WIAA/gesa credit union SPORTSMANSHIP PROGRAM OVERVIEW
MISSION
To promote sportsmanship, citizenship, and positive school culture through the intentional actions of students, coaches, parents, and school communities.
CORE COMMITMENTS
Every participating WIAA Member School should commit to:
Establish a Sportsmanship Committee
Include students, coaches, and administrators to lead and evaluate efforts.Adopt a Schoolwide Statement of Belief
Approved by the school board, affirming sportsmanship and respectful behavior as shared values.Develop a Code of Conduct
Clear expectations for student-participants, coaches, fans, cheerleaders, bands, and staff.Engage the Whole School Community
Encourage active involvement from students, parents, and staff in upholding these values.Promote and Celebrate Good Sportsmanship
Recognize positive behaviors publicly and consistently.
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
Before Each Season:
Meet with coaches and student-athletes to review sportsmanship expectations.
Train game-day staff and announcers on their role in setting the tone.
During the Season:
Promote sportsmanship at events via announcements, posters, and social media.
Host student-led competitions or campaigns promoting positive behavior.
Use peer mentoring to spread the message in younger grades.
After Each Season:
Reflect and evaluate: What worked? What can improve?
Recognize standout individuals and teams.
Set measurable goals for the next season.
ROLES & EXPECTATIONS
| GROUP | KEY RESPONSIBILITIES |
|---|---|
| Student-Participants | Compete with integrity, respect others, follow rules, represent your school positively. |
| Coaches | Model and teach respect, enforce rules fairly, show grace in victory and defeat. |
| Officials | Know the rules, remain calm and professional, treat all participants with fairness. |
| Spectators | Cheer positively, respect all participants and officials, stay off the playing surface. |
| Cheerleaders & Bands | Lead with school spirit, encourage respect, support injured players. |
| Administrators | Adopt supporting policies, assign visible supervisors, hold the community accountable. |
| Media | Highlight positive behaviors, avoid negative commentary, support the program mission. |
PROMOTION & CELEBRATION IDEAS
Launch a one-week campaign spotlighting good sportsmanship.
Include messages in event programs, PA announcements, and school newsletters.
Recognize good sportsmanship with social media shout outs or awards.
Share positive experiences with other schools (letters, videos, messages).
Partner with local colleges, community groups, or teams to amplify the message.
CODE OF CONDUCT
ALL PARTICIPANTS & ATTENDEES:
Demonstrate Respect
Treat opponents, teammates, officials, and fans with courtesy. Show respect for public property, school traditions, and the rules of the game.Communicate Positively
Use appropriate language and gestures. Avoid negative comments, taunts, or disruptive behavior.Model Integrity
Honor the spirit of the game through fair play, humility in victory, and grace in defeat.
ROLE-SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
Student-Participants
- Compete with effort and sportsmanship.
- Follow team and school rules on and off the field.
- Take responsibility for personal behavior and represent your school with pride.
Coaches
- Prioritize student well-being and character development over winning.
- Teach and model ethical behavior and respect for all roles.
- Engage with opposing coaches respectfully and support officials’ decisions.
Officials
- Maintain composure and fairness throughout the contest.
- Know and enforce rules consistently.
- Avoid emotional reactions; be a steady presence on the field.
Spectators
- Cheer enthusiastically and respectfully.
- Avoid negative or aggressive behavior toward any participant or official.
- Remain off the playing surface and follow venue guidelines.
Cheerleaders & Bands
- Lead school spirit through positive, inclusive cheers and performances.
- Show respect during injuries, national anthems, and opposing performances.
- Perform at appropriate times, using school-approved attire and messaging.
Administrators & School Boards
- Create policies that promote sportsmanship and ensure supervision at events.
- Assign visible adult supervisors to assist with crowd behavior.
- Support and recognize positive behavior across roles.
Media
- Highlight sportsmanlike behavior in coverage.
- Avoid sensationalizing poor conduct.
- Promote balanced, respectful reporting that supports student growth.
