From the World Series to Pickleball Courts: Why Sportsmanship Matters

By Suzanne Hamil, LMSW/RSW

In every sport, whether it’s played on a field, a court, or even in a backyard, one of the greatest lessons to be learned goes far beyond winning - it’s about sportsmanship.

Sportsmanship is the ability to treat others with respect, to play fairly, and to show maturity in both victory and defeat. It’s what separates a good athlete from a great one.

Having played competitive sports for over 30 years, including at the college level, I’ve experienced both the highs of victory and the lows of defeat. Along the way, I’ve had the honor of winning championships, including a first-place finish in the NSA World Series. Those moments of triumph are unforgettable, but they mean little if they aren’t paired with respect for the game and for others.

What has always stood out to me is that how you handle yourself after a tough game often matters more than the score itself.

Accepting Loss with Dignity

Losing is never easy, but it’s also never the end of the story. Every loss is an opportunity to learn, improve, and grow.

Accepting a loss with dignity means resisting the urge to lash out, blame others, or diminish the success of your opponent. Instead, it’s about congratulating the other player or team, recognizing their effort, and reflecting on what you can do better next time.

True champions are those who use setbacks as steppingstones.

Respecting Others’ Skill Levels

Not everyone is on the same path or at the same stage of development. Some players may have natural talent, more experience, or simply a great day on the court.

Instead of responding with jealousy or criticism, it’s important to respect, and even admire, their skill. By watching others, you can learn new techniques, strategies, and perspectives.

Turning envy into inspiration helps you stay focused on your own growth rather than bringing others down.

Respecting All Shots - Including the Lob

In pickleball, for example, one of the most debated shots is the lob. Some players feel frustrated when their opponents use it, especially if they struggle to track or return high balls.

But here’s the truth: the lob is not “cheap” or unfair - it’s a legitimate part of the game. Criticizing someone for using a lob simply because you can’t get to it isn’t good sportsmanship.

Instead of complaining, the challenge is to work on footwork, anticipation, and positioning so you can respond better next time.

When a lob beats you, it’s not a reason to accuse your opponent of poor play - it’s a signal of where you can grow. Sportsmanship means respecting every shot in the game, even those that test your weaknesses.

Game Face vs. Misinterpretation

One thing I’ve encountered personally is how others interpret my expression on the court. I’ve often been told I have what some call “resting bitch face.”

The truth is, it isn’t anger or rudeness at all - it’s my focused game face. When I’m competing, I’m locked in, concentrating on the next point, the next play, and the strategy ahead.

Sure, I may not look like the friendliest person in the heat of competition, but that’s not because I’m upset, it’s because my brain is busy calculating angles, anticipating shots, and silently reminding myself not to whiff an easy return.

Sportsmanship isn’t about grinning ear to ear while your opponent crushes a winner past you; it’s about staying locked in, respecting the game, and showing your effort through focus. Sometimes, a serious face simply means focus, not hostility. (Although I admit, it probably doesn’t hurt my intimidation factor!)

Therapist Mode: When Others Confide

As a therapist, I find that people often confide in me about their own experiences on the court, times when they’ve felt excluded, overlooked, or even bullied by other players.

These conversations remind me how important it is to create welcoming environments in sports. While competition can be intense, there should always be space for kindness, encouragement, and respect. Sports should build people up, not tear them down.

Part of good sportsmanship also means leaving the game on the court. A tough rally, a missed shot, or even a heated match should stay where it belongs - between the lines of play.

When the game ends, so should the conflict. Shake hands, share a laugh, and remember that we’re all there for the same reason: to enjoy the sport, challenge ourselves, and grow together.

Growing My Game, Growing Inclusivity

Even with decades of competitive sports behind me, pickleball is still a relatively new sport for me. I’m working every day to improve my game, learn strategies, and strengthen my skills.

One of the best ways to do that is by playing with players at a higher level than me. It’s humbling, yes, but it’s also one of the fastest ways to grow. Every rally with a stronger player sharpens my reactions, challenges my consistency, and teaches me something new about the game.

At the same time, I make it a priority to be inclusive with players of all levels, whether they’re brand new to the sport or seasoned veterans. For me, the joy of the game is not just in hitting a clean winner, but in making sure everyone feels like they belong on the court.

The best sports environments are those where competition pushes you forward, and community keeps you coming back.

Why Bullying and Rudeness Hurt Everyone

Bullying, trash talk, or mocking someone’s abilities have no place in sports. Not only do these behaviors harm others, but they also undermine your own reputation.

They create toxic environments where athletes feel discouraged instead of motivated. Sports are meant to bring people together, build resilience, and teach teamwork. Rudeness erodes that foundation.

Building a Positive Culture

To foster good sportsmanship, both athletes and spectators must lead by example. Celebrate effort as much as outcome. Encourage teammates and respect opponents.

Offer a handshake, a kind word, or a nod of acknowledgment after a game. These small acts build respect and set the tone for others to follow.

The Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, sports are about more than winning or losing. They’re about discipline, self-improvement, and community.

By accepting loss gracefully and respecting the skills of others - including their choice of shots - you not only become a better athlete, you become a better person.

True sportsmanship means walking away from the game knowing you gave your best effort, honored the competition, and left the door open for growth.

And in the end, we all walk off the court with something greater than a win or a loss, we walk off with the opportunity to grow, connect, and play again tomorrow.