Sportsmanship is lacking at Valley

By: Megan B

            During the captains’ meetings at all sporting events, the referees constantly bring attention to sportsmanship. Sportsmanship is the conduct of treating other players, coaches, referees, and the crowd with the utmost courtesy and respect. Sportsmanship defines who we are as human beings and reflects upon our school and our community.

            At the conclusion of every sporting event at Valley, the referees rate our players, coaches and fans. Most Iowa athletic events use some sort of sportsmanship rating. Unfortunately, Valley sportsmanship has been lacking in the stands lately.

            In the fall the student body was addressed on this issue and sportsmanship in the student section has improved greatly, but Valley is still receiving poor ratings. Unfortunately, it only takes one fan to lower a school’s rating. Hopefully, the rest of the fans will now follow the lead of the students and improve their sportsmanship as well. Between coaches, players, and spectators, the spectators at Valley have always received the worst ratings. For volleyball it was the first time in three years that we did not have perfect ratings. Players and Coaches had perfect ratings of 1 in our fall seasons, however, our spectator rating was a 1.15 for volleyball and a 1.63 in football with the state average being a 1.32; the closer to a 1 rating the better. Unfortunately, the winter season sportsmanship ratings have not been any better.

            The administration at Valley is now focusing more on creating a better attitude at athletic events. There will now be a public service announcement before every game reminding players, coaches and spectators that good sportsmanship is an expectation. Valley administration will become stricter with the repercussions of bad sportsmanship. Individuals will be taken aside and talked to about their behavior. Worst case scenario, the individual may be ejected from the game and formal papers must be filed with the state.

            Valley athletic history has shown some amazing strengths, and as spectators we cheer and encourage our teams. But when the cheering stops being encouraging and becomes negative towards the players, coaches, or referees, it is no longer acceptable. This is an issue everyone in the school and community needs to work together to improve. It is important that we be respected in our conference and in the state both as great athletes and as great fans.