by kg posted 07/16/2011 Honoring the Game goes to the
"ROOTS" of positive play
R is for Rules
Rules allow us to keep the game fair. If we will by ignoring or
violating the rules, what is the value of our victory.
O is for Opponents
Without an opponent there would be no competition. Rather
than demeaning a strong opponent, we need to honor strong
opponents because they challenge us to do our best.
O is for Officials
Respecting officials, even when we disagree with their calls, may
be the toughest part of Honoring the Game. We must
remember that officials are not perfect (just like coaches,
athletes, and parents!)
T is for Teammates
It’s easy for young athletes to think solely about their own
performance, but we want athletes to realize that being a part of
a team requires thinking about and respecting one’s teammates.
This respect needs to carry beyond the field.
S is for Self
Athletes should be encouraged to live up to their own highest
personal standard of Honoring the Game, even when their
opponents are not. Athletes’ respect for themselves and their
own standards must come first.