Real Sportsmanship in a Reality Show World

Real Sportsmanship in a Reality Show World Karen L. Waite, MS Michigan State University

So who am I?

•  Grew up in Michigan 4-H Horse Program •  Multi-carded judge •  President of the American Youth Horse Council •  President of the Michigan Quarter Horse

Association

•  Who cares?

Philosophy of Youth Horse Extension Education

1) The horse and knowledge of the horse are tools with which to teach life-skills.

2) The over all well-being of the youth should

never be sacrificed.

Philosophy of Youth Horse Extension Education

3) The well-being of the horse and the horse industry should never be sacrificed.

4) Adult volunteers are an integral, valuable part of

youth horse extension programs.

Changing Gears...

•  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBn8t_nlGN0

Reality Show Obsession?

•  Very popular with those in the 18-34 age range

•  Fans of reality TV tend to be attention-seekers,

•  The "more reality shows a person likes, the more concerned he or she is with their social status"

Reality Show Obsession?

•  both attention seeking and social status can be motivating factors in any competitive environment

•  "...too much reality TV may lead viewers to idealize real world situations...”

•  We know that there are positive outcomes from showing horses, but the potential for negative behaviors is also present.

Reality Show Obsession?

•  Recent call for 15-19 year old girls to participate in a reality show based on showing horses

•  What do you think of this idea?

Why might it be negative?

•  Horse showing IS a sport •  Someone wins and others don’t

•  Sometimes sport is portrayed as a form of “war”

•  Reality shows tend to focus on extremes in behavior

What would a positive reality show look like?

•  Intentional

•  Good (and bad) character is both taught and caught

•  A definition of good horse show sportsmanship required

Good Horse Show Sportsmanship •  Respect for horses

•  Respect for opponents

•  Respect for the “game”

•  Respect for others

•  Coaching for Character: Reclaiming the Principles of Sportsmanship. Clifford & Feezel

•  Michigan 4-H Horse and Pony Project Show Rules and Regulations

Good Horse Show Sportsmanship

•  To whom do these principles apply?

•  Everyone involved! •  Leaders, youth advisors •  family •  spectators

Respect for Horses

•  Good animal management –  Healthcare –  Nutrition –  Fair training practices

•  Horses deserve humane treatment in exchange for what they provide

Respect for Opponents

•  True Competition-David Light Shields and Brenda Light Bredemeier

•  Latin: -petere (to strive or seek), -com (together) •  Seeking excellence with one’s opponent •  Sportsmanlike competitors recognize and

appreciate •  a well prepared, challenging opponent who can •  bring out the best in them, and •  share that appreciation with their opponents.

Respect for the “Game”

•  Respecting & following the rules

•  Always trying one’s best

•  Skill and training progression

•  Appreciation for the process

Respect for the “Game”

•  Understand what “brand” you’re riding for, and the philosophy of that program

•  In 4-H, we’re about positively developing kids. Period.

Respect for Others •  Judges, show managers,

parents, trainers, coaches, leaders

•  May boost ratings on television but not in real life

•  Developing emotional control, and venting at appropriate times and locations

Easy to say…

•  But how do we develop real sportsmanship?

Real Sportsmanship

•  Be a good role model •  Youth or adult •  Go somewhere private to vent •  Congratulate others •  Accept congratulations graciously •  Don’t ignore others (generally) •  Once awards are given to kids who have won them

fairly, they are not taken away.

Real Sportsmanship •  Emphasize good sportsmanship at all times, and in

all situations •  Practice and shows •  Regularly use words like respect and sportsmanship

•  Being competitive is “serious fun”

•  Bad sportsmanship can include being •  Too serious •  Not serious enough

Real Sportsmanship

•  Emphasize the relationship between good sportsmanship and success

•  A victory without respect, dignity and honor, AND good animal treatment, doesn’t mean much

•  “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

Real Sportsmanship

•  Establish customs and traditions that emphasize good sportsmanship –  Barn signs –  Sportsmanship awards –  Others?

•  Praise hard work as opposed to just ribbons

Real Sportsmanship •  Be specific about how you expect exhibitors to relate

to •  One another •  Opponents •  Officials •  Horses

•  Develop clear guidelines for handling unsportsmanlike behavior and share them

•  Don’t be afraid to pack up and leave…you’ll only have to do it once. (probably)

Real Sportsmanship

•  Talk about specific incidents of sportsmanship

•  Ask questions to promote reflection

•  Emphasize fun!

Conclusion

•  Great character can develop from showing horses

•  Keys are: •  To be intentional •  To reward the behaviors you want •  Recognizing that showing can be a stressful and

emotional time •  But not accepting that as an excuse for poor behavior

•  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v1zlKkh3U8

Questions