At a recent middle school basketball game, a Chelsea player was attacked while shaking an opponent’s hand after a close game. Many opinions were uncovered about the bigger picture of this exchange: how should sportsmanship be prioritized in athletics?

Sportsmanship is an idea that’s role modeled, practiced, reinforced, and rewarded in practice and games. It is an idea that builds teams that ultimately go on to succeed. In the grand arena of life, sportsmanship isn’t just about winning, it’s about playing the game with integrity and respect. Myles Bieber, a senior lacrosse player at CHS voices his opinion on sportsmanship in his sport.

“If someone is respectful towards me, then I will have respect for them,” Bieber said.  “As soon as anybody starts being [disrespectful] then they won’t be met with my respect.”

Most people when involved in a highly stressful situation where violence is around would probably become defensive to resolve their differences, but at CHS, we represent how different athletes put up with different types of sportsmanship in different ways. Tyson Hill, a senior football star, expects good sportsmanship to always be prioritized.

“Being a good role model for the team and doing the right things even when the refs and coaches aren’t around.”

Sportsmanship is pleasant to see. It shows that athletes have learned morals, ethics, and integrity from their athletic staff and coaches and even themselves because as. 

Braden Kennedy, another senior lacrosse player, said, “I believe sportsmanship lies in the person within themselves and everyone is different so it depends on the person and how they react and, usually when other players act accordingly you’re more likely to do the same and vice versa.”

Avoid being disrespectful in matters of sportsmanship. Show love towards your opponents and use your words to spread kindness rather than negativity.