Sportsmanship Toolkit

The role of the parent in the education of a student is vital. Education-based athletics is more than winning, it’s about academic development, equity, and character. Be Responsible, Be Respectful, #BeTheChange! video.

Trustworthiness, caring, fairness and respect are lifetime values taught through athletics. These are the principles of fair play and character. With them, the spirit of competition thrives, fueled by honest rivalry, courteous relations and graceful acceptance of the results. All of the officials are hard working individuals who have received many hours of training and dedicate countless hours to helping provide our student athletes with a positive experience - without them there will be no sports.

As a parent of a student-athlete(s) at our school, we are excited to partner with you in creating a safe, inclusive, and positive game environment.

We ask that you commit to our Fair Play principles:

● Athletics is part of the educational experience, and the benefits of involvement go beyond the final score of a game;

● Student athletes should be encouraged to do their best both in sports AND with their classwork;

● Spectators should participate in positive cheers that encourage ALL student-athletes;

● Each team has worked equally hard in preparation for every game and each team deserves your vigorous support and respect;

● Learn, understand, and respect the rules of the game, and most importantly, respect the officials who administer them and their decisions;

● Respect our coaches as role models and teachers; and support them as they strive to partner with you to educate our youth;

Your student’s high school years will provide a lifetime of memories and experiences. The National Federation of State High School Associations has created THE PARENT SEAT, a series of videos that explain the role of a parent during game day and provides suggestions on how they can cope with the roller coaster of emotions that they will feel. The “Parent Seat” originated as a video series, including The Parent Seat, Beyond the Scoreboard, and A Lasting Relationship.
These videos are available to download at no cost.

NFHS Resources

True Fans Unite to Promote Positive Behavior

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Fair Play Message

The San Francisco Unified School District and Academic Athletic Association and the CIF require fair play and positive behavior of student-athletes, cheerleaders, band members, coaches, and spectators. 

A Resource for Preventing and Interrupting Discriminatory Acts (PDF)

Fan behavior at high school athletic contest, whether at home or away, reflects on the entire community. Home fans should treat visitors with respect. Similarly, visiting fans should treat their hosts - both individuals and property - with the proper appreciation.

1. Know and demonstrate good sportsmanship.
2. Be positive. Cheer for your team rather than against the opposition.
3. Refrain from booing and name calling.
4. Respect the official’s judgment and interpretation of the rules.
​5. Exhibit respect for visiting and home coaches.

Sportsmanship Toolkit (PDF)

This sportsmanship toolkit, along with the resources, training, and supporting documents available in the toolkit, are provided to CIF member schools as a foundation from which to build their schools' sportsmanship program.

Pursuing Victory With Honor
Code of Conduct for Student-Athletes

Interscholastic athletic competition should demonstrate high standards of ethics and sportsmanship and promote the development of good character and other important life skills. The highest potential of sports is achieved when participants are committed to pursuing victory with honor according to six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship (the “Six Pillars of Charactersm”).

1. TRUSTWORTHINESS
2. RESPECT
3. RESPONSIBILITY
4. FAIRNESS
5. CARING
6. ​CITIZENSHIP

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