Sportsmanship Is Alive and Well

Recently, Patch columnist Bernie O'Hare  at the behavior of people in the stands at a charity basketball game--people who had the temerity to boo fifth- and sixth-graders from the opposing squad.

It didn't surprise me. I've heard vile things spewing from the mouths of people sitting in the bleachers for years while covering high school sports. It's inexcusable and sometimes makes me wonder what these people think.

Fortunately, these student-athletes have coaches. A vast majority of these coaches--male and female on levels from middle school, junior high school through junior varsity and varsity--are individuals with integrity. From personal experience, I can tell you that the players look at their coaches as role models.

For them, coaching sports is an extension of the classroom. Lessons are taught. Lessons are learned. Every season. Every year. Year in and year out.

I've observed closely how sportsmanship endures, in game after game, despite the vitriol that sometimes emanates from the bleachers.

Student-athletes, during introductions at a basketball game for example, shake the hand of the opposing coach as a measure of sportsmanship and respect.

In fact, I've even seen some players shake the hands of the officials, too. Now that's respect.

I've watched teams score decisive wins, endure close calls and heartbreaking last-minute defeats. And they take the results better than the adults.

The kids pick themselves up off the court, wrestling mat or football field, no matter how devastating the loss, and shake hands with their opponents.

Why? They know the real score because they've been taught and coached by people they look up to and respect. I've always been told that the kids' actions mirror those of their coach. And, the results are seen on the field and the court.

Too bad it doesn't carry over into the bleachers.

Sportsmanship is alive and well, thanks to educational professionals who coach well--and the kids themselves.

Tom De Martini is editor of Upper Macungie Patch.