This resource stems from a question submitted to the Ask PCA blog. Responses come from our experts including PCA Trainers, who lead live group workshops for coaches, parents, administrators and student-athletes.

"We’re entering the traditional rivalry portion of our high school sports seasons. What are keys to our coaches, players and spectators keeping cool heads when competition gets heated?”

PCA Response By Will Jackson, PCA Trainer-Atlanta
Great question! It’s in the spotlight of competitive rivalries that all teams feel the inspiration and challenge to be at their best. That’s a wonderful part of sport, but it takes special attention to also be sure that good sportsmanship, appropriate fan behavior, and PCA’s Honor the Game concepts are central to the action. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Start early: Contact your rivals’ leadership team and brainstorm themes and activities to keep the rivalry exciting and positive for all. Principals, AD’s, coaches, team captains, cheerleader reps, etc. could all be in the conversation. Emphasize the benefits for everyone of having this special rivalry; share ideas about how to emphasize this opportunity in both school communities.

• Consider getting together on a common local project that both schools and their team members could support with volunteer effort. It might be a local charity, a Boys and Girls Club, a park or playground that needs refreshing. Parents from both schools can be involved. Whatever the project, people who work side by side on a shared interest develop a respect and appreciation for each other that will pay off on game day.

• For more great ideas from this PCA expert, download the PDF below.

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