Being an athlete is about more than just competing with others: it is also about maintaining respect. Athletic etiquette is something that is severely underlooked and goes far beyond the rules of the game. Above all, it is about the values that shape students on and off the field. Real and genuine sportsmanship starts with respect for coaches, teammates, and opponents on the field. 

Pembroke Pines Charter High School [PPCHS] has a wide variety of sports: from water polo and tennis to football and basketball. Although some of these teams may seem to be on the opposite side of the scale, they all have one thing in common: respect. Respect is what drives athletes to push past their limits and support one another. 

Mr. Bayer, Principal of PPCHS, emphasizes the importance of how“athletic etiquette is significant due to the reason that we have sports not just to give kids a chance to run around. The reason we have sports is to give them the opportunity to learn what it is to work as a team, and how to elevate each other. And increase their physical abilities, but also challenge themselves as a person whether it’s within college, a friend, or part of a community.”

When the word “sportsmanship” comes to mind, many people only think about athletes respecting one another. The word also ties into the safety aspect, not only for the athletes on the field, but also for those in the stands. Fans set the tone for the game, and without them having respect or any self-control, things can escalate very quickly. 

Mr. Capiro, Admin for PPCHS, comments on how “good sportsmanship means to be able to win well and to lose well. At the same time, you can take care of your teammates, and you also have good sportsmanship for the other team.” and “I would definitely say the biggest thing is to learn how to lose. Be able to learn and figure out that part, then the winning part comes easy as well.”

The main purpose of athletic events is to embrace school spirit, yet it is essential to ensure both athletes and fans are able to enjoy the events in a safe environment. While everything is being controlled on the field, on the stands, the fans are expected to help maintain a positive atmosphere.

Junior Chloe Shuch, a varsity soccer player for PPCHS, explains that “sporting event etiquette is very important because it keeps the game respectful, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Cheering with good sportsmanship, respecting players and officials, and creating a positive atmosphere shows pride in your team and community.”

Fans can help ensure this by cheering on their team with pride, respect for the space of others, and being a good representative of school spirit. These expectations are simple yet very impactful and ensure the safety of many. Soule Osborne, a PPCHS girls varsity basketball player, comments that “fans should be aware of their surroundings and respect their team and the other people around them. It’s important to remember that sometimes people forget.”

Across the United States, schools have implemented safety measures for athletic events, such as the use of metal detectors and clear backpacks. PPCHS has adopted these safety measures as precautions to protect the safety of players, coaches, students, parents, and staff at events. These precautions help create a secure environment where students and parents can enjoy school events without safety and security risks. 

Athletic etiquette provides a variety of aspects that go deeper than just the game itself. Moreover, sportsmanship is often the one that comes to mind more than others. While sportsmanship is important, there is also much more that ties into athletic etiquette. For example, personal growth, strengthening bonds between athletes, and building leadership qualities and skills. 

Khaila Sprouse, a multi-sport athlete at PPCHS, who plays basketball and flag football, explains the importance of “athletic etiquette as it not only builds a good environment and relationship with students and coaches, but also helps make sports become more organized, fair, and fun, and just not all over the place.”

Athletic etiquette is not just an idea or thought for players. It is a life lesson as it teaches qualities of responsibility, composure, discipline, and even resilience. There are several aspects that benefit not only the fans but also the athletes individually. Through the values and lessons that are learned, the sport becomes more than a competition for the athletes; it becomes a game. At PPCHS, sports are not only about winning and striving for victory. They are also about playing with heart, pride, and safety.