THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SPORTSMANSHIP

(Adapted from the Little League Rules of Conduct)

1. GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION FOR THE RULES OF THE CONTEST.
   Know the rules. If you are uninformed, refrain from expressing opinions on officials or coaches. The spirit of GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP depends on conformance to a rule's intent as well as to the letter of a given rule.
2. EXERCISE REPRESENTATIVE BEHAVIOR AT ALL TIMES.
   The true value of competition relies upon everyone exhibiting behavior which is representative of a sound value base. Your behavior influences others whether you are aware of it or not.
3. RECOGNIZE AND APPRECIATE SKILLED PERFORMANCES REGARDLESS OF AFFILIATION.
   Applause for an opponent's good performance displays generosity and is a courtesy that should be regularly practiced. This not only represents GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP but also reflects a true awareness of the game by recognizing and acknowledging quality.
4. EXHIBIT RESPECT FOR THE OFFICIALS
   The officials of any contest are impartial arbitrators who are trained and who perform to the best of their ability. Mistakes by all those involved in the contests are a part of the game. The rule of GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP is to accept and abide by the decisions made by the umpire. This is critical for young athletes to learn for later applications in life.
5. DISPLAY OPENLY A RESPECT FOR THE OPPONENT AT ALL TIMES.
   Opponents should be treated cordially and accorded tolerance at all times. Be a positive representative for your team and family. This fundamental is the Golden Rule in action.
6. DISPLAY PRIDE IN YOUR ACTIONS AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY.
   Never allow your ego to interfere with good judgment and your responsibility as a League representative. Regardless of whether you are an adult, player, coach, or official, this value is paramount since it suggests that you care about yourself and how others perceive you.

CONDUCT GUIDELINES AND BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

• Exemplify the highest moral character, behavior and leadership, adhering to strong ethical and integrity standards. Practicing good citizenship is practicing good sportsmanship!
• Respect the integrity and personality of the individual athlete.
• Abide by and teach the rules of the game in letter and in spirit.
• Set a good example for players and spectators to follow--please refrain from arguments in front of players and spectators; no gestures which indicate an official or opposing coach does not know what he or she is doing or talking about; no throwing of any object in disgust. Shake hands with the officials and opposing coaches before and after the contest in full view of the public.
• Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials. The officials are doing their best to help promote athletics. Treating them with respect, even if you disagree with their judgment will only make a positive impression of you and your team in the eyes of all people at the event.
• Display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat.
• Instruct participants and spectators in proper sportsmanship responsibilities and demand that they make sportsmanship the No. 1 priority.
• Develop a program that rewards participants and spectators for displaying proper sportsmanship and enforces penalties on those who do not abide by sportsmanship standards.
• Be no party to the use of profanity, obscene language or improper actions.

• Accept and understand the seriousness of your responsibility, and the privilege of representing your league and the community.
• Live up to the standards of sportsmanship established by the league and the coaching staff.
• Learn the rules of the game thoroughly and discuss them with parents, fans, and other players. This will assist both them and you in the achievement of a better understanding and appreciation of the game.
• Treat opponents the way you would like to be treated, as a guest or friend. Who better than yourselves can understand all the hard work and team effort that is required of your sport?
• Wish opponents good luck before the game and congratulate them in a courteous manner following either victory or defeat.
• Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials. The officials are doing their best to help promote you and your sport. Treating them with respect, even if you disagree with their judgment, will only make a positive impression of you and your team in the eyes of the officials and all the people at the event.

• Remember that you are at the contest to support and yell for your team and to enjoy the skill and competition; not to intimidate or ridicule the other team or its fans.
• Remember that baseball is a learning experience for young athletes and that mistakes are sometimes made. Praise athletes in their attempt to improve themselves as athletes and as people as you would praise a student working in the classroom.
• Learn the rules of the game, so that you may understand and appreciate why certain situations take place.
• Show respect for the opposing players, coaches and spectators. Treat them as you would treat a guest in your own home.
• Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials. Understand that they are doing their best to help promote the athlete, and admire their willingness to participate in full view of the public.
• Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play by either team.
• Refrain from the use of any controlled substances (alcohol, drugs, etc.) before, during and after the game on or near the site of the event 
• Use only cheers that support and uplift the teams involved.
• Be a positive role model at events through your own actions and by censuring those around you whose behavior is unbecoming.

TEN COMMANDMENTS OF SPORTSMANSHIP

1. "Golden Rule"-- Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
2. Enjoy yourself and promote enjoyment for others.
3. Be responsible for your actions.
4. Have an open mind to others' weaknesses and have a forgiving attitude.
5. Have pride in one's performance and one's team.
6. Be a friend, not an enemy, and create a positive environment.
7. Encourage others to do or be their best.
8. Sportsmanship should be contagious.
9. Remember it is a privilege to participate.
10. Practice sportsmanship in all situations at all costs.