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Sportsmanship - Do we even know what it is?

I was reading something today that I believe is Gold:

In the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Germany's Luz Long, one of the world's best broad jumpers, was looking forward to competing against the great U.S. track and field star, Jesse Owens, the world-record holder. Owens, however, foot-faulted on his first two qualifying jumps and, down to one last chance to qualify, was in danger of missing the competition.

Seeing Owens pacing in agitation, Long suggested that Owens make a mark several inches before the takeoff board to avoid fouling again. It worked, Owens qualified by a centimeter, then kept right on going, beating out Long for the gold medal.This story illustrates the most noble dimension of a concept called sportsmanship, which some argue is a relic of a time gone by.

If you are a parent and Long was your son, would you be proud or appalled?

Sportsmanship is about the honorable pursuit of victory. Gamesmanship is just about victory, where winning by fooling the referee is just as good as winning by outperforming a competitor.

Are you teaching your children Gamesmanship or Sportsmanship? What about your child's coach?

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Labels: Children's Sports, Sportsmanship, Volleyball