What Is Sportsmanship? Sportsmanshipis defined as: • 1) playing fair • 2) following the rules of the game • 3) respecting the judgment of referees and 4) officials • 5) treating opponents with 6) respect Somepeople define good sportsmanship as the “7) golden rule” of sports — in other words, 8) treating thepeople you play 9) with and 10) against as you’d like to be 11) treated yourself. You 12) demonstrate good sportsmanship when you showrespect for 13) yourself ,your 14) teammates ,and your 15) opponents ,for the 16) coaches on both sides, and for the 17) referees ,18) judges ,and other officials. Butsportsmanship isn’t just 19) reserved for the people on the 20) field .Cheerleaders, 21) fans ,and 22) parents alsoneed to be 23) aware of how they behave during 24) competition . Sportsmanship is a 25) style and an 26) attitude ,and it can have a 27) positive influence on everyone around you.