Millard Athletic Association

Millard Athletic Association - Sportsmanship Counts

The Fundamentals of Good Sportsmanship

Millard Athletic Association (MAA) is emphasizing the importance of GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AND ETHICAL CONDUCT. The one thing we need to realize is that many people have not had GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP explained to them. Hopefully the following will help everyone understand their responsibilities at a MAA sporting event:

1. GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION FOR THE RULES OF THE SPORT. Know the rules. If you are uninformed, refrain from expressing opinions on officials or coaches. The spirit of GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP depends on conformance to a rule's intent as well as to the letter of a given rule.
2. EXERCISE REPRESENTATIVE BEHAVIOR AT ALL TIME. The true value of competition relies upon everyone exhibiting behavior which is representative of a sound value base. Your behavior influences others whether you are aware of it or not.
3. RECOGNIZE AND APPRECIATE SKILLED PERFORMANCES REGARDLESS OF AFFILIATION. Applause for an opponent's good performance displays generosity and is a courtesy that should be regularly practiced. This not only represents GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP but also reflects a true awareness of the game by recognizing and acknowledging quality.
4. EXHIBIT RESPECT FOR THE OFFICIALS. The officials of any contest are impartial arbitrators who are trained and who perform to the best of their ability. Mistakes by all those involved in the contests are a part of the game. The rule of GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP is to accept and abide by the decisions made by the official/umpire. This is critical for young athletes to learn for later applications in life.
5. DISPLAY OPENLY A RESPECT FOR THE OPPONENT AT ALL TIMES. Opponents should be treated cordially and accorded tolerance at all times. Be a positive representative for your team and family.
6. DISPLAY PRIDE IN YOUR ACTIONS AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY. Never allow your ego to interfere with good judgment and your responsibility as a League representative. Regardless of whether you are an adult, player, coach, or official, this value is paramount since it suggests that you care about yourself and how others perceive you.

We at MAA strive to promote a positive experience for our young athletes.  Please inform us if the behavior/sportmanship of spectators, coaches, players, or parents is questionable.  When sending an e-mail to the sport's ethics representative, you will need to include the following:

• Date and time of the incident
• Location of incident
• Teams/Players/Persons involved in incident
• Your Concerns
• Your personal contact information

Below you will find the contact information each sports ethics and education director along with our ethics and education chairman.