THE SPORTSMANSHIP FIRST CHARTER:

• Seek opportunities to discuss Sportsmanshipfirst, so to encourage understanding.
• Shake hands before any contest, as the signature of sportsmanshipfirst.
• Be honest.
• Play for the team not for yourself.
• Be a good winner and a good loser.
• Encourage all others to play and help them to improve.
• Never argue with referees and accept decisions in a proper spirit
• As a spectator applaud good play on both sides and don't interfere.

Imagine a contentious match. On the pitch just before the kick off, each player informally but sincerely shakes the hand/s of their opponents. A signature of agreement that sportsmanship comes first. How will spectators react ?

Many sports governing bodies promote sportsmanship, but many poor examples are still observed by all. One clear overarching campaign common to all sports, demonstrated by professionals on the pitch and copied in our schools as part of key stage development with media support has the potential to create a much needed change in priorities and behaviour.

We respectfully ask for your help and support in developing this worthwhile project for our community. All steering group members are volunteers. If you feel can help in anyway please make contact.

Thank you.

Stephen Crossley.