PREPNET / SPEAK OUT

How does the taunting, posturing and celebrating seen in such made-for-TV sports as the XFL affect sportsmanship at the high-school level?

DANNY CADWALLADER

Brethren Christian, Wrestling

In a way yeah. Some kids might take after the guys they see on TV. They might want to be like them. But they have to remember it’s only entertainment. On the football field, it might be easier to get away with the posturing. But in wrestling, it’s one on one. You don’t have too much of that going on, on the mat.

JIM DUEL

State CIF, Media Director

Students are going to model the behavior of people they admire, whether the person is a rock star, athlete, teacher or coach. If professional athletes who taunt and show no regard for the opposition are held up as heroes, some students will follow this example and adopt similar behavior. Observing the deterioration of sportsmanship in professional sports only makes it tougher on administrators and coaches at the high school level to teach its importance. It also puts more pressure on student leaders to set the standard for exemplary behavior. Fortunately, I believe there are a lot of tremendous role models out there in professional athletics and high school athletics. I still believe that these athletes are seen as the real heroes.

BEN HALEY

Anaheim, Football Coach

The kids look at this and feel that it is OK. Being expressive of joy for an achievement is one thing, but being humiliating is beyond what we are here for.

KRIS KRAUSHAAR

Volleyball, Irvine

It’s bad for [sportsmanship]. Whenever I see people taunting, it just makes the other side angrier and makes them work harder. Another thing is, if you get that excited about one play, you might not be able to do it again. I act like it happens all the time. Besides, one big play doesn’t win a game most of the time.

JIM MARTIN

Laguna Hills, Girls’ Basketball Coach

The made-for-TV sports aren’t the issue, it’s the established professional sports that created the problem. The XFL is just a ludicrous extension of the problem that existed. I think kids pay attention to their favorite players in professional sports, so it’s natural they’re going to emulate their favorite players.

NEXT QUESTION

What’s the most challenging situation you’ve faced in an athletic contest?