When we often think of sports, we think of the rivalries and the competition. But behind every game, match, and tournament lies something deeper: sportsmanship. The foundation of respect, fairness, and integrity is one of the most important parts of sports. It is not only about having these qualities for yourself, but also for your teammates.
With passionate crowds, high stakes, and heated rivalries, it’s easy for emotions to run high and for sportsmanship to be put on the back burner. On top of that, the players are often expected to perform to the best of their abilities while representing their team or their country. In big moments like these, the line between being passionate and acting with unsportsmanlike conduct becomes thin.
This year, the Ryder Cup was a great example of sportsmanship. It was a good reminder of how intense sports can get and how passionate fans are for their teams. Rory McIlroy, an important figure in the PGA, has always been an easy target and often finds himself at the center of it all. Competing in front of a loud and sometimes hostile crowd is not always easy. While fans chant and yell comments that are not always wanted, Rory McIlroy remained calm and composed throughout it all.
Jack Douglass, captain of the boys’ golf team, shares how he tries to set the standard for his teammates.
“I make sure that everyone understands that we are a team and that everyone always has each other,” he said. “In golf, it’s hard to cheer for someone you are competing against, but I try to push the team to always help each other out.”
Jack also highlights that integrity plays a big role in golf and emphasizes
that honesty is just as valuable as skill. It’s important to stand firm and make it clear that cheating won’t be overlooked, he mentions having to deal with difficult players and some that don’t show much integrity. Dealing with players who don’t have much respect for other players, Jack usually responds respectfully and calmly. Over time, his role as captain has taught many valuable lessons about composure and leadership. He has learned to try to stay positive through wins and losses, and encourages his teammates to do the same.
These same lessons extend further than just golf; they connect to all athletes. For swimmer Abby Houlihan, maintaining team spirit and respect is just as much of a core value as competing. Similar to golf, swimming is mostly seen as an individual sport. Houlihan works hard to make sure the team is supportive and stays connected. Whether it is cheering from the sidelines or from the stands, she wants her teammates and competitors to feel that they are not alone.
“It’s incredibly important to remind ourselves that the competition isn’t about what your opponent is doing, how good they seem, or how athletic they appear. The most important part of a competition is what you do,” said Houlihan. “Comparing yourself to other athletes is natural, but knowing that what really matters is your performance can help maintain respect. ”
Given the individual nature of the sport, Abby noticed that poor sportsmanship can quickly affect the energy of the overall meet. The environment can turn tense or competitive when a swimmer is clearly focused on their personal times or rankings; that’s why it is very important to have a strong, positive team culture. Having a strong team culture can remind teammates that attitude and effort matter a lot more than the number on the scoreboard.
Whether it is professional sports or high school, sportsmanship remains at the core. Even in moments of rivalry, there will always be room for respect and integrity. But athletes like Abby, Jack, and even Rory show how it’s about how you respond to situations that set you apart from others.
