A Practical Guide to Sportsmanship.

NO TERM IN OUR SPORTS vernacular is more abused, misused, and confused than sportsmanship. It is discussed, analyzed, and criticized. Somehow, it has become associated with shaking hands at the end of the game. No matter what happens during the game, as long as we shake hands at the conclusion, we are good sports!

How wrong can we be! Sportsmanship is not some nebulous concept; on the contrary, it is something very visible, tangible, and attainable. In basketball, for example, you can witness true sportsmanship from the time of your arrival at a visiting school until your departure.

All sports, in fact, can observe simple rules of sportsmanship that reflect true class. Following are a few of the basic sportsmanship rules that can prove effective for both the home and visiting teams.

Home Team

Before the opponent's arrival, make sure their dressing area is neat and their restroom clean. Remember, this is your home. Make sure your team realizes that the opposing team is your guest and should be treated accordingly.

Have someone stationed near the arrival area to welcome your guests. At our school, we have student "greeters" who welcome the visitors, escort them to the locker room, and inform the coach about where to find ice, water, emergency phone, etc.

Let the opposing coach and team managers know that if they have forgotten towels, tape, etc., it will be supplied to them.

Make sure your head coach and athletic director seek out and welcome the opposing coach.

Prior to the start of the game, introduce each player participating in the game. The fans, players, and parents, will really appreciate this personal touch. Instruct your players to greet the opposing coach with a sincere handshake and "good luck" comment.

Player introductions will be particularly appreciated by the athletes whose games are not attended by large crowds, such as soccer, cross-country, softball, and field hockey. It will add a nice touch to the game and you will be surprised by the positive comments you will receive.

Play the national anthem and instruct your players to give this moment the respect it deserves. Take 30 seconds of your practice time to show them where you want them to stand, how to conduct themselves, etc.

Have someone -- a student, administrator, coach, parent -- read a statement about sportsmanship and its importance to your school. Having various people perform this task makes it interesting for the home-team crowd, who will be curious about whom you choose to read the sportsmanship code.

Make sure that your players understand that once the game begins, any show of disrespect, taunting, or showboating will not be tolerated. Do not assume that they are on the same page as you. You will have to discuss this in great detail at a team meeting. Make sure that everyone understands what taunting actually is. Your older players can be of great help on this issue.

Helping a fallen opponent off the floor is not a sign of weakness. It is common courtesy and great sportsmanship. Everyone in the stands will notice what has just happened.

Coaches and players should avoid constant questioning of the officials' calls. I have often stated that I have never met a dishonest official. Badgering a bad official just exacerbates the situation.

Make sure to have a private area available for the opponents at halftime. A chalkboard and chalk would be helpful.

At the conclusion of the game, make sure that your closing handshake is genuine. Merely walking through the line with a hand stuck out, especially for the losing team, is not what sportsmanship is about. Congratulating your opponent on a well-played game is what we are trying to teach. If you are lucky enough to have an assistant, go though the line first and show your athletes how it is done! Then have your assistant follow up at the end of the line.

If the game was extremely close or physical, take a moment to speak with your team prior to the handshake. Remind them of what you expect of them.

Provide soft drinks for the opposing team and coaches after the game. This practice will cost you about $3 per game, the goodwill will be well worth the investment.

When your opponents are ready to depart, escort them to their bus, thank them for coming, and congratulate them on a well-played game.

Make sure that the score -- win or lose -- is called in.

If the game went well, drop a note or e-mail to the opposing AD complimenting his team/coach on their sportsmanship. If the game didn't go as planned, a phone call might help the situation.

Visiting Team

Arrive at the game site on time. Get directions beforehand and allow for a proper warm-up period. Warning: Arriving too early is just as bad as arriving late! Believe me, the home team doesn't want you arriving too early.

Remember, you are a "visitor" in someone else's home. Act accordingly. Remind your players and staff that they are representatives of their school and not to do anything that will embarrass your team, school, or family. You cannot say it any more clearly.

The head coach should seek out the opposing coach and athletic director and introduce himself.

Provide a typed roster for the other team and the announcer. Ask the opposing coach which players he wants introduced and where he'd like them to stand.

If the national anthem is being sung or played by the home school's students, give the performance proper respect. Remember, the singers might be nervous, and the performance might not be as professional as expected. Your reaction can reflect your sportsmanship.

If the home team has some special pre-game traditions or ceremonies, give them the respect they deserve. You might even make a special point of congratulating the athletes being honored.

Dealing with the home crowd can be difficult. The head coach and team must always control their emotions. The coach must discuss this with his team prior to the game, enlightening them on what to expect. Booing, yelling during foul shots, and taunting from the stands are certainly not what we expect from the home fans, but let's be realistic: These things happen all of the time! Be ready to show your class.

At the conclusion of the game, be genuine about your handshake. If you know the opposing players by name, a comment such as "Great game, Michael" shows true sportsmanship.

Leave the dressing facility as you found it. Pick up all trash, tape, bottles, etc. The home team's custodial staff will truly appreciate your help. If anything is accidentally broken, make sure to inform the opposing athletic director before you depart.

Depart the school as quickly and orderly as possible, whether you won or lost. A 30-minute post-game team meeting is inappropriate. Save such meetings for home games. You must understand one of the basic tenets of being a guest: Never overstay your welcome.

If you were fortunate enough to win, don't spoil everything by taunting after the game. It remains as bad as an act of unsportsmanlikefo conduct on the floor.

Parties, celebrations, birthdays, etc., should not be held in your opponent's gym or facility. Save all these occasions for your own facility.

After a tough loss, what could be worse for the home team than seeing the opponent celebrating in their gym with food, cookies, etc? It is a confrontational situation waiting to happen.

Seek out the home-school coach and AD and thank them for their hospitality.

If things went well, write a short note or e-mail the next day to the opposing AD thanking him for his hospitality.

As I stated, sportsmanship is something very tangible. It can be seen and practiced at every game. The contests are not wars or confrontations. They are merely games. Sure, the games are important, and, yes, it does matter who wins and loses. But we must remember our No. 1 priority should be HOW we play the game.

If an unfortunate sportsmanship incident does occur at your school, no one is going to be talking about who won or lost the game: The talk will center on the incident. Just read the papers for further proof!

I am sure that you can add many items to your own sportsmanship "checklist" to give it a personal touch. Your coaches, players, and fans will recognize and appreciate the direction you are trying to take and the tone you are trying to establish.