Win or Lose. It's how you play the game

As an athlete, of course you want your team to win. But, like life, it doesn’t always go your way.

So how do you enjoy the game whether you win or lose?

Two words, good sportsmanship.

What exactly does it mean to be a good sport?

According to top coaches from around the United States good sportsmanship is about respecting both your teammates and opponents and enjoying the game, not just the outcome.

And the coaches agree, not only will good sportsmanship make you a better teammate, but a better athlete as well.

If a match has got you feeling challenged, remember two things to help focus your energy back to the game and promote good sportsmanship.

Effort counts.
USA Wrestling Coach Steve Fraser prefers to focus on an athlete’s effort and how they improve overtime instead of how many match wins they rack up.

“We always reward effort,” says USA Wrestling Coach Steve Fraser. “Of course we want our athletes to win, but the main thing is, are they progressing and getting better? That’s what matters.”

So when your team loses, shake hands with your opponents and thank them for giving you the opportunity to better your game. And when you lose, don’t take it personally. Look at it as a way to evaluate your performance and find ways to improve.

Set-backs happen.
The biggest piece of advice Michael Duggin, Director of Coaching for Carlsbad United F.C tries to teach his athletes is to prepare for the unexpected. It improves everything, even your sportsmanship.

“It’s easy to get knocked off course when things don’t go as planned. If my players have a framework to deal with unforeseen events in life and in sports, they’re much more likely to succeed.”

Sports are unpredictable. Encourage and support your teammates when they do something great or make a mistake. And the same goes for you. Forgive yourself when you make a mistake, shake it off and get back into the game.

If good sportsmanship is important to you, why not make a pledge?
Liberty Mutual Insurance believes in the importance of good sportsmanship and since 2007 has donated more than half-a-million dollars to deserving youth sports teams, leagues and organizations.

To participate, sports teams from around the country are encouraged to register their organization and rally their supporters to pledge to promote good sportsmanship.

At the end of the period, the five Large Division teams and the five Small Division teams with the most Pledges will each earn $2,500 to help support their team.

In the past, teams have used the monies to fund player scholarships, purchase new uniforms or equipment, pay for team travel expenses, or create opportunities for underprivileged kids in the area who want to play.

Click here for more information about the PlayPositive Pledge.