A person’s actions speak for the type of person that they justly are. Being a “good sport” means being considerate toward opponents and having respect for the morality in sport.

Making the right choices can become contagious. For instance, the All-American captain of a Division 1 power house football team loses a hard fought battle to a rival school. But instead of wandering off meaninglessly, he congratulates the opposing players who he had shared the field with that day. His teammates would observe what he has done and they would feel compelled to do the same, which is fundamentally correct because as a captain and a team leader it is your obligation to help your fellow teammates make the right choices on and off the playing field.

At the end of the day, choice is psychological and according to Webster’s dictionary “consists of the mental process of thinking involved with the process of judging the merits of multiple options and selecting one of them for action” and how we take these actions into reality defines the type of model each individual is. 56

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Lauren Blake Quaboag Regional Middle/High School

To the winning team, there’s the thrill of the victory, the adrenaline rush those last few seconds, the smiles that pour across the faces of teammates, the next higher number in the win column. Everyone playing a sport knows the feeling of winning, and that’s undoubtedly the feeling every player wants to experience when the game is over. Our choices on the field affect the outcome of the game; they determine which team will feel that thrill of victory and which team will go home with a defeat. However, our choices both on and off the field determine our sportsmanship.

College coach Knute Rockne once said “One man practicing sportsmanship is better than a hundred teaching it.” Sportsmanship isn’t just about how the losing team takes their defeat or how the winning team handles their pride. It’s about the player determined not to let their teammates down; it’s about the team cheering each other on, on or off the field; it’s about having a respect for the other team, just because they share the passion for the sport you love. Every choice you make relating to your sport is a choice that impacts sportsmanship.

One year, while playing junior varsity field hockey at an away game, I hit a ball into the goal, but it was called dangerous and didn’t count. Heading to the bus afterwards, a varsity player from the home team was walking beside me, and mentioned to me that she thought my goal should have counted. I said my thanks and we talked for a bit about field hockey, and I thought nothing of it; but later I realized, she didn’t even have to be watching her junior varsity team, let alone letting a girl on the other team know she did a good job. Sportsmanship comes in all forms, acknowledging the other team’s success, showing concern for a hurt player, all choices effect sportsmanship.

It’s the high fives you give the other team at the end of each game. We all play the sport because we love it, we want to be the best; we want to compete with the best; everyone knows that. Sportsmanship is the athlete that wants to be the best they can be to help their team, and the athlete with respect for all of those who share the passion for the same game. 57

How Does My Choice Impact Sportsmanship? Elizabeth Perez Clinton High School

When contemplating how my choices impact sportsmanship I had to ask myself a basic question, what is sportsmanship? By formal definition Merriam-Webster’s dictionary states that sportsmanship is “conduct (as fairness, respect for one’s opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport”. This all tells me that as in all aspects of my life I choose sportsmanship as my course of action. I love sports and competition and appreciate a good game, win or lose. I’m amazed when talking to others about this concept that many do not believe that one can be a fierce competitor on the field and a good sport after the competition, I feel that the two do not have to be mutually exclusive.

Two examples of how my choice impacts sportsmanship are about my sister and me. The first example that I recall was when I was a freshman on the varsity cheerleading team but wasn’t on the competition team. I was proud of my teammates even though I didn’t personally compete. I attended all the practices and competitions. As I saw it I was still an important part of the team, a teammate!!! I believe in the old saying that “It doesn’t matter whether you win or lose but how you play the game.” For those who only want to win I off you the following words from Jesse Owens, “In the end, its extra effort that separates a winner from second place. But winning takes a lot more than that, too. It starts with complete command of the fundamentals. Then it takes desire, determination, discipline, and self-sacrifice. And finally, it takes a great deal of love, fairness and respect for your fellow man. Put all these together, and even if you don’t win, how can you lose?” As I said earlier, I choose to be a good sport and by doing, I never lose.

