USASF Professional Responsibility Code 2019-2020 9.0 | Page 18

SPORTSMANSHIP CODE FOR ATHLETES
Play by the rules. I will learn and obey the rules of my sport and train
to perform routines within those guidelines.
Respect myself, my coach, other teams and event officials.
I will treat all other teams and team members with the utmost respect
in every possible circumstance. I will respect myself enough to agree to
train and compete with my safety and the safety of my teammates as first
priority. I will behave within every event’s Code of Conduct, recognizing
the authority of event officials and workers in every possible circumstance.
I will appreciate honest efforts that are made fairly in the quest of victory.
Optimize my experience by meeting athletes from other
programs. I understand that All Star Cheer and Dance offers great
opportunities to travel and meet athletes from other programs and learn to
respect my competitors.
Make pursuit of victory more important than winning. I
understand that winning isn’t everything, but rather my will to train to
win matters most. While victory shall be my expected goal, defeat is not a
disgrace.
Interact, in person and on the internet, with integrity. I will not
comment negatively about my opponents on any form of social media:
Facebook, YouTube, message boards, etc. I understand that doing so
reflects poorly upon the image of my sport, my program and myself.
Strive to see the big picture and exercise self-control in adverse
circumstances. I will increase focus and intensity at practice rather
than retaliate or blame others. I understand that I am responsible for my
behavior, and I will not allow the prospect of defeat to be an excuse for
unethical or unsportsmanlike behavior.
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Exemplify sportsmanlike conduct. I will be a positive role model on
my team and within my community. I understand that I am a leader and
that every choice I make affects those who follow me. I will uphold the
promise to the best of my abilities and always work to improve myself, my
team and my sport. I understand I am expected to be a positive example in
my private and public settings.