Sports Report PLUS

by Maddie Hodge

Good sportsmanship is deemed the foundation for fair play, ethical behavior, and integrity, which encourages fun and safe athletic competitions, especially in the state of Wisconsin.

Neillsville @ Greenwood
Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018

We were greeted by the athletic director at the door and taken to our room.  The AD was friendly and always asking if there was anything we needed. During the game,  the coaches, fans and players were fantastic. Coaches had questions, but they asked them in a respectful manner. Fans were cheering for their team. Players were playing hard as a team and were very friendly and receptive to the feedback we provided.  Following the game, the AD was there and promptly took us to the locker room and thanked us for our time. It was truly a great game to officiate.

Reporting Official:  Franklin Searer

Rice Lake @ Baldwin-Woodville
Oct. 25, 2018

Rice Lake showed excellent sportsmanship in the face of a competitive game. Each time Rice Lake approached the officiating crew to ask a question, they did so politely and in a way that was trying to understand how or why a decision was being made (or not being made). I believe their tone and professionalism is a result of strong team culture created by their head coach. In the past several years, the boys head coach for Rice Lake has been polite and shown strong understanding of what youth athletics are about. He has been an excellent role model to his players and has never taken an inappropriate tone with an officiating crew I have been on. This sportsmanship "Plus" is many years coming. He has been great to work with in the past, and his influence on the players shows during games. It's high time some unsolicited feedback comes in for coaches doing a great job in youth sports.

Reporting Official:  David Nett