Sporting events can be highly charged.  The players are doing all they can to win.  The spectators are rooting for their team and sometimes saying disparaging things about the other team.  It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement. 

Good sportsmanship is about playing by the rules (even if you are losing), respecting the other team and the officials, and being gracious whether you win or lose.

Good sportsmanship when you lose:

It doesn’t feel good to lose.  It can be disappointing and maybe even embarrassing.  But try to keep the game in perspective.  The ultimate purpose of games and sports is to have fun.  There will be winners and losers, but at the end of the day, everyone will go back to life a usual. 

Good sportsmanship when you win:

It is easy to be happy when you win.  But take into consideration the loser’s feelings.  While on the inside you may be jumping up and down and doing a victory dance, let the loser feel respected by not flaunting your win.  Ultimately, relationships are more important than wins or losses.