During my time as a high school sports reporter and photographer, I've learned that one of the key aspects of youth development is their ability to deal with success and defeat. I have covered football, volleyball, tennis, cross country, girls and boys basketball, wrestling, danceline, softball, baseball, boys and girls track, and boys and girls golf. I have witnessed incredible displays of athletic skill and dedication from high school youth in my area.

Game nights are a big chance for adult fans and parents to implement and model proper behavior that instill good values into our youth.

Good sportsmanship is one of the most important values that we can teach our children. It will benefit them more in their future than almost anything else, especially any athletic feat they may achieve in their sports careers.

I have seen the ugly side of coaching, fan behavior, and student-athlete tantrums. A small example would be a football coach leaving his starters in for longer than necessary after building a 42-0 lead at halftime of the game. Not only does it bring the risk for injury to your prime players, but it hurts your image with the opposing team, coaches, and fans.

We should all keep sight of what is really important about athletics, the actual act of competing while representing your school and community. Competition brings the desire to make yourself better, to test your physical and mental limits, and to bring comraderie to your group of teammates and fans.

Learn more about this author, Randy Olson.
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