Sportsmanship: Multidisciplinary Perspectives by Tim Delaney (review)

Sportsmanship is an often-discussed concept that is challenging to define. Further, attaining a consensus as to what sportsmanship includes is virtually impossible. Despite the difficulty in determining an exact definition of sportsmanship, there is no question that a need for the examination of sportsmanship and its role in sport exists. Delaney fills this void in a well-organized format that should be required reading for any athlete, coach, or administrator.

An introduction details how sportsmanship has played a role in Delaney's life, leading to his creation of the annual "Sportsmanship Day Symposium" held at the State University of New York at Oswego. The personal tie to the concept of sportsmanship sets the stage nicely for the four sections that follow the introduction. Incorporating the writing of twenty-six contributors, from five different countries, Sportsmanship is detailed yet easy to follow and understand, even as some of the concepts become less familiar to the average reader.

Part A offers chapters focusing on good sportsmanship and bad sportsmanship. What is striking is the detail related to being a poor sport. This chapter explains the relationship between winning and the ethical decisions that are made when competing in sport. The examples used allow the reader to gain a good understanding of the material.

The second part focuses on learning about sportsmanship. This includes a well-written overview of sportsmanship throughout history. A minor concern is the placement of the first two sections. It may assist the reader if Part A and Part B were reversed, which would allow the reader to gain a historical framework of sportsmanship before moving into good versus poor sportsmanship. However, it is clear why Delaney formatted the sections in the order as presented.

With tremendous value for administrators, Part C examines sportsmanship and social issues. Chapters focusing on how sportsmanship relates to financial impact, gender, race, and journalism are included. Specifically, the chapter on gender and sportsmanship is extremely valuable given recent events such as U.S. Women's soccer wage discrimination complaint.

Despite being the shortest section, Part D provides a discussion of the role of sportsmanship in the future. The essay focusing on character development of children in relation to participation in sport concludes the final section nicely. No book on sportsmanship would be complete without offering strategies for those involved in sport. Sportsmanship accomplishes this with tactics that athletes, coaches, and administrators can use to foster positive sporting environments. For example, a strategy for coaches includes regularly using language that reinforces sportsmanship. While this may seem basic, it is important to include as it can be used as a self-check for coaches at all levels. As discussed several times throughout the book, a critical part of sportsmanship and ethical behavior is to be able to self-reflect and have coaches see their behavior through their player's eyes. Often a coach perceives he or she is viewed in a certain way that is inconsistent with the view from the player's perspective.

With the increased scrutiny on sportsmanship and the negative implications that poor sportsmanship can have on an athlete, coach, team, and university, it is critical that everyone involved in sport understand as much as possible about sportsmanship. However, other than when a player is highlighted in the media displaying poor sportsmanship, there is little discussion on the topic. Sportsmanship fills this void and incorporates current examples that mesh with each concept. This allows the reader to "see" each issue that is presented.

Sportsmanship would be a perfect fit in many sport management courses at the college level. Specifically, it should be required reading in classes that discuss sport and society and sport history. By including contributions from twenty-six authors from diverse backgrounds, Delaney truly covers sportsmanship from a multidisciplinary perspective.