Sportsmanship

Building Blocks of Success

Building Blocks to Success campaign was developed by the IESA Sportsmanship Advisory committee. The campaign includes nine (9) character principles that the IESA sportsmanship advisory committee feels are key components to the development of Today's Youth and Tomorrow's Leaders. One of the nine character principles will be highlighted each month of the school year beginning in September and running through May.

The program is designed to be interactive with each of the Association's member schools. A downloadable certificate is available to administrators in the IESA Member Center. This certificate can be given to students for exemplifying each word of the month. Examples of ways to implement the words into the daily school life include:

• The certificates could be given out at a pep rally,
• The students receiving the certificates names could be read once a month on the morning announcements,
• A display board for each word could be set in high traffic areas such as the main hall, cafeteria, or outside the main office featuring examples of each character word.

Building Blocks to Success is another step in the Today's Youth Tomorrow's Leaders program offered by the IESA for member schools to implement in their existing sportsmanship programs. The program is a great way to showcase and reward your students. Send the IESA examples of ways you are implementing the Building Blocks to Success and we will share your stories online.

The nine (9) Building Block words and the months that will be highlighted are as follows:

September: Trustworthiness

• Being Honest.
• Making Good Choices.
• Always Pursue Victory with Honor.

October: Respect

• Be tolerant and considerate of others.
• Respect the game, teammates, opponents, officials and fans.
• Win with grace (be humble) and lose with dignity (be gracious).

November: Responsibility

• Be accountable for your actions. Do the right thing.
• Always do your best.
• Think before you act.

December: Fairness

• Play by the rules.
• Don't take advantage of others.
• Don't blame others.

January: Caring

• Express gratitude.
• Be kind in your words and actions. Show you care.
• Help others in need.

February: Citizenship

• Respect authority.
• Represent your school positively.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship.

March: Integrity

• Be loyal.
• Demonstrate a positive image.
• Don't blame others.

April: Discipline

• Be reliable and consistent.
• Exercise self-control.
• Understand your role and accept expectations.

May: Teamwork

• Cooperate: remember there is no 'I' in team.
• Support one another.
• Be united in a common goal.