5 Things I Got Wrong About Sportsmanship at Summer Camp

Two years ago, one of our camps ended on a tough note. It challenged us in ways we didn’t expect—and taught us a valuable lesson we’ll never forget. With our first camp this year just a week away, I’m excited to share a blog post I wrote afterward that explains what happened, what we changed, and how it transformed our camps for the better.

Since making this shift, every camp has ended on a high note—full of energy, teamwork, and fun. What we learned might be helpful in your own coaching, parenting, or mentoring journey.

Also, to make sure every 4th–8th grader can join us this summer, we’re keeping our camp prices the same as last year. We hope to see you there!

👉 [Take a look at what we learned]

See you at practice
Abby & Team

The Power of Sportsmanship: A Lesson We Learned the Hard Way

At our camps, we use a star system to reward players—not just for winning competitions, but for showing hustle, leadership, and teamwork. In 2023 the top three pitchers at each camp won prizes, and throughout the event, we announced updates on who was in the lead. It created energy and motivated players to give their best.

At our first camp in La Grange, we had a big, excited group of 35 athletes. At the end of camp, we held a huge team obstacle course race. Each group was timed while trying to pitch strikes, jump over obstacles, and throw their speed record. The competition was fierce—and while the effort was incredible, something felt off. When one team won, the other teams didn’t clap for them or say “good job.” The mood by the end of camp was sour. Instead of players leaving energized, many were upset they didn’t win—and they weren’t afraid to show it.

I talked with our coaching team, and then with my mom—a 25-year veteran teacher. And the answer hit me hard: we forgot to teach sportsmanship. In our small-group pitching lessons, teamwork is a aspect, but not a huge one. We are focused on learning a specific skill. But at camp, it’s a vital part of the experience. We needed to address it head-on.

At our next camp, we did just that. We read and discussed a simple list about being a good sport. We reminded the players again and again throughout camp. We gave stars for sportsmanship—not just performance. The change was immediate. Players cheered for each other, helped each other, and still competed hard. The camp felt joyful again.

That simple shift reminded me: if I take the time to teach something, kids will respond. It’s easy to forget what they haven’t yet learned—and it’s our job to guide them.

Sportsmanship Isn’t Just for Players

That experience got me thinking. These lessons aren’t just for kids. They apply to parents and coaches, too. One of the gifts of youth sports is that we adults get a chance to grow right alongside our players.

Here’s the list we now teach at camp—adapted for players, parents, and coaches.

Being a Good Sport

Player: Be polite and gracious. Compete hard but respect others—win or lose. Don’t complain, lash out, or argue with umpires.

Parent: Model respect for coaches, other parents, and officials. Avoid gossip, sideline coaching, or interfering with team matters.

Coach: Be fair, clear, and lead by example. Communicate expectations up front. Show the character you want your athletes to develop.

Be Supportive

Player: Encourage teammates, even when you're frustrated. Support builds trust.

Parent: Cheer for the team. Don’t overdo it—let your child carry her own bag and speak to the coach herself. Catch for her during workouts, but let her take the lead.

Coach: Care about every player’s growth. When things don’t go well, stay curious, not critical. Guide with honesty and don’t take things personally.

Have a Positive Attitude

Player: Keep negativity off the field. One bad attitude can drain the whole team.

Parent: Don’t arrive looking for mistakes. Offer to help—text parents, hit fungos, be a resource.

Coach: Expect the best from your players. Find out what motivates them. Keep practice fun and positive.

Be Respectful

Player: Even when frustrated, show respect to teammates, opponents, and officials. Don’t make excuses or assign blame.

Parent: Criticizing umpires teaches a victim mindset. Remind your child both teams play under the same conditions—even if the umpire isn’t perfect.

Coach: Stick to your word. Be transparent about decisions. Respect parents’ time and questions by communicating clearly and planning ahead on practices.

Practice Self-Control

Player: Manage emotions and stay focused. No sulking, no outbursts.

Parent: Don’t coach from the stands. And if you lose your cool—own it. Talk to your child afterward and model accountability.

Coach: Keep your composure. Your players are always watching how you handle pressure. Set the tone.

Teaching pitching is our job. Teaching character is our responsibility.

When we take the time to teach sportsmanship alongside skills, everyone wins—and not just in softball. Players enjoy the game more, grow faster, and leave camp with something even more valuable than a sharper fastball: stronger character.

Sources:
MasterClass: How to Show Good Sportsmanship
VeryWell Family: How to Be a Good Sports Parent