Good Sportsmanship

by Stuart Jardine 11 Apr 2000 08:47 BST

We all need to think about our actions on and off the water. Stuart Walker (USA) once wrote:

"winning is the object of the game; but is not the object of playing the game"

and Paul Elvstrom said:

"You haven't won the race, if in winning the race, you have lost the respect of your competitors"

Good sportsmanship means that you comply with the rules, are respectful to your crew, competitors and officials alike. Most people are respectful of competitors ashore. To me sportsmanship includes fairness, courtesy, friendliness and a myriad of other qualities. All are just as important afloat as ashore. Sailing is a great sport because it puts the question of sportsmanship squarely in your own hands. We rarely have referees to penalize us on the water. The basic rule that I try to follow is:-

• "Treat others with respect and they will treat you with respect as well".
• This not only increases your chances of getting a few breaks on the race course, but will make the rest of your life more successful.

Some food for thought: Compliment your competitors Say thanks to the race committee Share your knowledge with those who are just getting started Praise your crew for a job well done Stop shouting at your crew; there is a high chance you caused the problem ! Give the benefit of the doubt to your competitor in tight situations