Fair Play Challenge Activity
ATHLETIC ETHICS & CHARACTER CURRICULUM
Name: Date:
Fair Play Challenge Activity
Analyzing honest calls, de-escalating disputes, and keeping competition respectful
FIELD DECISION GUIDE
1
Fair Play
Honesty over easy points
2
Calm In Conflict
Solve calls with respect
3
Graceful Mindset
Respect in win or defeat
PART 1
The Referee Dilemma: Making the Honest Choice
Scenario A: The Deflected Ball Fair Play & Honesty
During a championship soccer match, the ball deflects out of bounds over the sideline with two minutes left. The referee signals a throw-in for your team, thinking it came off the defender. However, you know with 100% certainty that the ball grazed your cleat last.
What is the most sportsmanlike action?
Stay silent because referees make the final decisions.
Quietly inform the official that you touched it last.
Celebrate loudly to convince everyone it was clean.
Explain why true athletes value honesty above winning points or possession:
Scenario B: The Disputed Tag Handling Disagreements
At recess kickball, two runners on your team start yelling insults at the fielder at second base, claiming they were "safe by a mile." The fielder yells back and threatens to stop the game. Emotions are boiling over.
Step 1: Cool-Down Words to De-escalate
What exact respectful words can you say right now?
Step 2: Fair Conflict Resolution
How can both teams agree on a fair solution?
PART 2
The Respectful Words Playbook
Transform negative trash talk and heated complaints into constructive, sportsmanlike responses.
| Unsportsmanlike Reaction | Sportsmanlike "Game-Changer" Alternative |
|---|
| "You made us lose! You totally dropped that easy catch!" | |
| |
| "This ref is completely blind! That call was garbage!" | |
|
| "You guys are terrible! You didn't stand a chance!" |
|
Fair Play Challenge • Respect, Integrity & Self-Control Page 1 of 2
SECTION TWO: EMOTIONAL REGULATION & COMMITMENT
Student:
Winning and Losing with Class
PART 3
Grace in Victory and Defeat
Scenario 1: Celebrating a Big Win
Your team just scored the winning goal in sudden-death overtime against your biggest school rivals.
Choose the respectful action:
Mock the goalie for missing the ball.
Celebrate with teammates, then shake opponent hands.
Refuse to shake hands because they played rough.
What does humble winning teach others about you?
Scenario 2: Handling a Crushing Loss
You trained for weeks for the track meet, but you tripped at the start and finished in last place.
Choose the respectful action:
Kick the ground, storm off, and refuse to speak.
Take deep breaths, congratulate the winner sincerely.
Blame your shoes and claim the starter cheated.
How can you manage feelings of disappointment safely?
PART 4
Player Reflection: Looking in the Mirror
Think of a real game, PE class, or recess activity where you felt frustrated, angry, or tempted to bend the rules. What happened, and how will you handle that moment differently next time?
PART 5
The Sportsmanship Honor Pledge
As an athlete and classmate, I commit to following these three promises:
✓ Honest Calls: Play by the rules even when nobody is looking.
✓ Respectful Words: Never demean an opponent, referee, or teammate.
✓ Graceful Spirit: Shake hands sincerely after every match, win or lose.
Player Signature:
Teammate Witness:
Fair Play Challenge • Character & Fair Play Curriculum Page 2 of 2
