The Athletes’ Creed was created by those who play for the
love of the game. It is a set of principles written by sports leaders and
everyday athletes from across the country.
It’s a proclamation of what the game stands for and how to be a better athlete,
teammate and opponent.
Its mission is to inspire athletes everywhere to reclaim the enjoyment of
sports and the spirit of clean competition.
Pledge to Play with Respect for the Game
·
Play the game with
respect; respect for those who played before you, those who play with you and
those who will play after you – Greg S., Baseball
·
Shake hands after
every game - because if it wasn't for your competition, you wouldn't have been
able to play the game – Elizabeth C., Lacrosse
·
Once you stop loving
the game, the game will stop loving you – James Parker, Director of Sports, Amateur
Athletic Union
Pledge
to Play with Honor for our Team
·
Play for your
teammates. Selflessness is the number one characteristic of successful teams – Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers Running Back
·
The true mark of being
the best player on the team is letting others feel like THEY are the best
players on the team – Chip Z., All Sports
·
To win alone, we've
all been shown, is only an illusion. Trust in your team – Brandon F., Lacrosse
Pledge
to Play with Respect for our Coaches & Officials
·
Listen to your
coaches- the more you can take away from them the better your success will be
in the future – Brad B., Football & Basketball
·
Respect officials and
their decisions; understand that officials sometimes make mistakes, just like
you – Steve Stenersen, US Lacrosse
·
Respect your coach.
You will never agree with all their decisions but understand their level of
commitment to you and your teammates and the unselfishness of their time – Mike Millay, ESPN Wide
World of Sports
Pledge
to Play with Heart
·
Never walk on the
field expecting to win; walk on expecting to work your hardest – Virginia K., Lacrosse
·
Determination to do
your best, dedication to your sport, your teammates and your fellow competitors
and devotion to being true to yourself – Erik A., Triathlons, Running, Rugby, Cycling
·
The joy of competing
can be just as satisfying as the joy of winning – Skip Bayless, ESPN
Pledge
to Play Right On & Off the Field
·
Carry yourself with
grace, respect and spirit on the field and you will win off it – Gail S., Sports
Publicist
·
We must show others
why we love to play, we must know the rules and obey, we must live our life and
never sacrifice morals to win a game – Jennifer W., Volleyball
·
Learn how to win and
lose graciously when you're young and the stakes aren't nearly as high - it
will be significantly easier to do so in the real world, which is full of wins
and losses – Claire Powell, Champion Athletic wear
Credit: AAU USA, National Alliance for
Youth Sports, US Lacrosse, ESPN Sports
Presented by ABC News: 26 August 2010
SAISA: In support of good sportsmanship