Following the Rules

• Why is it important to know the rules of your sport?
• How do you feel when someone breaks the rules in a game?
• What should you do if you break a rule by accident?
• How can following the rules make the game more fun for everyone?

Talking Points:

• Learning the rules helps you and your team play better.
• Admitting mistakes shows honesty and respect.
• Listening to coaches and referees helps you learn.
• Following the rules makes the game fair for everyone.

Playing Fair

• What does it mean to treat others as you would like to be treated?
• How can you make sure you are playing fair?
• How do you feel when someone plays unfairly?
• Why is it important to play fair, even if it means you might not win?

Talking Points:

• The Golden Rule helps us make fair choices.
• Being honest and kind makes the game better for everyone.
• Cheating is not a true victory.
• Fair play shows respect for the game and other players.

Showing Respect for Opponents

• How do you feel when someone is polite to you before a game?
• Why is it important to avoid trash talk during a game?
• How can you show respect to opponents after the game?
• What should you do if your opponent is not respectful to you?

Talking Points:

• A friendly greeting shows respect.
• Avoiding trash talk keeps the game positive.
• Congratulating opponents shows kindness, win or lose.
• Staying calm and polite sets a good example.

Showing Respect for Teammates

• How can you encourage a teammate who made a mistake?
• Why is it important to cheer for your teammates’ successes?
• How can you help a teammate who is still learning the game?
• Why should you respect every teammate’s efforts?

Talking Points:

• Encouraging words build team spirit.
• Cheering for teammates shows support.
• Patience helps everyone improve.
• Respecting efforts makes the team stronger.

Showing Respect for Officials

• Why is it important to respect officials, even if you disagree with their calls?
• How can you politely ask an official about a call you think is wrong?
• What should you do if the official’s decision is final and you still disagree?
• How do you think officials feel when players and coaches are respectful to them?

Talking Points:

• Officials ensure the game is fair and safe.
• Everyone, including officials, makes mistakes.
• Polite questions show respect.
• Accepting decisions keeps the game positive.

Play for Fun and Challenge

• Why is it important to have fun when you play sports?
• How can you challenge yourself to improve in your sport?
• What can you do to make sure you enjoy the game, even if you lose?
• How do you feel when you try your best, no matter the outcome?

Talking Points:

• Enjoying the game keeps you playing and improving.
• Setting goals and trying hard makes the game exciting.
• Winning is good, but having fun and challenging yourself is better.
• Playing your best is what really counts.

Follow the Scout Oath and Law

• How can you show trustworthiness in sports?
• What does being loyal to your team look like?
• How can you be helpful and friendly during a game?
• Why is it important to stay cheerful, even if you lose?
• How can you show bravery and kindness in sports?

Talking Points:

• The Scout Oath encourages doing your best and being proud of your effort.
• The Scout Law guides honesty, loyalty, and respect in sports.
• Kindness and obedience help maintain a positive and respectful game.
• Cheerfulness and bravery keep the game fun and challenging.
• Clean and reverent behavior ensures fair play and respect for all.

See more information about good sportsmanship at https://scoutermom.com/6961/good-sportsmanship/