Honor the Game Script
Here is an example from a soccer coach's practice—
I love the game of soccer, and I hope you do too. Soccer has a long
history and is the most played sport in the world. A lot of great
things happen on the soccer field. I feel that it is an honor to be
involved in the sport. That's why I want to talk to you about
Honoring the Game. Now, I am sure many of you have had parents or
coaches talk to you about sportsmanship, or what it means to be a
"good sport." What does it mean to you to be a good sport? (Answers
may include "play fair," "don't cheat" etc.) Sportsmanship is
important, but in order to get the most out of this soccer season,
I want you to honor the game. We say that Honoring the Game goes to
the ROOTS of the matter: R-O-O-T-S. Each letter in ROOTS stands for
an important part of soccer that we must respect. The R stands for
Rules. The first O is for Opponents. The next O is for Officials. T
is for Teammates, and the S is for Self.
R is for Rules
The rules of soccer are what allow us to keep the game fair.
Respect for the rules is important, even when it's possible to
break them without getting caught. I want you to play by the rules,
even if you think you won't get caught if you break them. Breaking
the rules dishonors the game, even if it means that we win.
O is for Opponents
Without opponents, we could have no game. A good opponent makes us
do our best. Sometimes your opponents are friends of yours. I want
you to respect your opponents, and remember they are out there to
have fun just like us. I want you to try your hardest to win, not
because you hate your opponent, but because you want to play your
best. I promise that I will show respect for opposing coaches and
teams, and I expect you to do the same.
O if for Officials
It is very important to respect officials. Often, this can be the
most difficult part of Honoring the Game, so we need to remember to
keep it as a focus when we play. Officials have been selected and
trained to enforce rules, and they have a very hard job. Without
the officials the game would be unsafe and unfair. Officials are
not perfect (just like coaches, athletes and parents!) and
sometimes make mistakes. However, there is no excuse for treating
officials with disrespect when they make errors. I want you to show
respect for officials, even when you disagree with the call. I
promise to do the same thing.
T is for Teammates
A big part of soccer is the team. Being with your teammates should
be fun. Later in life you will often be part of a team, and it is
important to learn to work together. I hope you feel a commitment
to each other as teammates and that you will agree to always play
as hard as you can in practice and in games. Please encourage and
support each other on and off the playing field.
S is for Self
Some people only Honor the Game when their opponents do, but I want
us to Honor the Game no matter what the other team or its fans do.
I want us to be the kind of team that Honors the Game even when
others do not because we set our own personal standards. And we
live up to them no matter what. We have respect for ourselves and
would never do anything to dishonor the game.
So what do we mean when we say that Honoring the Game goes to the
ROOTS of the matter? Respect for : Rules, Opponents, Officials,
Teammates, and Self. If you do these five things, you are Honoring
the Game. You and your teammates will get the most out of our
season, and you will join the great tradition that is soccer. Now
let's Honor the Game starting right now at this practice,
especially when we scrimmage.
Who can give me an example of how we Honor the Game of
soccer?
What does each letter stand for?