Sportsmanship is defined as conduct (such as fairness, respect for one’s opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, n.d.).
Integrity is defined as the adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
The Race to 3 is a deliberate way for students to enhance their sportsmanship and integrity. The game is less about the skill and more about what happens before and after each round.
While playing Race to 3, it is imperative for the instructor to filter around the room, seeking out and sharing positive examples of good sportsmanship and problem-solving. Equally important is helping students who may be having difficulty dealing with adversity.
Race to 3 – The SPORTSMANSHIP Game
I’ve been playing this game for years with coffee cans. However, I learned that it was much more age-appropriate for my younger students when I used laundry baskets instead of coffee cans. However, I’ve shared a video of each version.
How to play:
- Spread out half as many laundry baskets as there are students.
- Place two, 4-6 inch gator skin balls in each basket.
- Two students begin at each basket.
- On the signal to begin, the two students reach across the basket to give each other knuckles or shake hands, then compete to see who can bounce the ball three times into the basket first.
- After each round, the pair shakes hands to reinforce good sportsmanship.
- The winner takes a victory lap around the perimeter. The loser immediately searches for another available player to challenge.
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