Lesson 6:Are You a Team Player?

Today, winning is still the general goal of mostteam sports. But winning isn’t the only thing thatis important. Good sportsmanship and teamwork arenow seen as the best ways to achieve success.Many coaches today do more than teachfundamental skills of the game. They also teach theskills of being a team player. Sometimes, coachesmake teamwork their primary goal. This often resultsin the team winning more games. Plus, the playersand coaches usually have more fun.Rules of Good Sportsmanship• No cheating.• Don’t lose your temper.• Avoid negative comments of teammates,coaches, referees, and opposing players.• Don’t berate yourself or yourteammates for mistakes.• No taunting or “trash talk.”• Don’t show off or gloat.• Don’t argue with the referees’ calls.• Always congratulate the opposing team for agame well-played.7