2025-10-30 01:32
How to Deal With a Poor Sport in Your Life and Improve Relationships
I’ve always believed that sports reveal character—not just in athletes, but in coaches, fans, and everyone involved. Recently, I came across a story from the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference qualifying round that really drove this point home. It was a match where GALERIES Tower head coach Lerma Giron faced off against Cignal’s Shaq delos Santos, both deputy coaches from University of Santo Tomas. The media framed it as a "battle," but what struck me was how Giron handled the pressure with such grace, even when tensions ran high. It made me reflect on how often we encounter poor sports in our own lives—whether in recreational leagues, office competitions, or even family game nights—and how draining that behavior can be.
Dealing with a poor sport isn’t just about winning an argument; it’s about preserving relationships and fostering respect. I remember coaching a local youth team a few years back, and there was one parent who’d constantly challenge every call, belittle other players, and generally sour the atmosphere. At first, I tried ignoring it, but that only made things worse. Sound familiar? From my experience, the first step is to address the behavior calmly and privately. Pulling someone aside, as I eventually did with that parent, avoids public embarrassment and opens the door for a real conversation. In the PVL match, for instance, Giron could have easily escalated things when the stakes were high—after all, it was a qualifying round with only 12 teams advancing—but she chose focus and composure instead. That’s a lesson I’ve taken to heart: reacting in the heat of the moment rarely helps.
Another strategy I’ve found effective is reinforcing positive behavior. In that youth team scenario, I started highlighting moments of good sportsmanship—like when a player helped an opponent up or congratulated someone on a great play. It shifted the team’s culture over time. Similarly, in professional settings like the PVL, coaches like Giron and delos Santos set the tone. If they model respect, it trickles down. I read that nearly 68% of conflicts in sports arise from perceived disrespect, and while that’s a figure I recall from a coaching seminar (so don’t quote me on it!), it aligns with what I’ve seen. By acknowledging effort over outcomes, we reduce the pressure that often fuels poor sportsmanship.
Of course, not every situation resolves easily. There are times when you might need to set firmer boundaries or even step back from certain interactions. I’ve had to do this with a recurring tennis partner who’d throw rackets and argue over line calls—it just wasn’t worth the stress. But in most cases, empathy goes a long way. Understanding why someone acts out—maybe they’re insecure, overly competitive, or just having a bad day—can help you respond rather than react. Looking back at the PVL qualifiers, I admire how Giron kept the focus on the game’s bigger picture, something I strive for in my own interactions.
Ultimately, improving relationships with poor sports comes down to patience, communication, and leading by example. It’s not about changing them overnight, but about creating an environment where respect is the norm. Whether it’s on the volleyball court or in everyday life, those moments of tension are opportunities to build stronger connections. And honestly, seeing professionals like Lerma Giron navigate those challenges reminds me that a little grace under pressure can make all the difference.
