PRESENTED BY DICK'S SPORTING GOODS
Beginning in 2003, the Bay State Games created a “sportsmanship initiative” which was implemented into the annual Summer Games. It was created to educate Bay State Games participants on the elements of good sportsmanship. Through this program, the Games, alongside DICK'S Sporting Goods will recognize athletes & teams who are role models for sportsmanship.
Now more than ever, sportsmanship is at the forefront of sports, especially at the youth level. At BSG we believe sportsmanship is very important & we want our athletes to display the highest level of respect for the games & their fellow participants. In 2022, the Bay State Games & DICK'S Sporting Goods are aiming to help curb the incivility we are seeing in sports among players, coaches, & spectators. With the Sportsmanship Initiative we can reach this goal.
In an individual sport, the judging is based solely on the behavior of the athlete.
In a team sport, the judging is based upon an evaluation of the coach, athletes, and team parents and spectators.
Small Individual Sports (ex. Archery, Badminton, Fencing, Weightlifting, etc.)
The sport commissioner is responsible for evaluating the sportsmanship of the participants and determining the recognized athletes.
Large Individual Sports (Swimming, Track & Field, Wrestling)
A committee including the sports commissioner, key sports organizers, and officials all take part in the evaluation process.
Team Sports (Baseball, Basketball, Field Hockey, 6v6 Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Rugby, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball)
The evaluations come from the game officials on a game by game basis. There is also input from the sports commissioner in cases where the commissioner is present for all or most games.
Teams/individuals who are chosen to have demonstrated the highest level of sportsmanship will be awarded the following:
Each individual player & the head coach will receive a $20.00 DICK’S Sporting Goods Voucher to be used in stores & a certificate recognizing them for good sportsmanship.
Award recipients will be posted on the Bay State Games website and recognition awards will be sent to deserving individual athletes and teams.
Past recipients