• Sportsmanship is a demonstration of generosity and genuine concern for others. It is a concrete 
measure of the understanding and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity.

• Sportsmanship is a blending of cheers for “your team” and applause for the “opponents,” observing 
the letter and spirit of the rules, and showing consideration for others.

• Sportsmanship is the “golden rule” of athletics – treating others as you wish to be treated.

• Sportsmanship is respect – respect for others and one’s self.

• Sportsmanship is all this and much more.

• For a coach, sportsmanship might be accepting a “questionable” call without protest.

• For a student-athlete, it may be extending a helping hand to an opponent who is down.

• For a spectator, it might be cheering for his team when it loses, and applauding the opponent 
when it wins.

• For an official, it may be showing restraint when verbally assaulted by coaches, athletes and 
spectators.

• Sportsmanship encompasses all that which is good in human nature.

• Sportsmanship is citizenship in action.