YES NO 
Have the purposes of educational athletics and the values taught by such activities been discussed by coaches, players, other students, administrators and parents? Remember that interscholastic athletics activities have a mission like classroom activities, and they all blend for the betterment of young people.

YES NO 
Have coaches, players, and parents discussed what each party wants from the experience? Studies have shown that most youngsters play for fun and would rather play for a losing team than sit on the bench of a winning one.

YES NO 
Are you aware of the effects of criticism and ridicule by coaches and unruly spectators at high school games can have on players? Overly harsh criticism or harassing of a player, especially a young one, can seriously damage their self-image (confidence) and even turn them away from sports. You wouldn't think of yelling at a student in a classroom. Likewise, you should never yell criticism at a player, and instead should offer support.

YES NO 
Do you make an effort to keep up-to-date on the rules of your favorite sport and improve yourself as a student of the game? It's a fact that the more knowledgeable coach is a better teacher of the game; the more knowledgeable player and spectators appreciate the game more; and that creates an atmosphere for better sportsmanship.

YES NO
Do you try to educate others about the game they are watching, the rules of the contest, and the value of sportsmanship? Many spectators who become unruly at events are generally not well-versed in the game itself, or the multitude of changes that have occurred since their "playing days." Likewise, they do not recognize the difference between athletic entertainment at the collegiate or professional levels, and educational athletics at the high school level, and how sportsmanship fits into the picture.

YES NO 
Do you treat your opponents and game officials with respect? Referees and other officials are trained to know and interpret the rules. Opponents provide the most important factor of a game, the competition.

YES NO 
Do you realize that a very small percentage of high school athletes earn college scholarships, and that an even smaller percentage play professionally? Often, the goal to win and attract a college scholarship overshadows the true purpose of interscholastic athletics. The pressure coaches and parents bring on athletes in this manner is unhealthy.

YES NO 
Are there established guidelines for team behavior and are they known by players and parents? Players and parents should know the penalties for breaking the rules, including acting in an unsportsmanlike manner.

YES NO 
Are players recognized and/or rewarded for achievements other than the scoring or earning of points? Sportsmanlike behavior, teamwork and improved performance are very important contributions to the team, and some of the long term values learned in educational athletics.

YES NO 
Do you practice what you preach? All of these points are for naught if you don't shape proper behavior by setting a good example for others to follow. This includes, if you are a spectator, reminding those rude "anonymous" individuals next to you at events, of the importance of good sportsmanship and the true purpose of the game.