Sportsmanship, gamesmanship and deviance

Sportsmanship is playing fairly and within the rules, and in the spirit of the game, with respect for opponents and officials.

Examples: kicking the ball out of play when an opponent is injured; shaking hands after a match; accepting the referee's decision.

Its value: it keeps sport fair and safe, makes it enjoyable, and gives young people good role models.

• Gamesmanship is bending the rules, without breaking them, to gain an advantage. It's against the spirit of the game. Examples: time-wasting near the end of a match; distracting an opponent with comments (sledging); appealing for a decision you know is wrong.
• Deviance is behaviour that goes against the rules or the accepted standards of sport and society, and is often illegal. Examples: taking banned drugs; violence; match-fixing.

• Pressure to win, from coaches, teammates, fans or themselves
• Rewards: money, fame and sponsorship for winning
• A win-at-all-costs attitude
• Frustration when losing or playing badly
• Thinking they won't get caught, or that others are doing it too
• Copying role models who do it