Youth Inc. Recommends: Ways to Display Good Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship isn’t just a lesson for young athletes—it’s a standard for everyone involved in youth sports. From how coaches respond to a tough call, to the way parents cheer from the sidelines, to how players treat opponents after the final whistle, every moment is a chance to display sportsmanship. 

True sportsmanship creates a better environment for growth, competition, and fun. It reminds everyone that youth sports are about more than just winning—they’re about building character and community. 

Here are four standout pieces of content that highlight what great sportsmanship looks like, and offer best practices for bringing it to life across the field, court, or pitch. 

What does good sportsmanship look like in action? This  

What it is: An uplifiting YouTube video that shows some of the best sportsmanship moments in professional sports.  

Why we like it: This video will inspire many athletes to display good sportsmanship on the field after watching it. For a lot of young athletes, their heroes are the athletes that they watch on TV or follow on social media, and when we display their positive sportsmanship actions in an uplifting and inspiring way, it motivates young athletes to show those same levels of respect for the game and for their opponents. 

Learn How To Respect Your Referees  

What it is: This is a seven-step guide teaching young athletes how to show respect for a match official or referee. Written to be easily shared with a young athlete of any level.  

Why we like it: As the article states, there is a serious referee and match official shortage in this country, and it’s due in large part to a lack of respect shown by parents, coaches, and athletes towards them. Youth sports are one of the best vehicles for personal development and showing respect towards an authority figure is a lesson that truly sticks with someone forever. We particularly love Step 6, try it before you criticize it, and believe that refereeing a match leads to an athlete better understanding where a referee is coming from in-game.  

50,000 People STOPPED Officiating Since The 2018 Season  

What it is: An important stat to remember when discussing why treating referees with respect is so important, is that we have lost 50,000 referees and officials since 2018.  

Why we like it: This graphic is important to show a child or young athlete, as referees and officials are vital for us to continue playing the sports we love. The text that supports the graphic gives a few ways young athletes and youth sports parents can treat officials with respect to try and reverse this trend.  

The Importance of Respecting Officials in Sports.  

 What It Is: “Respecting officials is a cornerstone of sportsmanship and is essential for maintaining the integrity and enjoyment of sports.” This is a guide that breaks down everyone’s role in showing sportsmanship towards a match official, and what happens when we don’t. 

Why We Like It: Coaches, players, captains and parents all have a dedicated section in this article, and it makes it really easy to find out how to play your role in displaying good sportsmanship towards match officials. It’s a quick read and easy to share with your team or a newsletter that circulates to parents of your young athletes.