Fair season and sportsmanship
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EmailWith fair season underway, practicing respect for animals, competitors, rules and others helps ensure positive, character-building experiences for everyone involved in 4-H.
With county fair season underway, youth across Michigan are showcasing and competing with their 4-H animal projects. While ribbons and awards are exciting, one of the most important lessons learned through 4-H is sportsmanship. Reviewing and practicing good sportsmanship helps ensure positive experiences for youth, families, volunteers and fair officials alike.
Good 4-H animal project sportsmanship includes:
- Respect for animals. This means providing proper nutrition, healthcare and daily management while using fair and humane training practices. Animals deserve respectful treatment in return for all they provide.
- Respect for competitors. Good sportsmanship includes recognizing and appreciating well-prepared opponents who challenge us to do our best. Positive competitors support and encourage one another.
- Respect for the competition. Exhibitors should follow all event rules, always give their best effort and use their skills, knowledge and training to achieve success. Just as important as the outcome is valuing the learning process along the way.
- Respect for others. Judges, show officials, parents, volunteers, trainers, coaches and leaders all deserve courtesy and respect. When frustrations arise, it is important to respond appropriately and address concerns at the right time and place.
Good sportsmanship is not just expected of youth members, it applies to everyone involved in the 4-H experience, including parents, volunteers, leaders and spectators.
Michigan 4-H Youth Development offers resources to help club leaders, volunteers and families teach sportsmanship and positive character development. These materials are available through the Sportsmanship and Competitive Events Resources website.
Each year, Michigan 4-H also recognizes outstanding examples of sportsmanship through the Michigan 4-H Animal Science Sportsperson of the Year Award. If you know a youth or adult who exemplifies exceptional sportsmanship in a 4-H animal science project area, please consider submitting a nomination.
To learn more about how 4-H teaches sportsmanship and builds character, contact your local Michigan State University Extension office and discover 4-H opportunities in your community.
