SPORTSMANSHIP

What’s the right thing to do?

I think it’s a simple concept – one that gets lost in fluffy, cheesy cliches when you’re talking sports and baseball.  I relate this to my big three:

Coach.

Entrepreneur.

Father.

And the way that I try and keep my sportsmanship game up, is I ask myself one simple question. “What’s the right thing to do?”

If I’m facing a dilemma as a business owner, reflect: What’s the right thing to do here? I know I use it often with my own son. And I ask him, “Hey what do you think? What do you think the right thing to do is?” And he knows the answer. The funny thing is even with my son, if I’m in the wrong that question tells me!!

And that question, that phrase, What’s the right thing to do has become a unique way for me to make sure my sportsmanship game is strong.

Challenges for this week:

Players – We’re gonna do a great job making eye contact. When our coaches are talking, mouths are shut… eyes are up… locked in on those coach’s eyeballs. And here’s a challenge for the high five line at the end of the game: How many athletes can you make direct eye contact with? Good game, high five. Good game, high five. Can you go 12 for 12? 16 for 16?

Coaches. Thank the parents. This may be cheesy. This may be cliche. In fact I was showed up by an opposing 5U coach last year who did this to his parents… but we’re going to thank the parents. We’re gonna do a cheer or a yell. On the way back from the high-five line towards the dugout… stop in front of your stands, take your hats off, and thank those parents.

We’re leading from the front, we’re showing great sportsmanship. Play hard, have fun.

Conversation Questions

1. What is your definition of sportsmanship?
2. Can you share a story of good sportsmanship?
3. What’s the right thing to do when _____ happens?

Athlete Challenge

Eye Contact!  Make eye contact during post game handshakes.

Coach Challenge

Thank the parents after the game.

EQUIPMENT LIST