SPORTSMANSHIP

PRESENTED BY DICK'S SPORTING GOODS

Beginning in 2003, the Bay State Games created a “sportsmanship initiative” which was implemented into the annual Summer Games. It was created to educate Bay State Games participants on the elements of good sportsmanship. Through this program, the Games, alongside DICK'S Sporting Goods will recognize athletes & teams who are role models for sportsmanship.


Now more than ever, sportsmanship is at the forefront of sports, especially at the youth level. At BSG we believe sportsmanship is very important & we want our athletes to display the highest level of respect for the games & their fellow participants. The Bay State Games & DICK'S Sporting Goods are aiming to help curb the incivility we are seeing in sports among players, coaches, & spectators. With the Sportsmanship Initiative we can reach this goal. 

Throughout the tournament, coaches will monitor players for sportsmanship and nominate a deserving athlete to be recognized. Coaches will provide a brief explanation as to how their choosen athlete displayed good sportsmanship to their teammates, opponents, fellow coaches, and officials. 


 

  • Understand the rules of the Bay State Games and your sport. Comply with the rules’ intent as well as the letter of the rule.
  • Always recognize a teammate’s or opponent’s exceptional play. This reflects your understanding and appreciation of quality in your sport.
  • Accept and abide by the decisions of all game officials. Show your appreciation for the officials and medical staff who have volunteered their time at the Bay State Games to provide you with a unique opportunity to compete.
  • Refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco AND illegal drugs.
  • Respect your coaches who are volunteering their time to provide you with their expertise. Abide by their decisions regarding playing time and other game related matters.
  • Openly display respect for your opponent at all times.
  • Be a positive role model for the sport, school and community that you represent.
  • Resolve any conflicts on and off the field of play without resorting to hostility or violence.
  • Treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex, origin or ability.
  • The unique format of the Bay State Games brings high school rivals together as teammates. Accept your fellow team members for their love of the game and for their skill without preconceived notions based on past rivalries.
  • Display pride in your actions at every opportunity on and off the field of play.

  • Use of profanity towards officials, coaches and players
  • Rough play or playing with intent to injure
  • Fighting
  • Use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs
  • Berating or taunting a coach, player, official, or opponent
  • Disrespectful celebrations
  • Improper conduct toward an official, opponent, team member or spectator
  • Displays of temper with an officials call
  • Use of obscene gestures
  • Unreasonable number of game ejections or major penalties
  • Blatant violation of competition or Bay State Games regulations
  • Refusing to shake hands or acknowledge your opponent at end of the game
  • Confronting coaches at the end of a contest in regarding to playing time or game decisions
  • Refusing to play a contest because your team is out of medal contention
  • Abusive verbal or physical behavior on the part of a player’s parent(s) or friend(s) toward a coach or official
  • False representation of eligibility requirements including age, residence and grade

Individuals who have demonstrated the highest level of sportsmanship will be awarded a custom medal and a certificate recognizing their positive behavior. 

 

Award recipients will be posted on the Bay State Games website and social media platforms. 

Share by: