Does fair play have an important role in competitive sport Essay Example for Free

Does fair play have an important role in competitive sport Essay From the time of gods and goddesses, they have been competing in friendly sports and throughout time, it evolved into sports and even Olympics. From the time that sports were invented, the concept of fair play or sportsmanship was not yet apparent. But when sports were finally considered of great importance, the concept of fair play became universally understood. Basically, fair play is sportsmanship. For some, both players and audiences alike, consider it as the â€Å"golden rule† in sports. In fair play, you treat your team mates and opponents as someone you would like to be treated as. You show respect for yourself, your team mates, and your rivals. You should also demonstrate respect for both coaches of the opposing teams and other important figures in the field like the umpires, judges and other officials. (Sanders, 2005) But in modern times, it does not only apply to the players; consequently, it now also applied to the people watching the game. It now developed into an attitude that may influence the players, audiences and the game. (Sanders, 2005) In every sport, there is always a loser and a winner. But, the greatness of the game relies on how the players played the sport. And consequently, their sportsmanship should also be apparent in their game. It is undeniable that winning feels great but being a sport has a great role in a winner’s game. It can make or break a game. Today, when sports become an alley for talented players to become superstars, the spirit of sports become plagued. In retrospect, we have to keep in mind that being a sport has its advantages—and winning the game is one of it. While playing, playing fair not only helps to win a game but it also builds character. With the help of the coach, the athletes can reach their highest potential and so, they become better players and human beings. (Fakehany) Since sportsmanship is an attitude, it also teaches valuable lessons and builds character to a person. It has become a way of life both in and out of the field. And these very same attitudes help a person to be ready not just in the court but also outside (i. e. corporate life). How we play a game makes us introspective in a sense that it assists us to re-evaluate ourselves and reflect on our behaviors. www. yogiberramuseum. org, 2005) Sportsmanship is also vital so as not have massive brawls and misunderstanding in a competition. Fair play creates a friendly atmosphere wherein athletes can really enjoy the game from the beginning until the end. Unconsciously, it creates the mood of the entire game and it lessens the tendency of the players to have arguments. It makes both the opposing teams feel as if that they are not competing at all but more of a friendly competition. Peak) Research analysts have also done studies wherein it supports that indeed, fair play is a factor to win or how the team approaches the game. Apologists of sports say reiterate that fair play is a great way to avoid addiction and violence. For them, it is a mere socialization of the players with one another. And thus, it implies that because of fair play, players have more blissful and energetic strategy as compared with players who does not have a sense of sportsmanship. (GA. , 2005) Earlier, we have said that winning is a big part of a game. But definitely, there are always two sides in a story. Generally, competitors view winning as unimportant but the more aggressive view is that, it is the only thing. And, the main reason why we compete in a sport is to ultimately win the game. We usually strive to win. This very same reason makes us ponder why fair play plays an important role in a competitive sport. Firstly, when we want to compete, we assume that our competitor will also give his/her one hundred percent and they will also strive to win. And to eventually win the game, both of you will give your best. When we give your best, alongside with it comes all your athletic ability and might hoping that in the end, you will be successful. This is the mere essence of competition and sports—to win—but more importantly, to play the game fair. (Feigley, 2007) This philosophy is vice versa—for the player to win, he must give his best so that his best will let him win. Additionally, when both players give their best efforts, there will always be another chance where the two of you will meet again. This will be an advantage on both parts because through this, you now both know the strengths and weaknesses of each other. And because of this, both of the players can now plan their strategies so that they can beat the opponent next time they meet. And in so doing, they can also improve their skills and sports. In conjunction with such, the player must play fair so that both can give their best efforts that will eventually give them a sense of satisfaction. Also, as mentioned above, playing fair is also a form of socialization. When we enter into a competition, we should also bear in mind that after every after game, there will always be another chance wherein the two of you will meet again. It will also be an advantage to know your opponent not just on the court but more so, personally. You cannot just discuss your strategies but also, you can also create camaraderie, connections and friendships. This is an advantage for both players because you not only gave the audience what they are craving for; but also, it also shows that you can be defeated gracefully, which is commendable in the audiences point of view. Being a sport also gives the player a sense of â€Å"self-improvement†. Further elaborated, when the player becomes the loser, this gives him a lesson that he should constantly improve his sport or craft so that next time, he will win. Now, in view point of the winner, this does not mean that he should always be confident in his abilities. He should also be constantly honing his talent because there will always be someone out there that is better than him that might outshine him one day. Fair play serves as a constant reminder for both the player to always sharpen their respective craft to improve themselves and consequently, achieve their primary goal—which is, to win. Now, like mentioned from above, fair play does not only apply to the player. It should also apply to the other people that are prominent in a game like the coaches and other officials. There is no denying that coaches are a huge factor to develop a character and sense of sportsmanship of a player. They serve as the primary teacher which teaches us to be not just great players but also, as the ones that we take our basic course in sports. Now, since they are considered as the first teachers, it is inevitable that they should also serve as role models for players. Players should not be treated as the only stars in the game. The coaches and officials should also be a sport. This does not only break the rule of being a â€Å"teacher’ but also, it conforms to the notion of fair play. Coaches should also be able to accept winning and defeat gracefully. This does not only generate respect from the audience but more importantly, they also earn the respect of their fellow coaches and officials. And when they have already earned that respect, they should also learn to repay it to their players. With every lesson or new technique or strategy that they teach their players, it should also be accompanied with the constant lesson that the players should also learn how to be humble, or, in other words, be a sport. The whole concept of fair play will not be complete without being empathetic with the audiences. We have seen in televisions how the audiences react whenever their favorite soccer team makes a goal. The audiences should also have a proper etiquette whenever they watch their favorite team play. More often than not, audiences get too excited for their teams and eventually, it causes chaos in more ways than one. The audience should also have a concept of fair play so that there will be no casualties (both physical and egoistical) in the end. Just like their idols, they should also learn to accept defeat gracefully and understandingly. The concept of fair play or sportsmanship has been a â€Å"golden rule† in the world of sports ever since time in memoriam. Basically, it only states that players should show respect and should be fair in following the rules of the game. Not only should it apply for the players but also, for the coaches, officials and the audiences as well. Practicing fair play plays a great role in winning a game because it becomes a part of the whole game itself. Being fair implies a big responsibility not just for the players but also for the coaches, officials and the audiences as well. In playing fair, the player can re-evaluate his abilities and the strategies that he is employing if ever he losses a game. But this does not mean that the winner should now be always confident; he should rather practice more so as to hone his skills and so that, he can maintain his winning streak. Also, being fair builds camaraderie amongst players. For some, it is a form of socialization. Not only does it create friendships but also, it can also be a foundation of connections and a little bit of fame. Still, in a player’s point of point of view, it builds character. Generally, in sports, the coaches are considered as the first teachers of the athletes. They are the ones that should be responsible for how players behave and carry out the game. More importantly, they are the ones that sportsmanship should be highly visible because after all, they are the ones that created great, responsible and humble players. They should also know how to accept defeat gracefully because after all, in every game, there is always a winner and a loser. This should also be true for the officials because it is in their hands that the whole flow of the game lies. Also, they are considered as the â€Å"big boss† in a game and consequently, they can serve as a door for opportunities and a great entertainment for the audience. Lastly, to make this whole philosophy be holistic, it should also apply with the audiences. Around the world, there have been hundred reports that a simple game between two rival soccer teams causes many casualties and even suspensions for both teams. Audiences should know how to act properly in a game and should not be over excited regarding their respective teams. They should practice the concept of sportsmanship so that everything will be fair. In conclusion, the concept of sportsmanship has long been around and it is practiced since time in memoriam. It is an unwritten wherein it can save or break a game (or in some cases, even players and managers). Since it is a rule, it should be respected; but there are also situations where it has been violated and the violators have paid their price. To break it down, it is just a simple rule but pertains a heavy load of responsibility and consequences. And these consequences are downright heavy so it is will be much better for the players to just practice this philosophy so as not to get their selves into a big trouble and maybe one day, save their lives.