True-Sport-Report

sport. And if we let the desire to win run
rampant and unchecked through sport,
then we will continue to see the transgressions
among athletes, coaches, and fans
mount. If we cannot save sport from an
obsession with extrinsic rewards, then
where will our children turn to learn the
lessons that true sport offers? And is our
nation well served by a citizenry that
learns to prize winning and extrinsic
rewards at any cost as the values held
most dear?
How then can we best support sport
in this country and ensure that the next
generations benefit from the great lessons
that can be derived from good sport?
Survey research finds that, as a nation, we
say that we prioritize the intrinsic values
sport offers—fun, fair play, integrity,
teamwork, self-esteem, self-discipline,
patience, sense of community, and more—
yet we are systematically rewarding the
elements we have prioritized as least
important—winning and competitiveness.
We have reached a tipping point that
requires acknowledgement, commitment,
collaboration, and ultimately action,
in order to protect sport for current and
future generations. For all people who
participate in sport, it can be a vital part of
their lives, even if their lives are rich with
other interests, other paths to excellence,
and relationships outside of sport.
Together, we need to start rewarding
what we value, teaching what we value,
creating a landscape of opportunities,
modeling the way, and ultimately creating
a true cultural shift for the future of sport.
Everyone has a role to play.
1. Reward what we value.
Study after study and survey after survey
reveal that people play sport because it
is fun. When it ceases to be fun, we stop
playing. The many things that make sport
no longer fun include burn out; pressures
from parents, coaches, and peers; unethical
behavior of teammates and fans; and
wanting to be involved in other activities.
We also value sport because of the vast
contributions it makes to greater health
and well-being at the individual and
community levels.
What parents say they want for sport to
instill in their kids are positive values and
principles, such as integrity, teamwork,
fair play, self-esteem, self-discipline, and a
sense of community. Yes, competing and
even winning are good. And importantly,
while honoring and congratulating those
who win, we also should be rewarding fair
play, hard work, good sportsmanship, and
respectful behavior.
Can we start to find ways to reward what
we value? We think we can. Communities
and sport organizations must find ways
to ensure that “having fun” is always at
the top of the list of goals for any athlete,
that fair play is required, and that good
sportsmanship and respect for opponents,
the rules, and the game are recognized and
rewarded.
This means paying close attention to
how sport is executed—are the principles
of teamwork, integrity, accountability,
sportsmanship, respect, and personal best
as important as winning? Are we watching
for signs that children and youth are
enjoying what they are doing rather than
responding to the pressures and needs of
others?
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