PAUL BUCZKOWSKI       Bio       Setting Goals       Respect       Back to School       Professionalism       Those in the know       Turn It Positive       Finding a Job       Eye Protection       Playing Injured       Gearing Up       WCHL vs. CHL       Europe v. N.A.       Specific Training       Training Camps       Road to Success       Dedication       Life in the WHL SANDY LAMARRE       Bio       Season to Forget       College vs. Junior       Sportsmanship       Game Prep       Conditioning FORBES MACPHERSON       Making the Jump BRIAN PATAFIE       Bio       Stretching       ICE PATRICK POWERS       Is Hockey Just a Sport? ANDREW ZOPPO       Be Tenacious
	PlayYourGame.com is proud to welcome Sandy Lamarre as a feature writer. As a third year professional, Sandy will bring insight to all parts of the game. Sportsmanship By Sandy Lamarre July 21, 2000 Good sportsmanship is an important aspect in sports and seems to have all but disappeared. This is what defines a great athlete these days. We tend to lose respect for our opponents, and it is a necessity to remember that we are supposed to be having fun. Too often players and coaches are measured by their wins, not on how they behave on the playing field, or on the ice. At a young age, we are taught that winning is a priority, but is it? I think it is part of the game, but I don't think it should be a priority at a young age. Kids should learn to respect their opponents. I think it starts with parents teaching their kids that they're out there to have fun. They should encourage their child at all times and always be positive. Not every kid will become a professional athlete, and sometimes, we cannot push them to be one. A good way to promote sportsmanship is by having the two teams shake hands at the end of each game. I also think sometimes parents try to live their lives through their children, and that's when a normal game becomes a war. Lately, there has been a lot that has occurred as a result of parents getting too involved in their children's activities. Umpires and referees have been threatened, and some parents have abused other parents over a simple game. These are not good examples of sportsmanship. Good sportsmanship is respecting one another, having a good attitude, and being positive. Over the years, I've learned to enjoy myself and have fun. I've also learned to always respect my coach and opponents no matter the consequences. I have seen a lot of unsportsmanlike incidents during my career and have noticed that not one good thing has come from these. No matter the score or who wins the game, remember to have a positive attitude and realize that it is only a game. Sandy Lamarre 1 Year ECHL 2 Years WPHL
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