My second example is that of my sister, Mary, who is autistic and participates in the Special Olympics. This event is the ultimate example of true sportsmanship. We, as a family, attend the Special Olympics each year. As I stand at the finish line of the track and watch her and the other competitors running towards me I have to make a choice — do I just cheer for my sister or do I choose to be an example for all the players. I chose the latter so my action was that the participants could understand the concept of respect for opponents and being gracious in sports. The impact of this choice was by being an example for them and I felt an overwhelming sense of sportsmanship not only within myself but throughout the entire event. I could see how truly happy they all were for each other, I conscious felt the sense of victory for each participant win or lose and the vibe of true sportsmanship is always in the air. 58

Sportsmanship: Victory Is In One’s Nature Brieanna Gresh Holyoke High School

Sportsmanship: an attitude that strives for fair play, courtesy towards teammates and opponents, ethical behavior and integrity, and grace in losing; a manner that all sports players should strive to possess. Sportsmanship can sometimes be described as the “golden rule” of sports. Many players do not have good attitudes toward the referees, opposing team, or just the game in general. Showing a positive attitude while playing a sport earns one more respect from your teammates and fans. Being a player who demonstrates good sportsmanship will portray an athlete as a better player all around.

Sportsmanship is the critical characteristic for an excellent athlete. It is the ability to not only play the game to their best ability but to recognize that the process along the way is just as significant. Because, in the end it does not matter what team has the “win” rather what team performed to their fullest potential and played honorably in the process. When the game is over the real victory is in shaking an opponent’s hand and realizing the scores will fade but good character will persevere and not be surpassed.

As said by Tim Duncan, “The time when there is not one there to feel sorry for you or to cheer for you is when a player is made.” Duncan got his point across thoroughly by basically stating that to be a good athlete, one needs to have faith in them self when no one else does. This shows good sportsmanship because every player needs to be positive no matter what anyone else thinks. This shows determination and perseverance to keep pushing forward and playing to one’s best abilities. To ultimately show good sportsmanship, one must put everything behind them, go out on the field or court, and play to their best ability with respect for every other player and the game. 59

Sportsmanship’s Effects Connor Tremarche Mashpee High School

As I have gone through high school I have noticed more and more how my decisions impact the people not only directly around me but also in my school, my town and my family. When I was a freshman and playing varsity sports I always looked up to the older kids for insight on what to do in a particular situation. As I progressed through high school I began to notice more and more how much my actions influenced younger kids. Prior to any action I take in the sports I play, whether it be sanctioned by the MIAA or another sports governing body, I always manage to think before I act. This keeps me conscious about what I am about to do or say. By staying conscious about decisions I can looks at how they will turn out and how they will be looked upon by everyone else. You have to keep in mind that you, the people watching and the people who hear about the incident have different view points.

An example can be seen in a high school soccer game. For 75 minutes you may have been fighting hard against the other team when you slip up and end up hurting their best player, the referee gives you a yellow card. You know it was an accident, the fans could view it as either an accident or on purpose, while the people back home could hear about it and think you’re a dirty player. This reputation can spread from just you to include your whole team, your school, and finally your town.

By staying conscious about your next move in a sport you can prevent any negative reputations from being cast on your town. As my athletic director Mr. Home says constantly, “Once you put on that jersey with Mashpee on it, you represent more than yourself, you represent the school and the town.”

Yet sometimes you cannot avoid an event such as the example above. When these events happen this is where you show your true colors. If you injure the kid then go over to see if they are okay then it shows that it quite possibly was an accident and you did not mean to hurt them. Yet if you just walk away from the kid and show no real remorse then the reputation of a dirty player may stick.

Whether I like it or not my actions that I do on and off the field impact what people see in me. This had led me to make every choice on the field something that I can look back at be proud of. By doing this I have many people that look up to me and see me as the example player they aspire to be. Sportsmanship has helped me become a better athlete and a better person. 60

End of an Era Jane Ehret Gardner High School

“You are disqualified.” Those words kept ringing in my head on the bus ride home from the State Championships held on that rainy February night. It was the first time the Gardner High School swim team had lost a state championship in fifteen years. We broke the streak. The mix of emotions I felt was overwhelming. I was angry with myself for getting disqualified. I felt cheated by the official who claimed I touched the wall with one hand. I felt remorseful toward the past Gardner swimmers who had worked so hard to keep the winning streak alive. Then, surprisingly, I felt happy. I was genuinely happy for the new state champions. They deserved it and I respected them.

We were indubitably outnumbered. Six girls comprised the Gardner team. The winning team had almost twenty girls competing. Our team did not even have enough swimmers for three relays. The odds were arbitrary. Those odds grew even worse upon my disqualification. I was seeded first in the event and won it by three seconds. The team was ecstatic ‘til they found out I was dishonestly disqualified. It was as if the whole team had been hit by a bus. All of our spirits were demolished. Despite my disagreement with the call, I swam my hardest for the rest of the meet. Sucking up my emotions, I swam for my team and I swam for my school. I would not let my mistake affect the attitude of the rest of the meet. It would be selfish to treat my teammates in such a way.

