|
|
|
| Sunday, 30 October 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Good sportsmanship counts
There is no doubt many of us come across similar situations. Sometimes we feel hurt when our coach criticises us in front of other teammates. There are many instances where we behave as a bad sport when playing.Sometimes when we get so wrapped up in winning or in how well we will perform, we lose sight of what's really important. We forget that one of the most important goals of sports is helping one to develop a sense of good sportsmanship. What is good sportsmanship? Good sportsmanship occurs when teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials treat each other with respect. Good sportsmanship helps us to understand that the real winners in sports are those who know how to persevere and to behave with dignity - whether they win or lose a game.Good sportsmanship includes both small gestures and heroic efforts. It starts with something as simple as shaking hands with opponents before a game and includes acknowledging good play by others and accepting bad calls gracefully. Displaying good sportsmanship isn't always easy: it can be tough to congratulate the opposing team after losing a close or important game. But those who learn how to do it will benefit in many ways.A child who bullies or taunts others on the playing field isn't likely to change the behaviour when in the classroom or in social situations. In the same way, a child who practises good sportsmanship is likely to carry the respect and appreciation of other people into every other aspect of life. Always remember winning is just one of several goals we have to achieve in order to become a good sportstar. Try to take pride in your accomplishments and in your improving skills, so that you will feel like a winner, even if the scoreboard doesn't show the numbers going in your favour. ########## Stay well-hydrated when exercising
But there are some important facts you need to know when you are practising in hot weather. When exercising in hot weather, it's important to stay well-hydrated. The hotter it is, the more you sweat and lose body fluids. Exercising for an hour in 80-degree weather can cause your body to lose twice as much fluid as doing the same exercise in 50-degree weather. Children who start to become dehydrated can have stomach and leg cramps, fatigue, and confusion. With severe dehydration, they are more at risk for heat stroke and shock. The question is: In order to maintain hydration when you exercise in hot weather, how much water should you drink and how frequently? The exact amount will vary depending on the size of the child, the air temperature and humidity (amount of moisture in the air), and the intensity of the exercise. For instance, continuous running for 30 minutes will cause a child to lose more fluid than when playing a baseball game for 30 minutes. Current recommendations for an average-sized 10- or 11-year-old are that they should drink at least four ounces (a half-cup) of water every 20 minutes when exercising outdoors in hot weather. Medical guidelines clearly dictate the need for water during exercise, and a physical education teacher should be aware of this. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Politics | Produced by Lake House |
Amal was crying by the time the cricket match ended. It wasn't because
his team had lost. It wasn't because he was unhappy about his own playing.
It wasn't even because of anything the other team had said or done. Amal's
tears came after his father yelled at him - in front of all his teammates
- for missing the catch that could have saved the game. Amal was just
eight years old. 
Sometimes we spend hours in the playground under the hot sun. It is
true that we need to practise in order to achieve great heights in sports.
