Keeping Kids in Motion
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Race to 3 – The Sportsmanship Game
Sportsmanship is defined as conduct (such as fairness, respect for one’s opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, n.d.).
Integrity is defined as the adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
The Race to 3 is a deliberate way for students to enhance their sportsmanship and integrity. The game is less about the skill and more about what happens before and after each round.
While playing Race to 3, it is imperative for the instructor to filter around the room, seeking out and sharing positive examples of good sportsmanship and problem-solving. Equally important is helping students who may be having difficulty dealing with adversity.
Race to 3 – The SPORTSMANSHIP Game
I’ve been playing this game for years with coffee cans. However, I learned that it was much more age-appropriate for my younger students when I used laundry baskets instead of coffee cans. However, I’ve shared a video of each version.
How to play:
- Spread out half as many laundry baskets as there are students.
- Place two, 4-6 inch gator skin balls in each basket.
- Two students begin at each basket.
- On the signal to begin, the two students reach across the basket to give each other knuckles or shake hands, then compete to see who can bounce the ball three times into the basket first.
- After each round, the pair shakes hands to reinforce good sportsmanship.
- The winner takes a victory lap around the perimeter. The loser immediately searches for another available player to challenge.
I completely agree with the importance of sportsmanship and integrity in any sports or competition. It is often said that how you play the game matters more than whether you win or lose. This is where the Race to 3 game comes in, which is an excellent way to teach and promote sportsmanship and integrity among students.
As mentioned in the post, the game is less about the skill and more about what happens before and after each round. This means that the focus is not only on winning but also on displaying positive behaviors such as fairness, respect for opponents, and graciousness in winning or losing. By emphasizing these values, students can learn to be better competitors and teammates, regardless of the outcome of the game.
The Race to 3 game also encourages students to adhere to moral and ethical principles, which is an essential aspect of integrity. Students learn to be honest, responsible, and accountable for their actions, even in a competitive setting. By playing this game, they develop the habit of doing the right thing, even when it’s not easy or convenient.
In conclusion, I believe that the Race to 3 game is an excellent way to teach and promote sportsmanship and integrity among students. These values are crucial for personal growth and development, and they can help students become better individuals and contributors to society.
I completely agree with the post’s definition of sportsmanship and integrity. It’s essential to uphold these values in all aspects of life, including sports. The Race to 3 is an excellent initiative for students to develop these qualities further, as it emphasizes the importance of fairness, respect, and honesty, rather than just winning or losing the game. Such activities not only enhance a person’s character but also create a positive and inclusive environment that encourages teamwork, mutual respect, and healthy competition. Overall, the Race to 3 is an excellent example of how sports can be used to teach valuable life lessons beyond just physical fitness and technical skills.