Sportsmanship and UIL Athletics

Mission Statement:

In perception and practice, good sportsmanship is defined as those qualities of behavior characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others. Awareness is expected of the impact of an individual’s influence on the behavior of others. The University Interscholastic League views good sportsmanship as a concrete measure of understanding and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity. Responsible behavior at athletic events by participants, coaches, fans, cheerleaders and others as a result of clearly stated goals placed into practice by the UIL and its member schools is the overall goal of the UIL.

CHARACTER

CHARACTER IS DEFINED AS THE AGGREGATE OF FEATURES AND TRAITS THAT FORM THE INDIVIDUAL NATURE OF A PERSON OR THING.

ATTITUDE

A PERSON SHOULD HAVE THE PROPER ATTITUDE WHEN PARTICIPATING IN SCHOOL-SPONSORED ATHLETICS. WHETHER YOU ARE A PLAYER, COACH, FAN, OFFICIAL OR ADMINISTRATOR, HAVING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE WILL REFLECT FAVORABLY ON YOUR PROGRAM AND HELP OTHERS AROUND YOU DISPLAY POSITIVE BEHAVIOR.

RESPONSIBILITY

STUDENT-ATHLETES AND COACHES HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SHOWCASING GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AND SHOULD ACT AS EXAMPLES FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW. BEING RESPONSIBLE APPLIES TO EVERY AREA OF A PERSON’S LIFE, WHETHER IT IS IN THE PLAYING ARENA OR IN EVERYDAY LIFE.

ETHICS

ETHICAL STANDARDS MEANS NOT CHEATING OR LYING FOR THE BENEFIT OF YOURSELF OR YOUR TEAM.

“Most people run a race to see who is the fastest. I run a race to see who has the most guts.” - Steve Prefontaine, Former Olympic Athlete