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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 8, 2001)
Page 4-Special Edition Morrow County Fair & Rodeo • Heppner Gazette-Times, Wednesday, August 8, 2001 G o o d sp o rtsm a n sh ip im p o rtan t fo r k id s an d ad u lts If you ask parents why they bring their children to the 4-H Program, why they encourage, cajole, put up with and work alongside their kids in 4-H. most of the time they answer that the values of 4-H match what they want their children to learn - honesty, hard-work, responsibility, team-work, citizenship, and soon... And then the fair comes. Sometimes the ideas of competition, winning and written rules cloud or mix up those values and objectives. Many adults think of competition in terms o f boxing or football. Participants go head-to-head and toe-to-toe against their opponent. T he contest is often brutal, with tnjunes expected. ( ieneraliy the event isn't a contest that builds friendships. Instead, in 4-H we ask that competitive youth events be viewed in terms of golf or track. The runner or golfer competes against their earlier performance, their knowledge, and against the "course". If the adults in 4-H encourage members to "play the course" instead of "beating their competitors", it can be ensured that your child will try to do his or her best, still have friends after the contest and act out the values that first brought you to the 4-H Program. Many adults think of winning in terms of the final score kept by the officials or the amount of money paid. Instead, in 4-H we ask that winning be viewed by the achievements and the learning that takes place during the process while getting to the finish at the fair. If the adults in 4-H don't look for the approval of the judge as the measure of the finished project and point out and approve o f the member's personal progress before the competition ever starts, then, less pressure and stress during the show will bring fewer tears of disappointment and feelings of failure. Many adults think following the rules means looking for gaps that might give an "edge" over less- experienced competitors. A "minimum compliance" attitude looks for how far the rules can be stretched and still remain legal. Instead, in 4-H we ask for a "maximum compliance" attitude. We expect our members to nse above the minimum. The motto "Making the Best Better" applies directly. A truly ethical person looks for the spint of the rules and applies that spirit to their behavior. 4-H wants C o m e join u s a t th e M orrow C o u n ty Fair M u vu iy’t C o u n ty S lcte 3ieex <t W ine 3 a t tiny and youth and adults to know the rules, or applaud when it is appropriate. apply the 4-H philosophy - then Remain until the end of the event exceed the basic requirements. And - don't walk out because you are if that cannot happen, personally disappointed or your child just withdraw themselves rather than finished. Those in the last class ask for special favors or violate the deserve an audience too. • Take the things that happen with ideals of the program. Following is a checklist for adults grace and good temper. Accept that involved in 4-H: the judge (not you) has been hired • Teach Sportsmanship by example to evaluate, and that they may make - don't just talk the talk, but walk a decision that does not match yours. Learn from them. the walk too. • If you truly feel a wrong has been • Be honest about your child’s skills and the quality of their fair exhibits - done, submit concerns and have realistic competitive suggestions in writing with your expectations. Poor show performance signature. Object in a mature way. isn't always someone's fault - Enjoy the program knowing your sometimes it just happens. good attitude helps model the • Applaud for you child AND all capable, fair and generously the others too. Show appreciation competitive behavior that is one of to those who deserve lt-including the goals you were seeking when those who don't win. bringing your child to 4-H. • DO NOT boo, heckle, make rude Sections above were taken from remarks, or insult anyone. That "Sportsmanship for 4-H & FFA includes rival clubs, youth, adults, Parents and Supporters " (1995) by judges and administrators. This is Chris Warburton, and "Horses, Kids, just plain good manners. and Ethics " (1997) by Jeff Goodwin. • Be polite during shows. Be quiet 7* —— — » (By John Gochnauer) Thursday, Aug. 16 6 : 3 0 - 9 : 0 0 p.m . M illie Gy Joe Jdindtay A “SemeGody Cite » All ages are welcome! (Italian sodas lor the kids.) ^ M u m u j ' j T k u j INC. 217 North Main • Heppner • 676-9158 Serving Heppner, Lexington & lone 7Ae Country Rose 233 N. Main • Heppner • 676-9426 SERVING AREA FARMS AND RANCHES FOR MORE THAN 42 YEARS. SDEPFNUFNT FnANCHlSFF OF THf COMMUN'IAl R U I N G SYSTEM Bulk Gas • Diesel Fuel Heating Oils • Off Road Solvents & Kero On Road Lube Oils in Bulk Qualities Lubricating Oils HEPPNER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE u te £ ctvn e 4 t/ iu i to the town for FAMILY FUN... * Willow Creek Water Park * R elaxed S h o p p in g ' Historic C o u rth o u s e !!,M o rrow C o u n ty Museum 'Biking, Golfing, Bowling ’’'C am p in g , F ishing, H u n tin g Phillips • Chevron • Shell • Texaco • Mobil • Amoco E N J O Y T I IE F A IR A N D R O D E O ! (541) 676-5536 LEXINGTON POLARIS Website go-polaris. com/lexingtonpolaris Stop by and take a look at our new and used models both ATVs and Snowmobiles Heller & Sons D i s t r i b u t i n g , Inc, www.heppner.net 615 N. 1st, Hermiston 567-6582 1-800-698-6582 W € lC O M € ... to the Morrow County Fair & Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo HEPPNER BRANCH 145 W. Main • Lexington, OR 97839 • (541) 989-8586 \ Salm on 3iake iDinnm $ We Support The Morrow County Fair and Rodeo of R o d e o for our F ilth A n n u a l I H N . Main Street, 676-5407 Klamath First Member FPIC
