NOTES FROM SCHOOL

BY CHERYL GULLICKSRUD, SUPERINTENDENT

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MONDOVI

November 28, 2013

SPORTSMANSHIP

During the month of November, student athletes from each of the schools in the Dunn-St. Croix Conference came together to discuss a topic of special significance to them: sportsmanship. These students, along with the Athletic Director and one head coach from each district, spent time talking about what good sportsmanship is and how to promote the demonstration of good sportsmanship by student and adult fans as well as by student athletes.

As we begin the Winter sports season, I would like to encourage all fans to remember that our athletic events are meant to be conducted in an atmosphere that is positive and encouraging. Our student athletes and their coaches work hard to prepare for games and contests; they do their best to win. Each of us as fans can do our part to make each contest a positive experience by demonstrating good sportsmanship by:

1. Showing courtesy and respect toward opponents. The visiting team and fans are our guests. Standing during the playing of their school song, applauding players during introductions, and showing concern for injured players are all ways fans can help maintain our district’s reputation as being friendly and welcoming.

2. Showing courtesy and respect toward officials. Officials do the best they can to maintain fair play. They make mistakes just as we all do, and yelling harsh criticisms or taunting remarks will not help them do their jobs. In addition, individuals who continuously shout negative comments throughout an event greatly diminish the enjoyment of the competition for the student athletes and the fans around them and they present a poor image of the community of Mondovi.

3. Keeping a proper perspective. Student athletes are playing a game. Although the major goal of every high school competition is to win, this desire should never cause anyone to lose self-control and behave irrationally. In order for the potential educational and recreational values of our students’ athletic competitions to be fully realized, each of us involved in the event must remember that we are watching young people perform to the best of their abilities in an amateur competition.

As student athletes from the Dunn-St. Croix Conference continue to discuss the importance of good sportsmanship, we, as their fans, can and should continue to support their competitive performances in the most positive and courteous manner possible.

SENIOR CITIZEN ATHLETIC EVENT PASS

Residents of the School District of Mondovi who are 65 years of age or older are eligible to receive a free pass. While the pass cannot be used for WIAA tournament events, it does permit free admission to all home athletic events. If you are interested in obtaining a free pass, please contact the District Office at 926-3684.