As the meet progressed, it was apparent we could not win the meet. But we did have a chance at third place. It came down to the last event: the 400 freestyle relay. We were seeded fifth and needed to place in the top three to capture third place overall. On the interior, I was still an emotional wreck but I knew it was up to me to set a positive attitude for my teammates. I was the leader and it was my job to put on a show. Acting like everything was wonderful; I convinced them to swim out of their minds. They did. We all did. We placed third overall with only six girls: our smallest state team ever.

After that relay, the six of us honorably congratulated the new state champions with respect. We thanked them for their competition and praised their modesty. After the other girls left the pool, a news reporter asked me how I felt about the new state champions and I told him that I was proud of them and happy that they had accomplished their goal of beating the seemingly unbeatable. Thinking back, I truly believe that the way out team acted at states was beyond sportsmanship. It was friendship. Those girls, my teammates and my competitors, will always be there for me to share this bitter-sweet experience with. 61

How Do Your Choices Impact Sportsmanship? Victoria DiLiddo Bartlett Jr./Sr. High School

What is sportsmanship? And how does one acquire it? To me, sportsmanship is having respect for everyone around you, including yourself. Sportsmanship is the difference between right and wrong; fair and unfair. It’s the reason you shake hands at the end of a big game against your rival team. And, although sometimes silence is golden, sportsmanship is speaking kind words when all you want to do is punch someone in the face. One doesn’t acquire sportsmanship

overnight. . . in order to achieve it you have to make choices that impact it.

Have you ever heard someone say that “you can’t expect someone to respect you if you don’t respect yourself?” If you’re constantly doing things you question or regret afterwards, are they really in your best interest? If you feel uneasy about them, how do you think other people will react? You have two choices. You can keep it all a secret and let it get to you, or you can stop it all completely and make the effort to change when you learn to respect yourself, in time, other s will respect you too.

Ever since you were little, you have been taught the difference between right and wrong; fair and unfair. It was right to share your toys, but it was wrong to take others. Timeouts were unfair, but trading snacks were fair. When it comes to sportsmanship, the same concept applies. It’s right to be pumped up over a big win, but it’s wrong to brag about it days afterward. It’s fair when both teams get a bad call, but it’s unfair if you put a small kid on a kid twice their size.

When you’re playing a sport, you give it your all. You give your absolute best shot the entire time. If your entire team is doing that, wouldn’t it be logical that the team you’re playing is the same way? Bottom line, no matter how much the teams hate each other, win or lose, you shake each others hands at the end. You probably don’t want to, but you will anyway. If you think about it, both teams are more the same than they are different.

The qualities of sportsmanship intertwine with one another. You shake hands and say a few kind words out of respect. You learn respect after you learn the difference between right and wrong. Right and wrong comes from fair and unfair. Having a good sense of sportsmanship is essential to everyday life. The more you practice it, the easier it’s going to come to you. 62

Sportsmanship Anthony Piland Martha’s VineyardRegional High School

As a student athlete, I have been blessed with physical and mental abilities that help me make good choices every day to participate in the sports that I love. I make choices both on and off the field that impact sportsmanship. The American Heritage dictionary defines sportsmanship as: conduct and attitude considered as befitting participants in sports, especially fair play, courtesy, striving spirit, and grace in losing. The choices I make can greatly influence sportsmanship in a negative or positive way. The classroom is my number one priority and it is my choice to maintain good grades so I can participate in sports and help the teams that I play on. Making good decisions on the field sets the tone for the teammates and effects how they will conduct themselves. An example of making a good decision is choosing to cheer for my team instead of against the other team. In doing this, my teammates would respond in the same way and express the proper attitude towards the opposing team.

Leaders of a team play a crucial role in how their teammates conduct themselves. Making the decision to lead a team the right way is an important part of sportsmanship. As the leader of a team, I make good decisions in the hope that my team will choose to display good sportsmanship as well. For example, after a game I always shake the opponent’s hands and tell them it was a good game. Win or lose it’s always important to respect your opponent and never criticize them. Choices do not always take the form of words, but more importantly actions. Not being a show boater and keeping emotions in control are good decisions I choose to make. Most importantly, I choose to play to help the team rather than my own statistics. The real winners in sports are the players who choose to make good decisions and behave with dignity before, during and after the game.

