Understanding what bad sportsmanship looks like may help both coaches and parents. Bad sportsmanship is when:

• A player or team cheats in order to win;
• Players, coaches or parents lose their temper;
• Negative, unkind or critical words are used against coaches, players, and game officials;{relatedarticles}
• Players are blamed for losses or poor performance;
• Opposing players are taunted or ridiculed;
• Coaches or parents argue with the game official's calls and decisions; and
• Refusal to congratulate the other team for winning.

All of these examples demonstrate an inability to be a team player. Team players learn how to deal with the good and bad in sports and develop relationships based on respect that help them later in life.

Win or lose, sportsmanship will help your children realize that what is most important is learning new skills, making new friends and learning how to handle challenges.