Life lessons through sports...

Sportsmanship... such a simple word, with a simple meaning, but - so hard to achieve at times.  Since my oldest son (who is now 22) was 4 years old, sports have been a vital part of our family.  I have watched all three of my kids grow up in a ball park where so many amazing memories were made, and some awesome friends were met. Over the last 8 years, I have spent countless hours watching high school sports  (football, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and golf) with a child (or a niece/nephew) on the field.  I have volunteered on the Quarterback Club, in concession stands, auctions, and various other functions investing time and money into programs for our local high school.  As parents, we teach and encourage our kids to be good sports from an early age - but, how many times do we really examine the way we act in the stands. 

Let's face it, the majority of our kids are not going to be professional athletes, but.. we can all take away some valuable life lessons from the field. 

1. Always have integrity.  One of the first thing a child learns playing sports is you must play by the rules. Even when there is an opportunity to break the rules and get ahead - you must follow them and play with integrity. 
2. Always have respect.  Not only does an athlete have to respect the officials/referees, they must respect their coaches, parents, teammates and yes... even the players and coaches on the opposing team. 
3. Always show good sportsmanship.  Being a good sport is more than just being nice to your teammates on the field.  It is about lifting your teammates up, encouraging them, praising them. It means being a good sport on and off the field.  It means treating the opposing team the same way you treat your own. 
4. Always exhibit self-control.   Be positive, level-headed,  and show self control at all times.  Don't be that one guys who throws their helmet or bat across the field.  Don't be that crazy parent in the stands screaming hurtful things at other kids. 
5. Always be supportive.  Be supportive of your coaches - let them coach.  As a parent, it is hard not to coach from the sidelines - but they are the coach for a reason.  If parents are supportive of the coaches, the kids will be also. 

As I have sat in the stands over the past two months at various high school sporting events, I am reminded that we can all learn from the above lessons.  We can all come together and be support each other, regardless of the school you attend.  Parents can show support for their team, without yelling, screaming, and being hurtful and mean towards the opposing team.  Maybe as parents... we should take a step back and look at our athletes that do set the example. 

Two weeks ago on a Friday night at a local high school football game this happened:  two teams, one town, one injured player being taken off the field by ambulance, BOTH teams come together on the 20 yard line and pray! That my friends is what sportsmanship is all about!