Sportsmanship: You Make the Call

Sportsmanship is a learned behavior. It is defined as conformance to the rules, spirit and etiquette of the contest. If poor sportsmanship is ignored then we are teaching that it is an acceptable behavior.

Spectators, coaches and players each have their own areas of responsibility, but officials are the ultimate on-court / on field sportsmanship models. Officials can insure that ethics, sportsmanship and fair play remain important factors during competition. Officials have the opportunity to shape the lives of young people by taking a stand against poor sportsmanship.

Please assist the NAIA in its mission to change the culture of sports and insure a better game through better sportsmanship. Please make the call for good sportsmanship.

Officials’ role in NAIA competition

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics approved new standards for behavior during all NAIA competition. Officials, read about the new expectations that take effect with the fall 2009 sports season.