Now, an example of how poor sportsmanship might be used as a teaching tool! I am a Kansas City
Chiefs fan and season ticket holder (yes it’s been rough year!!). A few weeks ago the starting quarterback was
hit and ultimately left the game with a concussion. The fans were “ripped” by one of the Chiefs players
for cheering when it happened. I was there and can tell you not everyone cheered as was originally reported, and some were
cheering for the fact that the back-up QB was coming into the game. However, even one person cheering when a
player is injured in my mind is inappropriate. One of the ESPN commentators later in the week said his concern was the
message it was giving to the “young fans”. I totally agree! And, unfortunately, that type of behavior is becoming more and more common at all
sporting events. The fans actions, and the way a player stood up for his teammate provided an opportunity to talk
about sportsmanship and teamwork. Events like can be used as well as those “feel good” stories as teachable moments with
our students.
Sandy Slade is the CEO & Founder of Skillastics®, the #1 on-site and virtual physical activity resource for groups of children of all sizes. The on-site programs are designed around Skillatsics Activity Kits. These Activity kits include an innovative technique of play, executed on an oversize mat, where up to 100 children can play at one time.
The virtual programs provide students with an amazing variety of physical activity experiences that consist of 30 days of content lasting 30-40 minutes a day taught by national experts.
Skillastics® is enjoyed by over 10 million students in more than 25,000 Physical Education and After School settings nationwide.
For more information, email info@skillastics.com or check out www.skillastics.com.