If you’re interested in sports, you’ll probably have seen football players
exchanging hugs and swapping shirts after a rough game or tennis players
jumping over the net at the end of a difficult match to shake hands with their
opponent. They are simply displaying the honourable tradition of sportsmanship.
Sportsmanship involves playing fairly, which means following the rules of the
game and accepting the decisions of referees and officials as well as treating
your opponents and team-mates with respect. This shouldn’t only be reserved for
competitors either – managers, coaches, and fans also need to be aware of their
behaviour. Sporting events are often international affairs which can help to
develop relationships between countries. An example is the carnival atmosphere
of the World Cup, where fans from all over the world meet and party together in
the streets.
Unfortunately,
some modern day players seem to have forgotten the rules of sportsmanship.
Footballers occasionally dive to the ground, pretending that they have been
kicked, so that they are awarded a penalty. The image of both cycling and
athletics has been damaged by competitors who have tested positively for using
drugs which improve their performance. One theory is that this may be because
of the high sums of money involved in winning a match or competition. A defeat
can cost and individual or club millions of pounds. However, this behaviour is
simply cheating and should not be tolerated.

During a contest it’s a good idea to encourage your
team-mates with positive statements. If someone plays well, acknowledge it,
even if they’re in the opposing team. Try to remain calm when others are
getting angry. Remember, it’s only a game - arguing and violence are not the
solution to anything. Victory celebrations and gestures to spectators after a
goal or win are not sportsmanlike. Of course, everyone feels ecstatic when they
win, but remember if you’ve won, your opponent has lost. Do the right thing,
shake hands and congratulate them on a good game.It can be even harder when you’ve lost. Accepting
defeat takes courage ad maturity. After an exhausting contest, it’s not easy to
accept that your team didn’t perform well or that someone was more talented
than you. Try to be dignified and positive. Don’t criticize officials’
decisions or blame your team members and make excuses. You can learn from
losing too – and there’s always the next match!
(Adapted from New English File Intermediate. OUP)