The sporting scene this coming weekend will be dominated by the National Sports Conference that is going to be held between today and next Sunday in the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta (except today’s morning session which id going to be held at the Robert Sammut Hall, Floriana).
This conference, organised by the Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport (KMS) under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Sport, will be attended by all the major sport entities, at national and club level, around the island and will revolve around the major themes and factors of sport.
This morning’s session is geared principally for teachers of Physical Education, the latter being prime actors in the development of the majority of youngsters. These teachers can be real instigators and be the ones to lead and generate a love in young children towards active participation in sport, not only at competitive level but also as a means of physical exercise which will eventually be beneficial to their health.
Tomorrow’s session will include the workshops where four main themes were selected by the KMS and then on Sunday, the workshops’ conclusions will be presented in the closing session which will also be addressed by the Prime Minister.
Winning is not a must at a young age
I believe most of you will agree that we are living in an age where the preservation of traditional values can no longer be taken for granted. Just look and hear the environment around us and you will easily notice this. It seems we need to have reminders (like books, movies, newspaper articles, occasional serious TV programmes) to maintain our awareness of the importance of preserving the basic human values, which are essential to the survival of a community.
Some think that the world of sports is a different matter but I strongly think that it is, definitely, no different in the world of sports.
As I have written many times in the past (and as many far more knowledgeable professionals state), the traditional value of sportsmanship is being challenged from all sides: professional, semi-professional, amateur and even in youth sports.
There are some who say sportsmanship is becoming a lost art and that unless we remind ourselves of the true essentials of sportsmanship it will gradually die away as other values have done in our society.
In the midst of all this, it seems highly important that we recommit ourselves to guiding our young children and youths, reminding them what sportsmanship is really all about, rewarding them immediately for showing good sportsmanship and showing, by our example, that sportsmanship is still alive and valued in sports today.
I am stating this as I frequently have witnessed very poor sportsmanship displays not exactly from the children and youths practicing sports but by parents themselves.
On many occasions I have witnessed, with real sorrow, parents and/or seemingly ‘adult mature’ coaches demanding a ‘must-win’ performance by the young players. Those who are around me know that I am one who strongly advocates the school of thought whereby ‘wins’ should be a secondary need for young players and one should encourage, amongst many things, participation, honest commitment, sound fundamentals preparation (both technical and motor skills) and good attitude from young players. These are characteristics that will reap great dividends in later years, not only in sports but in life.
In a study entitled ‘Teaching Youngsters How to be Good Sports’, Dr. Darrell J. Burnett lists a ten item checklist that parents/coaches ideally need to follow when trying to install/develop a habit of good sportsmanship amongst young sports people. The latter should be taught to think and contemplate on the following:
• I abide by the rules of the game.
• I try to avoid arguments.
• I share in the responsibilities of the team.
• I give everyone a chance to play according to the rules.
• I always play fair.
• I follow the directions of the coach.
• I respect the other team's effort.
• I offer encouragement to my teammates.
• I accept the judgment calls of the referees.
• I end the game smoothly.
Basically the list makes it quite clear that sportsmanship is the ability to lose without complaining, to win without cheating and to treat opponents and referees with respect.
Additionally if a teammate makes a mistake, one should encourage and not criticise and if one makes a mistake, then, he/she does a mistake, s/he does not need to make excuses but be ready to learn from the same mistake and continue to play.
As a saying goes, “Sports do not build character. Sports reveal it.”
Note:
A very well done to football referee Anton Zammit for his timely medical intervention, on a Pieta player, in last Sunday’s premier League game. This incident demonstrated clearly that referees are also human beings with emotions and feelings.