Making good decisions isn’t always easy; especially when it comes to congratulating another team after a loss or close game. Respecting umpires after receiving bad calls gracefully is another good choice I often make. It is easy to leave without shaking hands or make rude remarks after the game to the other team or an umpire. But it comes down moments like these when our choices have a profound effect on the display of true sportsmanship. Making the right choices sets up your team for success in the long run.

In the end, it is just a game, not always about winning or losing, what truly matters is how you play the game. This applies to both on and off the field. Learning good sportsmanship through great choices will help in every area of an athletes life as they display fair play, courtesy, striving spirit, and grace long after the glory days on the field are over. 63

Sportsmanship Essay Rachel Channen Salem High School

The power of positive thinking has helped me as an athlete, student and person. I choose not to focus on the negatives and make the best out of any situation that comes my way. I knew that being the only returning varsity field hockey player this year would be quite challenging. Not only did I have to work with all new players but also we got a brand new coach at the same time. Having been elected captain of the Salem high team I knew that all the players would look upon my leadership and sportsmanship very carefully. Despite the adversity I came into the season prepared to make this year as successful as possible.

Double sessions were quite a period of transition. My coach changed my position to center midfield and I was surrounded by all rookies. I utilized this position to help guide and support all of my teammates. Rather than become frustrated by their inexperience, I tried my best to encourage their play and give them all of the tips I knew to help make them stronger players. As an athlete I also know the importance of team spirit. I did my best to gather the team together off the field as well to make tie dye tee shirts and go out for ice creams and use this fun time for team bonding. At this point we were all excited to begin our season.

Last season I was used to winning. This year I have tried to keep my teams spirits high despite our winning only one game. Rather than focus on our losing record I keep reminding the girls on how much we have all improved and just the mere fact that we are out in the field playing a game we love. I’ve gone from winning gracefully to losing gracefully. Two games in particular were hard for me for I was competing against my mom who is the coach for Swampscott. At one point in the game I took a hard drive and accidentally the ball hit my moms best player in the knee and she went down. I immediately ran over to her and apologized. Once the shock and pain wore off I grabbed her by the hand and helped pull her up. Fortunately she was fine and continued to play. I was glad because going against her is quite challenging and she pushes me to be a better player.

Reflecting back over the season I tried to be the best role model I could be for all of the players. Remaining positive, improving our skills and having so much fun together off the field at the past parties will be fond memories for me in the future. My hope when the last whistle blows to end my high school field hockey career is that the role modeling for good sportsmanship that I displayed on and off the field will continue on through the players for many years into the future. 64

fRIUTt ,0Th, MIAA

Acknowledgments

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association extends its appreciation to the high school students from the following schools who contributed to the 9th Annual Student Sportsmanship Essay/Multimedia Contest and to this publication. We hope that your voices will influence others to share your ideals. Volume IX of “Sportsmanship: A Game Plan For Life” is dedicated to the young people who demonstrate sportsmanship, ethics and integrity in their actions, and serve as role models for building the future.

Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Mashpee High School Andover High School Medford High School Another Course to College Pilot High School Miliis High School Ashland High School Monument Mountain Regional High School Auburn High School Mount Alvernia High School Austin Preparatory School Mystic Valley Regional Charter School Bartlett Jr./Sr. High School Nipmuc Regional High School Bedford High School North Attleborough High School Bishop Feehan High School North Reading High School Braintree High School Norton High School Canton High School Notre Dame Academy (Hingham) Cathedral High School (Springfield) Oakmont Regional High School Chicopee Comprehensive High School Quaboag Regional High School Clinton High School Reading Memorial High School Cohasset High School Saint Joseph Central High School Dartmouth High School Saint Mary’s High School (Lynn) Everett High School Sabis International Charter School Falmouth High School Salem High School Gardner High School Scituate High School Greater Lowell Technical High School Sharon High School Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School Shrewsbury High School Hanover High School Silver Lake Regional High School Holyoke High School Somerset High School Keefe Technical High School Somerville High School King Philip Regional High School South Lancaster Academy Lee Middle/High School Stoneham High School Leicester High School Stoughton High School Lexington High School Tantasqua Regional High School Lowell High School Wahconah Regional High School Lowell Catholic High School Whitman-Hanson Regional High School Maiden High School Wilmington High School Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Futre Through eQ MIAA

Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association 33 Forge Parkway Franklin, MA 02038 Phone: 508-541-7997 Fax: 508-541-9888 www.miaa.net