INTERNATIONAL SPIRIT OF THE GAME DAY
On the first Saturday in December, International Spirit of the Game Day encourages communities to discuss and demonstrate good Spirit. It’s also a day for people worldwide to engage in games and activities.
So what exactly is the Spirit of the game? This idea involves mindful behavior practiced by players before, during, and after a game. The Spirit of the game also encompasses the following skills and attitudes:
- Knowledge and application of the rules
- Fair-mindedness
- Safe play
- Spatial awareness
- Clear and calm communication
- Positivity
- Respectful attitude toward teammates, fans, and opponents
Additionally, the Spirit of the game promotes a mutual effort to protect the basic joy of play. These kinds of attitudes are important no matter what the game or activity. These include sports at all levels, board games, tournaments, and team-building events.
Too often, we hear about poor sportsmanship, sore losers, and angry fans. Unfortunately, these kinds of negative attitudes ruin the fun. Not only that, but poor attitudes cause emotional suffering for athletes and players. For these reasons, it’s of the utmost importance to always remember the Spirit of the game.
HOW TO OBSERVE #SpiritOfTheGameDay
On this day, communities are encouraged to find ways to get the youth to participate in activities and sports. Events focus on helping them to learn about attitudes and skills they should acquire to play fair and have fun. The day also consists of virtual scavenger hunts, sporting tournaments, and video and photo promotions. To participate:
- Teach your children the importance of good sportsmanship and playing for fun.
- Get involved in an activity, tournament, or contest in your community.
- Host a game night with your friends.
- Read a book to your kids that deals with good sportsmanship, such as Winners Never Quit! by Mia Hamm, Tumble Bunnies by Kathryn Lasky, or Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli.
Share this day on social media with #iSOTG or #SpiritOfTheGameDay.
INTERNATIONAL SPIRIT OF THE GAME DAY HISTORY
In 2014, a non-profit organization called Early Recognition is Critical (ERIC) started ERIC Awareness Day. The goal was to teach youth about cancer symptom awareness and the importance of healthy living. One way they did this was to offer Ultimate Frisbee clinics focusing on Spirit of the Game. In 2015, ERIC Awareness Day was renamed International Spirit of the Day Game. They decided in 2019 to hold this event every year on the first Saturday in December.
DATES:
3 December 2022
2 December 2023
7 December 2024
6 December 2025
5 December 2026
4 December 2027
2 December 2028
1 December 2029
7 December 2030
6 December 2031
