Good Sportsmanship

You know it when you see it—good sportsmanship.  An example of good sportsmanship went viral last week when Japan suffered a 3-2 defeat in the final minute of injury time against Belgium to end their participation at the World Cup.  A team that was given little chance of advancing in the tournament reached the round of 16 and took a two-goal lead over powerful Belgium, and so the team's sudden last-second loss left players stunned, fans speechless, and some spectators sobbing.  It was a heart-breaking way to go out but fans and players left a lasting impression of sportsmanship and courtesy in Russia.  Where fans of other teams hit the news for doing things like giving Nazi salutes, the Japanese football team bowed to their own fans in gratitude.  The players left behind a note that said “спасибо” (Russian for “thank you”) in their locker room AND they cleaned it up, leaving it looking spotless.  Despite being dealt a crushing loss, the Japanese fans gave the world a lesson in grace when they helped clean up the stadium.

After the story went viral a reader explained: “This is a part of our culture. Japanese school age children would have also done this. After a school day, they clean their classrooms. They even make their lunches in class and clean up after. Very different culture.” Another reader pointed out that UCLA's legendary coach John Wooden expected the same of his players.  Then there was the story about the huge basketball fight that broke out at the FIBA World Cup qualifier game between the Philippines and Australia.  Players piled on top of each other as fists and chairs went flying, and one Australian player could be seen pinned under a courtside chair while being punched by a number of players from the home team.  The crowd got involved throwing bottles and booing.

When our daughter Madelyn was growing up she often participated in summer sports camps.  She particularly enjoyed gymnastics and was delighted when at the end of the week she and all the campers were presented with a trophy.  It was a nice award for a short summer experience but I'm afraid it fell short in helping her to understand sportsmanship.  Sportsmanship teaches lessons on how to lose with dignity and grace as well as how to win with humility and gratitude. Important lessons in athletics and in life.*

Author Info: Andrew Moore

Chaplain Andrew is the Associate Chaplain here at the Campus. Before relocating to Arizona in 2014, Andrew lived and studied in the United Kingdom. Andrew was ordained in the Anglican church and has worked in a variety of parishes.