Youth Inc. Recommends: How to be a good sport

“Be a good sport” is something said to kids on sidelines everywhere—but it’s more than just a phrase. Sportsmanship is one of the most visible and important values in youth sports.  It’s about handling both wins and losses with grace, and understanding that how you play and what you learn matters more than the result. And like any skill, it can be practiced and strengthened over time. 

Here are four pieces of content from around the internet that offer smart, inspiring and practical takes on what it really means to be a good sport. 

Teaching Your Child To Be A Good Sport  

What it is: A helpful and concise guide to sportsmanship for those who participate and spectate youth athletics, with term definitions and actionable behaviors to simplify the why and how of being a good sport. 

Why we like it: If you are looking for a quick reminder of what makes up an individual that displays good sportsmanship, this is a useful daily read. This article is straight to the point and a good daily habitual read. 

10 Ways To Be a Good Sport  

 What it is: The YMCA put together a terrific list that is perfect for talking through with your young athlete. The terms are simplified and related back to youth athletics.  

Why we like it: Educating and empowering the next generation of athletes is what it’s all about, and if communicating the methods of being a good sport to a young athlete is the goal, this article is a great tool. 

What does it mean to be a Good Sport?  

 What it is: An easy five-minute read designed specifically for parents about the most commonly shared characteristics and actions of parents who display good sportsmanship.  

Why we like it: Speaking straight to parents, this article gives helpful insights that should ground those reading them. Keeping your presence in perspective, applauding good plays regardless of who makes them, and more small actions are laid out in this article and serve as a good reminder on how to behave when in the stands or bleachers.  

Winning with grace is as important as being a good loser.  

 What it is: A Reddit thread outlining how good sportsmanship, or true sportsmanship, is what is on display when an athlete wins with grace.  

Why we like it: It's always helpful to read real-world discourse on a topic, and this Reddit thread gives good insight to the minds of other parents and coaches in the youth sports space. Good tool to affirm the acts of sportsmanship we all hope to see in our young athletes and in our parents.