Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity

Mission Statement

The ideals of good sportsmanship, ethical behavior, and integrity permeate our culture. The values of good citizenship and high behavioral standards apply equally to all school activities. In perception and practice, good sportsmanship shall be defined as those qualities of behavior, which are characterized by generosity and genuine considerations for others. Further, an awareness is expected of the impact of an individual's influence on the behavior of others. Good sportsmanship is viewed by the Alberton Joint School District #2 as a concrete measure of understanding and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior, and integrity.

Examples of a Good Sport

• Exhibiting spirit of benevolence and genuine consideration for the opponent.
• Accepting results gracefully and acting fairly and courteously toward opponents and fans at all times.
• Maintaining self-control in all circumstances.
• Refusing to cheer/jeer at an opponent's failures.
• Helping up a fallen opponent.
• Patting an opponent on the back in a gesture of "nice play" or "way to go".
• Courteously handling ball to getting ball for the official.
• Refusing to be suckered into physical conflict.

Expectations of Coaches

• Always setting a good example for participants and fans to follow.
• Instructing participants in proper sportsmanship responsibilities and demanding that they make sportsmanship the number one priority.
• Respecting judgment of contest officials, abiding by the rules of the event and displaying no behavior that could incite fans.
• Treating opposing coaches, participants, and fans with respect. Shaking hands with officials and opposing coaches in public.
• Developing and enforcing penalties for participants who do not abide by sportsmanship standards.

Expectations of Student Athletes

• Treating opponents with respect; shaking hands prior to and after contest
• Respecting judgment of contest officials, abiding by rules of the event and displaying no behavior that could incite fans.
• Cooperating with officials, coaches, and fellow participants to conduct a fair contest.
• Accepting seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing school and community; displaying positive public action at all times.
• Living up to high standards of sportsmanship established by the coach.

Expectations of Parents and Other Fans

• Realizing that a ticket is a privilege to observe a contest and support high school activities, not a license to verbal assault on others or to be generally obnoxious.
• Respecting decisions made by contest officials
• Being an exemplary role model by positively supporting teams in every manner possible, including content of cheers and signs.
• Respecting fans, coaches and participants.
• BE A FAN - NOT A FANATIC

Expectations of School Administrations and Supervisors

• Developing a program for teaching and promoting the ideas and fundamentals of good sportsmanship within the school, the conference, and state.
• Providing appropriate supervisory personnel for each interscholastic event.
• Supporting participants, coaches, and fans that teach and display good sportsmanship.
• Recognizing exemplary behavior and actively discouraging undesirable conduct by participants, coaches and fans.

Acceptable Behavior

• Applauding during introduction of players, coaches and officials
• Players shaking hands with opponents who may foul out while both sets of fans recognize player's performance with applause.
• Graciously accepting all decisions of the officials.
• Cheerleaders leading fans in positive school cheers.
• Handshakes between participants and coaches at the end of contest, regardless of outcome.
• Applauding at end of contest for performances of all participants.
• Everyone showing concern for injured players, regardless of team.
• Encouraging surrounding people to display only good sportsmanship.

Unacceptable Behavior

• Yelling or waiving arms during opponent's free throw attempts.
• Disrespectful or derogatory yells, chants, songs or gestures.
• Booing or heckling an official's decision.
• Criticizing officials in any way; displays of temper with an official's call.
• Yells that antagonize opponents.
• Refusing to shake hands or give recognition for good performances.
• Ridiculing or directing scurrilous comments at opponents to distract and upset them.
• Using profanity or displaying anger that draws attention away from the game.
• Throwing objects onto the floor or at an opponent.
• Entering the floor while the game is in progress or if a fight or skirmish breaks out.
• Refusing to comply with a teacher or administrator's directive.