Western Pennsylvania Boys' Tennis
Sportsmanship Award
2023 WINNERS POSTED
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O_w9I9f3rtf_1TykissivvvJ3OTTovCi7tfm-ybEcBY/edit?usp=sharing
WELCOME
Tennis has unique challenges, such as players calling the lines and individual competition without officiating. This can bring out negative behavior in players and parents due to the pressure to win and excel. The Western Pennsylvania Boys' Tennis Sportsmanship Award was created to recognize those players who despite these obstacles, show outstanding sportsmanship and provide an example for others to follow. Ultimately, the hope is that the whole sport will be elevated as a result of these wonderful boys.
CORE VALUE- POSITIVE
Sportsmanship in tennis means that the player calls the lines to the best of his/her ability, recognizes the other player when she/he hits an impressive serve or shot, wins without gloating, loses gracefully, and is friendly and respectful during the match, between side changes, after the match, and while watching other matches.
CORE VALUE- NOT NEGATIVE
The player does not participate in acts which are distracting, intimidating, dishonest or harmful toward the opponent, such as screaming on the court, excessive celebration, repeatedly questioning the opponent's line calls, cheating or other negative behavior.
CORE VALUE- OVERCOMING ADVERSITY
The tennis player is also able to rise above his/her opponent's negative behavior by respectfully calling for an official or dealing with it in a positive manner without retaliating. This is probably the hardest skill for a tennis player because the opponent is trying to cause harm to him/her and may actually be causing him/her harm, but this is an amazing life skill. He/She is the better person!
"I never lose. I either win or I learn," by Nelson Mandela