FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2007
Summit highlights sportsmanship initiatives
ORLANDO – More than 300 member school representatives were in attendance at the first-ever FHSAA Sportsmanship Summit in Orlando to hear messages about improving sportsmanship from their fellow administrators and coaches, as well as University of Florida head men's basketball coach Billy Donovan, who provided the keynote address.
The importance of sportsmanship in high school athletics was underscored through discussion of effective game management, working with contest officials, relations between coaches and parents, the use of technology to promote sportsmanship, and coaches as role models.
"I'm extremely pleased with the turnout from our member schools," said Commissioner John A. Stewart. "The event was a big success."
The central themes of the summit were:
• It is everyone's responsibility to promote sportsmanship.
• Administrators, coaches and parents provide role models for student-athletes.
• Coaches should be educators.
• Preseason meetings with student-athletes and parents can help coaches define expectations and goals.
• Coaches should provide teams with examples of acceptable behavior in winning and losing situations.
• Even one incident of unsporting conduct can detract from a contest.
• Administrators should be prepared to handle emergency situations during contests.
• Contest officials should be treated with respect on and off the field.
• Spectators should be educated about acceptable behavior before, during and after contests.
"It is our duty to insure that our athletes and coaches observe good sportsmanship," said Merritt Island High School principal Gary Shiffrin, who attended the summit. "It was very worthwhile."
A link to an online survey will be sent to attendees for evaluation of the event and suggestions for the 2008 summit.
About the FHSAA
The Florida High School Athletic Association is the governing body for interscholastic athletic competition in Florida. It has a membership of more than 750 middle, junior and senior high schools.
Contact:
Laurel Ring
Communications Coordinator FHSAA
(352) 372-9551 ext. 350
lring@fhsaa.org
