There is no question that the football games at the community college level are extremely competitive. The quality of the game, the skill of the student athletes, and the excellence of our coaches all provide a great product on the field. However, as the competition level "heats-up", so does the emotional level of our participants.
Coaches and players alike must not lose sight of the value of "performance with poise and discipline". Nothing overshadows the skillful execution of the play on the field and the outstanding coaching job our coaches do then undisciplined actions and outward displays of disrespect for the opponent and officials.
A great game can be ruined by intimidation tactics, trash-talking and unsportsmanlike acts. It is the job of college athletic administrators and coaches to continually emphasis to their student athletes the need to play the game the "right way". At the heart of healthy competition is playing the game with the right attitude toward your opponent. The game of football is not war. The opponent is not your enemy. Coaches that propose that type of attitude to their players are doing them and the game of football a great disservice. A healthy competitive attitude is one in which you expect your opponent to play their best because it brings out the best in you.
Instead of trash-talking which really is an intimidation ploy, nothing shows more "class" then helping an opponent up when you knock him down or patting them on the butt and saying "nice job".
Outward signs of respect for your opponent really says tons about a player's attitude toward the game. It says that the player is confident and thankful for the opportunity to perform at his highest level and that his opponent is presenting a challenge that brings out the best in him.
One of the best things that can be said about a player, a coach, or a program is that they "showed a lot of class". It probably is difficult to define the word "class", but we seem to know it when we see it. The following is as good an explanation of "class" as there is. Hopefully all our SCFA programs and participants will embrace the concept of playing with class.
Coaches and players alike must not lose sight of the value of "performance with poise and discipline". Nothing overshadows the skillful execution of the play on the field and the outstanding coaching job our coaches do then undisciplined actions and outward displays of disrespect for the opponent and officials.
A great game can be ruined by intimidation tactics, trash-talking and unsportsmanlike acts. It is the job of college athletic administrators and coaches to continually emphasis to their student athletes the need to play the game the "right way". At the heart of healthy competition is playing the game with the right attitude toward your opponent. The game of football is not war. The opponent is not your enemy. Coaches that propose that type of attitude to their players are doing them and the game of football a great disservice. A healthy competitive attitude is one in which you expect your opponent to play their best because it brings out the best in you.
Instead of trash-talking which really is an intimidation ploy, nothing shows more "class" then helping an opponent up when you knock him down or patting them on the butt and saying "nice job".
Outward signs of respect for your opponent really says tons about a player's attitude toward the game. It says that the player is confident and thankful for the opportunity to perform at his highest level and that his opponent is presenting a challenge that brings out the best in him.
One of the best things that can be said about a player, a coach, or a program is that they "showed a lot of class". It probably is difficult to define the word "class", but we seem to know it when we see it. The following is as good an explanation of "class" as there is. Hopefully all our SCFA programs and participants will embrace the concept of playing with class.
Be a "Class" person both on and off the field
Class is respect for others. It is deep and genuine respect for every human being, regardless of his or her status in life. Class is having manners. It is always saying please and thank you. It is complimenting people for any and every task that is well done. It is treating every other person as you want them to treat you in similar situations. Class is never making an excuse for your own shortcomings. It is always helping the other person to bounce back from mistakes. Class never brags or boasts about one’s own accomplishments and it never tears down or diminishes the achievements of another person. Class does not depend on money, status, success, or ancestry. The wealthiest person may not even know the meaning of the word, yet the poorest person in town may radiate class in all he or she does. If you have class, everyone will know it and you will have self-respect. If you are without it – good luck - No matter what you accomplish in life, it will never have any meaning.Class is sportsmanship. It is playing by the rules at all times. It is showing respect for your opponents and for officials. It is shaking your opponent’s hand after a contest – win or lose – and giving him or her credit for his or her efforts. Class is never “showing up” your opponent by “hot dogging” or “cheap talk”. Class is playing every play hard and expecting your opponent to play hard also. Class is being humble and gracious in victory and congratulatory in defeat. Class is being loyal to your teammates and coaches in both adversity and glory.
Class on the field, track or court
