Fun and pleasure should be the goal of any sports or recreational activity. Sitting in a stadium, cheering a team, is our current national pastime. So, why is the world of sports getting a bad reputation?
The media focuses on unsportsmanlike or outrageous behaviour by professionals. In minutes, videos of out-of-line conduct are uploaded on YouTube for worldwide distribution. No wonder the idea of sportsmanship seems tarnished, and competing can often mean winning at all costs. Fans, too, need to shoulder some blame.
Sports and sportsmanship remain metaphors for life — competing, winning, losing. The qualities of a good sportsman are the same as the qualities of a good leader.
Spectator etiquette
In recent years, fan behaviour has taken a turn for the worse. Televised games capture not just the play, but scenes in stands too. Most fans behave well. The point is to have fun, yell, cheer, and experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. It’s also important to remember that there are children in the stand. As a parent, be the spectator you want your child to be.
Here are some pointers:
* Walk slowly with the crowd, not through it. Take care not to bump or shove others.
* Be polite as you pass people to get to your seat, pass with your back to those seated.
* When a large group of spectators rises and blocks your view, go with the flow and stand. Sometimes, someone gets too engrossed in the game and forgets to sit down. Tell them politely.
* Watch your language. Obscenities in public are by nature offensive.
* Cheer your heart out after a play that goes your team’s way, but don’t cross the line onto obnoxious boasting.
* Occasional booing occurs, but leave it there. Angry, derisive or obscene shouting is over the line.
* At games where quiet is expected — a tennis match, a game of snooker or chess — be still and watch.
Most kids pick up manners from their parents. Here’s how you can make your child the spectator you want him to be:
Leave coaching to the coach: Shouting negative comments and instructions will confuse the child. Aggressive sideline coaching can actually harm performance.
Don’t criticise referees and umpires: If you disagree with the referee’s call, keep the criticism to yourself. Even if he is completely off, don’t convey your hostile feelings to your child.
Compliment the opposition: If the other team is playing particularly well, remark on their skills. Showing appreciation for the other side isn’t a betrayal of your own, but simply an essential part of sportsmanship.
Steer clear of tantrum-throwing parents: You can’t reason with a furious parent, but if you know the person, you may want to speak with him about his behaviour at a calmer time.
Point out good role models: Whenever you watch a match — on TV or live with your child, point out the positive role models: those who follow the rules, those who win and lose graciously.
The quality, which perhaps more than any other distinguishes true sportsmanship, is absence of temper, not temper brought along and held in check, but temper securely locked and left at home.
