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Published:
Americans: Sportsmanship Still on DeclineGLENVIEW, Ill., July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- For the third year in a row, the vast majority of Americans believe that sportsmanship is worse now than when they were growing up, according to a national survey fielded by TNS and the Awards and Recognition Association (ARA), which conducts an annual survey on the state of sportsmanship. More than 85 percent of Americans from ages 20 to 80+ think sportsmanship is worse now than when they were growing up, a 10 percent decrease from the previous year's dissatisfaction level of 94 percent. But the news on sportsmanship isn't all bad. Slightly more of us (83 percent) have witnessed positive displays of sportsmanship than have witnessed examples of bad sportsmanship (78 percent). "We've been polling Americans for three years now to better gauge
sentiments on sportsmanship and most importantly, to see what we can do about
it," said ARA National Sportsmanship Award The most-often cited negative portrayal of sportsmanship was fans acting out. Other negative behaviors witnessed included brawling among players and drug use among athletes. To help sway the negative trend ARA recruited some of the most renowned
coaching legends and sports experts to a blue-ribbon panel that rewards
college football sportsmanship standouts with the only national sportsmanship
award. Chaired by Past ARA Sportsmanship Award winners who received the 125-pound award
include: Carolina Panthers running back Tips from the Pros 1. ABCs of sportsmanship. Teach sportsmanship, it isn't naturally learned and must be taught daily. 2. Go team! Cheer for the team, not just your favorite player to help teach sportsmanship. 3. Don't show me the money. Focus on the love of the love of the game, rather than the monetary aspect. Otherwise players might play for themselves instead of their team. 4. One strike and you're out. Create a zero-tolerance policy for bad behavior. 5. Reward the positive. Give game balls, provide privileges for the 'best sport of the game,' or give the opposing team an award. 6. More than the handshake. Start new end-of-the-game rituals that highlight sportsmanship. The handshake is good, but more can be done, try giving opposing game balls. 7. Be a reporter. Call or email the local newspaper when witnessing great displays of sportsmanship. 8. Form a local sports support group. Join forces with local parents, coaches or park districts. Reward acts of positive sportsmanship on a regular basis. For more information, visit http://www.arasportsmanshipaward.com. SOURCE Awards and Recognition Association Tags: Sports, illinois _ _    Is your favorite bookmark site missing? Ask for it. |
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