We do not like losing, but that does not mean you must be mean about it...Being a good sport - Tips for kids

Not all people can handle it to lose a game or take part in sport where they are not the best. Some people will rather just stop taking part than admitting that they lost.  

Unfortunately in life, there will always be someone that is better at a sport or a speech or school work than what you are.  There is nothing wrong because you are not always the best and it does not mean you must give up, you must be a good sport about it and accept it when you lose.

But being a 'good sport' also means that you handle it in a decent manner if you win.  You do not belittle the others or act as thought you are better than them.

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For some children everything in life is a competition and they get very upset if they are not always the best.  It must be really stressful to be like that.  It is good to want to become better at something, and be in competition with yourself, but to NEVER just enjoy certain things you do, accepting when you do not win and not being a good sport about it must be difficult.

Some kids find it extra-hard to lose, but everyone needs to learn how to do it. Learning to lose without losing your cool is a skill, like learning to ride a bike. You might not be able to do it at first, but over time it will get easier. And when you can handle losing, people will call you a good sport. 

Lets look at a few things you can do to make sure that you are a good sport and that people have respect for you in the way you handle yourself in a competition.

If you are done with a game and you did not win, you will obviously feel a bit down, but the question is how do you react?  Do you run to the other team and congratulate them on a game well played, or do you shout and scream at one another and sulk the rest of the day?

If you can admit to yourself that you really did your best and enjoyed it, but on the day there was somebody or a team that was better than you, you will be able to be a good sport.  

This does not mean you will not feel disappointed or even a little cross at yourself or a team mate, but it means you are able to handle your emotions and act in a decent way.

Try the following to make sure you are a good sport (even if it is sometimes very difficult)

• do not be a bully on the field or court - stay polite, you do not have to take part in 'trash talk' and shoving and pushing and hitting
• do not try and brag about how good you are  - just play your best.  If you are a good player, people will see it without you having to 'show off'
• if the game is done, compliment your opponent on a 'good game' and thanking them for taking part - no matter who won or loss.  Saying mean things because you lost or teasing the other team because they lost shows that you are a real bad sport
• do not think because you are the best in the team you do not have to show up for practice or listen to the coach or know the rules - showing the rest that you are part of the team, makes you a good sport
• if you get a penalty or are spoken to by the ref, do not argue, even if you feel you were not wrong
• do not blame a loss on one of your teammates - you are a team, you win together and you lose together
• do not be a cheater - if you lose or win, do it 'fair and square'

Be that person that cheer for your teammates, even if you are losing, that congratulates others, even if your heart is breaking.  Next time it will be your turn to win again and then it will be nice if others also treat you with respect.

It is not nice to lose, but understand that losing does not make you a 'loser'.  If you are a good sport, you enjoy yourself and you try and better yourself, and give your best every single time, then it is all worth while and not only about who wins the game.  

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