New Survey Reveals 96 Percent Of Americans Want Stiffer Penalties For Poor Sportsmanship (NAPSA)—Theold adage, “It doesn’t matter if you win orlose, it’s how you play the game,” has never been more true, according to a new surveyon the state of sportsmanship in the United States. More than 96 percent of Americans think there should be more severe repercussions like fines, lack of playing time and suspensionsfor professional and amateur athletes whodisplay poor sportsmanship. According to a national survey fielded by TNS Worldwide Research, more than 96 percent of Americans think the state of sportsmanship is the same or worse than it was a year ago. “We conducted this survey not only to learn more about sportsmanship in America, but to see what we can do about it,” said Ed Hunt, the Awards and Recognition Association (ARA)president. For more information about the annual one-of-its-kind “Sportsmanship Award”given to Division I college players, visit www.ara sportsmanshipaward.com orcall (800) 344-2148. To encourage goodsportsmanship, the Awards and Recognition Association createdtipsto help teach sportsmanlike behaviorat all ages: How to win and howto lose 101. Start with the basics; teach players and parents of young athletes how to celebrate victory without humiliating the competition; and, how to lose with dignity. e Start when they’re young. Coaches and parents need to get a handle on it early beforeit becomes “showmanship”rather than “sportsmanship.” e Cheerfor the team,not theindividual. Teach parents to cheer for the team,not just their child. Teach sportsmanship early and often. Lead by example. Bad behavior on thesidelines orin the standsis just as bad as bad behavioronthe field. Rememberthat good sportsmanship starts at home... teach children how to be goodsports when playing gamesin the backyard or at the kitchen table. Teachkids to enjoy the gamefor the sport, don’t focus on being the best. Emphasize the basics of the sport, highlight the team’sefforts and not the individual's. e Create a zero-tolerance policy for bad behavior...from athletes, other coaches and parents. Praise positive and correct negative behavior immediately. @
