Sportsmanship - Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association

Sportsmanship Plus - Football

Lourdes @ Deerfield
Oct. 7, 2021

The overall sportsmanship involved in this contest with both teams was phenomenal. Our crew observed multiple players from both teams celebrating good plays with each other. Players on both teams were helping each other up off of the turf during the game and communicating with each other in a pro-social manner throughout the entirety of the contest. The coaches from both teams were very respectful towards our sideline officials and asked clarifying questions as needed in specific situations while accepting the outcome of our rulings as officials. We as officials thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this contest largely because of the level of sportsmanship we observed, thank you for your efforts as coaches and players setting the example of good sportsmanship in the WIAA.

Reporting Official: Jonathan Wild

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Volleyball

Tomah @La Crosse Logan
Oct. 7, 2021

This was a wonderful match to referee. The sportsmanship started before the warm-ups even began. It was Senior Night for Logan and they had a nice ceremony for their seniors. As each senior from Logan was announced the coaches and players from Tomah clapped for each of them. The sportsmanship continued during the match. Of course, throughout any match, there are times when players and coaches will react to a call. Whenever that happened the players or coaches would quickly react or ask a question and once anything was explained, they all moved on and continued to play hard. The match was hard-fought and went all five sets with many momentum changes throughout. After the match was over the sportsmanship between the teams and coaches was outstanding and that was also directed toward the officials with several thank-yous from players, the coaches, and the Logan Athletic Director. These are the types of volleyball matches and the type of atmosphere that make being an official fun to be a part of the game. Outstanding job by both teams!

Reporting Official: Lance Bagstad

Sportsmanship Plus - Football

Recine Case @ Racine Horlick
Oct. 2, 2021

As officials, we came into this rivalry game not knowing what to expect as the fans were pumped and ready for the game, but in all honesty, it couldn't have gone any better. The players on both sides were patting each other on the helmets for good plays, helping each other up and very respectful of the other team and the officials. We were pleasantly encourarged at the great sportsmanship that was shown by both sides, especially on a crosstown rivalry game. While the score wasn't very close, both teams continued to show good sportsmanship throughout the entire game and a pleasure to officiate.

Reporting Official: Mike Edic

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Soccer

Hortonville @ Appleton East
Oct. 5, 2021

Throughout the game, Will Smestad, the captain wearing #12, showed great leadership, positive attitude and comraderie Multiple times when fouls had been called, his teammates would get worked up, upset and would start making comments towards the center referee and he would immediately stop their comments and get them engaged back into the game. I did thank him and gave him congrats for his positive attitude after the game. While it is something little, it is great to see the leadership and positive reinforcement from a captain. I don't think the positive feedback is always given and reported and wanted to shed light on how the little situations truly can have a big impact. Well done #12.

Reporting Official: Mariel Bohnstock

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Soccer

Oconomowoc @ Waukesha West
Sept. 28, 2021

Last night might have been the most enjoyable from a sporting perspective that we've experienced. There was no complaining about anything, players made a point of helping their opponents up and checking on them if they had a collision to make sure they were OK. On the couple occasions where we had to do a restart due to an injury, the players from each team determined how it would occur and made sure everyone knew what was happening. A very enjoyable evening, both teams should be commended!

Reporting Official: Mark Herdeman

Sportsmanship Plus - Football

Niagara/Goodman/Pembine @ Crandon
Sept 24, 2021

We wish to extend our appreciation to Athletic Director Brady Weber and Principal Josh Jaeger for their excellent communication and hospitality. Each teams’ coaching staff were respectful, positively motivating their players as many played both offense and defense. Head coaches Dan Witman and Brian Bousley and their staff did a great job managing their sidelines and keeping the restricted area clean during the play. Players’ actions showcased outstanding leadership and positive sportsmanship. Each team played and hit hard while encouraging members of their own and opposing teams. The captains and players did an exceptional job asking questions and motivating their teammates while helping players off the muddy turf. Each community’s fans positively cheered and modeled proper sportsmanship behavior. On big plays one could hear the cheers with no negative comments being heard about the opposing team or officials. Plus, the game announcer did a fantastic job of presenting the action on the field and making the contest more entertaining. Our crew applauds the positive sportsmanship displayed by the Crandon Cardinals and the Niagara Co-op Predators players, coaches, and communities. Our hats off to Coach Witman and Bousley as they teach the most important skill of positive sportsmanship! We know these are very challenging times and wish both teams continued success. Please stay healthy and happy!

Reporting Official: Shawn Umland

Sportsmanship Plus - Football

Howards Grove @ Random Lake
Sept. 24, 2021

By far the best sportsmanship we had up to this point in the varsity football season. Both teams, players and coaches alike, had positive interactions with the officials as well as their opponents. Despite the fact that Random Lake lost the game, they never got "chippy" in frustration (which is unfortunately becoming more and more common recently). I was extremely impressed by the coach of Howards Grove who rather than grumble about a called penalty simply asked how he could best coach his players to prevent similar penalties in the future. Best of luck to both teams both on the field and in the classroom.

Reporting Official: James Adamson

Sportsmanship Plus - Boys Soccer

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Volleyball

Freedom @ Oconto Falls
Aug. 31, 2021

Coaches and players for Oconto Falls and Freedom did a wonderful job showing respect to one another and the officials during a very competitive match. It was a pleasure to be a part of a match that was played with high intensity and the participants using their skills to the best of their abilities. Thank you to each team for a great night of volleyball!

Reporting Official: Gregory Kosciuk

Sportsmanship Plus - Girls Volleyball

Williams Bay @ Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah
Sept. 3, 2021

The head coach of Williams Bay exhibited great sportsmanship. Several calls went against his team that he might have not agreed with, but he did not get mad and yell at the officials. The coach stayed calm, and respectful while discussing these plays with the officials. It would be much more enjoyable if all coaches, players, and fans would show the same respect for officials.

Reporting Official: Steve Kiel