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.)
^
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