How To Teach Kids Good Sportsmanship: 5 Proven Tips (2025)

As the school year gets into full swing and children dive into fall sports, many parents are eager for these early athletic experiences to impart important life skills like teamwork, perseverance, and respect.

With over 20 years of experience as a public school educator, camp leader, and parent, I’ve seen firsthand how sportsmanship can shape a child’s character. However, when competition heats up, staying calm and positive becomes challenging for both kids and parents.

Here are five practical, expert-backed tips for fostering good sportsmanship in your child, so they can enjoy the game and grow both on and off the field.

1. Explain What Sportsmanship Looks Like

Don’t assume your child understands sportsmanship—explain it clearly with specific examples. Teach them to:

• Respect teammates, opponents, and referees
• Win without boasting, lose without excuses
• Offer handshakes at the end of the game
• Cheer for teammates, even after mistakes
• Stay calm when refs make bad calls
• Celebrate as a team, not individually

Praise these behaviors to reinforce their importance.

2. Model the Behavior You Want to See

Children learn more from actions than words. As a spectator, be a positive role model by cheering for effort and progress, not just wins. Remember, your child isn’t being scouted for professional leagues—focus on fostering a positive attitude.

3. Support the Coach

Avoid sideline coaching and back the coach’s instructions. Conflicting messages can confuse your child and undermine the coach’s role. Encourage respect for their coach and teach your child to address concerns directly, helping them build communication skills.

4. Praise Progress, Not Just Results

Winning is fun, but growth matters more. Praise your child for improvements like teamwork, staying composed under pressure, and effort, whether or not they win.

5. Keep the Focus on Fun

For kids under 12, sports should prioritize fun and cooperation over competition. As youth coach Conor Porter says, “Development should be the only yardstick at this age.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching Sportsmanship

What is sportsmanship, and why is it important for kids?
Sportsmanship is the ability to play fair, show respect, and handle wins and losses with grace. It’s important for kids because it teaches teamwork, perseverance, and respect, which are valuable life skills.

How can I explain sportsmanship to my child?
Explain sportsmanship with specific examples, such as respecting teammates and referees, cheering for effort, and staying calm when calls don’t go their way. Reinforce these behaviors through praise and discussion.

How can parents model good sportsmanship?
Parents can model good sportsmanship by cheering positively, supporting the coach, avoiding sideline coaching, and focusing on effort and progress rather than winning.

What should I praise in my child during sports?
Praise progress, effort, teamwork, and staying composed under pressure. Celebrating growth and development helps your child focus on the right priorities.

How can I make sports fun for my child?
Keep the focus on fun by emphasizing cooperation and development over competition, especially for kids under 12. Encourage them to enjoy the game and celebrate small victories.

Related Reads:

• The Ultimate Back-to-School Checklist for Parents
• 5 Practical Back-to-School Tips From Teachers
• 10 Back-To-School Hacks to Save You Time

And to find some fun classes and activities for kids, check out our Kids Activity Guide.