How to become a better competitor

Dallas Aleman | Towpath Tennis Owner | Tennis Guru

Junior players Andrew Ong & Irene Norman 

are the recipients of the Diane McNeal 

Sportsmanship award at this year's annual 

meeting of the North East Ohio Tennis 

Association.

Despite a lot of talk about notions of self-respect and respect for others, it has been said that players don’t always necessarily display a suitable attitude toward their peers. Here is where the balance is--you have to be able to express how you feel, but it’s equally important to take into account the feelings of those around you. One who is a good sport has respect for the game (knows the rules, traditions, courtesy, and expectations of being a competitor), has respect for themselves (no comments like “I suck”), and has respect for their opponent and/or partner (no comments such as “ that player is a pusher", or "we would've won if my partner had played better"). Having respect for yourself, your competitor/partner, and for those that are making the event possible (the tournament director, officials, captains, and your team) is what it's all about.

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The ability of having respect (or good sportsmanship) is going to carry you a long way in this world. The wins and losses will be forgot by many, but people will not forget how they were treated when they interacted with you as a competitor, team member, or spectator for that matter. Next time on the court or during your next match, make the effort to work on your own respect for the game--trust us, you'll enjoy it that much more!

  
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