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Sportsmanship Expectations

Harnett County Schools is committed to promoting good sportsmanship in all athletic programs. Coaches, student-athletes, parents, and spectators are expected to demonstrate respect, integrity, and positive behavior at all times.

Sportsmanship Standards

  • Demonstrate respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, and spectators.
  • Recognize that good sportsmanship is more important than winning.
  • Support and applaud outstanding effort, teamwork, skill, and fair play by all participants.
  • Understand that interscholastic athletics are designed to promote the physical, mental, social, emotional, and moral development of student-athletes.
  • Refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct, including verbal abuse, taunting, or disrespectful behavior.

Respect for Officials

Officials are trained to enforce the rules of their sport fairly and impartially. Their decisions should be respected at all times.

While officials, like all individuals, may occasionally make mistakes, they play a critical role in providing safe and fair competition. Coaches, student-athletes, parents, and spectators are expected to treat officials with courtesy and respect.

Parent-Coach Communication

Both parenting and coaching are challenging responsibilities. Effective communication between parents and coaches helps create a positive experience for student-athletes.

Appropriate Topics for Discussion

Parents are encouraged to discuss:

  • Practice and game schedules
  • Team rules and expectations
  • Team selection procedures
  • Notification of injuries or health concerns
  • Care and responsibility for school-issued equipment and uniforms
  • Ways to help their child improve
  • Concerns regarding the treatment or behavior of their child

Topics Not Appropriate for Discussion

The following topics are generally not appropriate for parent-coach discussions:

  • Playing time
  • Position assignments
  • Play-calling or game strategy
  • Decisions made during competition
  • Other student-athletes

Addressing Concerns

If you have a concern that requires discussion with a coach:

  1. Do not approach a coach before, during, or immediately after a game or practice.
  2. Contact the coach by phone or email to schedule a meeting.
  3. If communication with the coach cannot be established, contact the school's Athletic Director for assistance.

Maintaining respectful and productive communication helps ensure a positive athletic experience for all students.