As in any field of activity, there are unspoken rules in sports. They should be followed by athletes who want their careers to be successful. Sports etiquette contains general guidelines as well as individual norms of behavior for those involved in different sports.
Sports etiquette: general rules
The main requirement of etiquette is to greet opponents and treat them with respect. Before any competition, teams (or single athletes) greet each other according to accepted norms. This may be a classic handshake, a physical greeting (in sports games) or a nod of the head. In any case, this stage should not be skipped, as such behavior will be perceived as disrespectful. In addition, fans are also unlikely to appreciate such smugness. In addition, at international competitions, it is customary to listen to the anthem of participating countries.
Similarly, with the greeting, it is required to say goodbye to the rivals after the end of the competition. The losing side should save face and congratulate the opponent with the victory. No need to despair - next time the fortune may change the favorite.
The athlete, who comes to a new team, should clarify in advance how to behave in their team. Business etiquette in a sports organization may be more tolerant than in the office, but discipline is usually stricter. You should not be late for practice, and you should not argue with the coach. The team usually has strict rules, and those who don't want to abide by them are quickly weeded out.
Sports etiquette and its specific manifestations
A particular sport dictates its own rules. If you want to observe sports etiquette, study the following guidelines and norms:
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In soccer, it is customary to exchange handshakes with each player on the opposing team. There is also the custom of exchanging jerseys to show respect for the opponents. It is customary to apologize to a player of the opposing team if the rules of the match have been violated against him;
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Basketball dictates its own rules, but there are not many. Players who have broken the rules must raise their hand. This unspoken norm helps to record noncompliance more quickly and make the record;
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athletes always congratulate the winners after the competition. There is also a tradition in which both winners and losers jog together, holding hands. Fans especially honor those who participated in the marathon, regardless of the place taken. This sport is considered one of the toughest, so support is extremely important here;
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When participating in martial arts, it is customary to greet opponents face-to-face. This tradition goes back to ancient times, when wrestlers demonstrated their willingness to put up a fair fight. After the fight, the loser congratulates the winner, they shake hands. The referee announces the champion by raising his hand up;
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In tennis, the general rules of greeting apply, which dictate that opponents shake hands. They also shake hands with the referee. A similar action is performed after the match is over. If one of the athletes gets a point because the shuttlecock has touched the net, they raise their hand in a gesture of apology;
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It is customary to end car races with champagne. The victor pours the bottle over everyone near him, inviting him to share his triumph.
It is not superfluous to observe etiquette and sports fans. It is not customary to insult the team competing with the group one is cheering for. It is also not appropriate to wear clothing with the team logo outside the stadium.
Sports etiquette in the gym
Let's take a separate look at sports etiquette and its specific manifestations when exercising in the gym. To avoid making other exercisers uncomfortable, it's worth remembering to follow the following rules:
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Be sure to put the equipment away after completing the exercise. Take into account that other people will want to use the machines or dumbbells, but will take time to clean up after you. If you were the last person to take them, the cleaner will have to put the equipment back, and she is unlikely to be able to pull heavy dumbbells;
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Observe personal hygiene. It's not so much about the need to take a shower after training - it's already clear. Take a towel with you to wipe the trainers after exercise if you sweat a lot. Also, try not to use makeup that smells specific. As your body warms up, the smell becomes more noticeable;
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Take headphones to your workout if you plan to listen to your own playlist. Other gym-goers may not share your music preferences;
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Mute your cell phone and do not use it in the gym. Loud, distracted conversations are not conducive to exercise. If you need to answer the phone urgently, move to a place where you will not disturb anyone.
Following the rules in sports is not that difficult. There are no clear, strict standards. There is a basic rule that means treating other people who are competing or training with you with respect.