Americans: Sportsmanship Still on Decline

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 Cathy Garcia, ARA president.

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 Brigham Young Coach LaVell Edwards, the ARA Selection Panel includes: Dick MacPherson, Christine Brennan, Rod Commons, Lee Corso, Vince Dooley, Spike Dykes, Steve Hatchell, Don James, Bernie Kish, Lisa Malin, Don Nehlen, Tubby Raymond, Gene Stallings, and Grant Teaff.

Past ARA Sportsmanship Award winners who received the 125-pound award include: Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams in 2005, St. Louis Rams running back Brian Leonard in 2006 and Washington State University quarterback Alex Brink in 2007, who was just drafted by the Houston Texans.

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

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