CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: FAIRNESS & CARING

From the IHSAA October 1999 Bulletin

FAIRNESS

Treat everyone the way you would like to be treated.

Justice:  Treat everyone without favoritism or prejudice.

• DO: Be fair in all your dealings with others. Play by the rules. Be sure rules are well communicated and that the enforcement is consistent, certain, and prompt.

• DON'T: Cheat. Play favorites. Take advantage of others. Blame others for your shortcomings.

Openness:  Teach and model being open to others' ideas, suggestions, and opinions.

• DO: Be open-minded. Hear what people have to say before you decide. Get all the facts before making a decision. Think of others as well as yourself. Give everyone a chance.

• DON'T: Be selfish. Be dishonorable. Be closed-minded.

CARING

Remember, people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care!

Concern for others:

• DO: Teach and model kindness and compassion for others. Be considerate of others. Put the team before yourself. Express gratitude for what others do for you. Show others that you care about them. Forgive others shortcomings. Discourage selfishness. Give praise generously. Cheer for injured players on either team when they leave the playing area. Use constructive criticism.

• DON'T: Be mean or cruel toward others. Be selfish. Intentionally hurt others' feelings. Be insensitive to others feelings.

Charity:

• DO: Give generously of your time, talent, and treasure. Help people in need.

• DON'T: Be selfish.

Remember, in athletics, as in life, CHARACTER COUNTS!

Excerpts taken from CHARACTER COUNTS!, a project of the Josephson Institute for Ethics.