SPORTSMANSHIP

In an individual sport, the judging is based solely on the behavior of the athlete. 

In a team sport, the judging is based upon an evaluation of the coach, athletes, and team parents and spectators.

Small Individual Sports (ex. Archery, Badminton, Fencing, Weightlifting, etc.)

The sport commissioner is responsible for evaluating the sportsmanship of the participants and determining the recognized athletes.

Large Individual Sports (Swimming, Track & Field, Wrestling)

A committee including the sports commissioner, key sports organizers, and officials all take part in the evaluation process.

Team Sports (Baseball, Basketball, Field Hockey, 6v6 Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Rugby, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball)

The evaluations come from the game officials on a game by game basis. There is also input from the sports commissioner in cases where the commissioner is present for all or most games.

• Understand the rules of the Bay State Games and your sport. Comply with the rules’ intent as well as the letter of the rule.
• Always recognize a teammate’s or opponent’s exceptional play. This reflects your understanding and appreciation of quality in your sport.
• Accept and abide by the decisions of all game officials. Show your appreciation for the officials and medical staff who have volunteered their time at the Bay State Games to provide you with a unique opportunity to compete.
• Refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco AND illegal drugs.
• Respect your coaches who are volunteering their time to provide you with their expertise. Abide by their decisions regarding playing time and other game related matters.
• Openly display respect for your opponent at all times.
• Be a positive role model for the sport, school and community that you represent.
• Resolve any conflicts on and off the field of play without resorting to hostility or violence.
• Treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex, origin or ability.
• The unique format of the Bay State Games brings high school rivals together as teammates. Accept your fellow team members for their love of the game and for their skill without preconceived notions based on past rivalries.
• Display pride in your actions at every opportunity on and off the field of play.

• Use of profanity towards officials, coaches and players
• Rough play or playing with intent to injure
• Fighting
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs
• Berating or taunting a coach, player, official, or opponent
• Disrespectful celebrations
• Improper conduct toward an official, opponent, team member or spectator
• Displays of temper with an officials call
• Use of obscene gestures
• Unreasonable number of game ejections or major penalties
• Blatant violation of competition or Bay State Games regulations
• Refusing to shake hands or acknowledge your opponent at end of the game
• Confronting coaches at the end of a contest in regarding to playing time or game decisions
• Refusing to play a contest because your team is out of medal contention
• Abusive verbal or physical behavior on the part of a player’s parent(s) or friend(s) toward a coach or official
• False representation of eligibility requirements including age, residence and grade

Teams/individuals who are chosen to have demonstrated the highest level of sportsmanship will be awarded the following:

Each individual player & the head coach will receive a $20.00 DICK’S Sporting Goods Voucher to be used in stores & a certificate recognizing them for good sportsmanship. 

Award recipients will be posted on the Bay State Games website and recognition awards will be sent to deserving individual athletes and teams.