Learning with the Mother

THE CODE OF SPORTSMANSHIP

Sweet Mother, during our tournaments there are many who play in a very bad spirit. They try to hurt others in order to win. And we have noticed that even the little ones are learning to do this. How could it be avoided?

With children it is above all ignorance and bad example which cause the harm. So it would be good if, before they begin their games, all the group-leaders, the captains,

call together all those they are in charge of and tell them, explain to them exactly what Sri Aurobindo says here, with detailed explanations like those we have given in the two little books The Code of Sportsmanship and The Ideal Child [or What a Child Should Always Remember].

These things must be repeated often to the children. And then, you must warn them against bad company, bad friends, as I told you in another class.

Given below are the contents of the two booklets.

The code of Sportsmanship^7
7: Code of Sportsmanship’ is partly reproduced from Introduction to Physical Education by Jackson R. Sherman.

Keep the rules.

Keep faith with your comrade.

Keep your temper.

Keep yourself fit.

Keep a stout heart in defeat.

Keep your pride under control or in check in victory.

Keep a sound soul, a clean mind, and a healthy body.

Play the game.

A Good Sportsman

Is Courteous

ON THE FIELD he does not jeer at errors; he does not cheer at the opponent’s defeat; he treats them as guests, not enemies.

IN SCHOOL he is considerate to the authorities, the fellow students and the teachers.

IN LIFE he is respectful to others; he treats them as he would be treated.

Is Modest

ON THE FIELD he works for the good of the team rather than for individual honour; he will even sacrifice his own prestige for his team; he is a gracious winner.

IN SCHOOL he does not become conceited over his success, neither does he feel himself superior to his class-mates.

IN LIFE he does not “blow” about what he is going to do; he does not boast about what he has done.

Is Generous

ON THE FIELD he applauds the good play of his opponents.

IN SCHOOL he appreciates another’s merit.

IN LIFE he does not ridicule the man who is “down” but encourages him. He is not afraid to voice his opinions straight­forwardly and clearly.

Is Game

ON THE FIELD he plays hard; he fights though he may be already defeated; he accepts adverse decisions; he is a good loser.

IN SCHOOL he does his work, he keeps on working in the face of almost certain failure. He has the vim to think straight, the pluck to act straight.

IN LIFE he does his part however hard it may be; he accepts reverses with a smile and tries again.

Is Obedient

ON THE FIELD he observes the rules of the games.

IN SCHOOL he observes all the regulations.

IN LIFE he respects the rules which help to promote harmony.

Is Fair

ON THE FIELD he competes in a clean, hard- fought but friendly way; he helps an injured opponent.

IN SCHOOL he does not waste his time nor that of the teachers. He is always honest.

IN LIFE he sees impartially both sides of a question