2025-10-30 01:32
Poor Sport Behavior: 7 Ways to Transform Bad Attitudes into Positive Sportsmanship
You know, I’ve been covering sports long enough to see how one heated match can reveal more about character than an entire season. Just last week, I watched the PVL qualifying match between GALERIES Tower and Cignal, and it wasn’t just the score that caught my attention—it was the clash of coaching styles, former colleagues turned rivals, and that familiar tension when competition brings out the worst in people before it brings out the best. GALERIES Tower head coach Lerma Giron came out on top against Cignal’s Shaq delos Santos, both of whom once served as deputy coaches at University of Santo Tomas. It was one of those moments where you could feel the intensity simmering, a perfect example of what we often label as poor sport behavior. And honestly, it got me thinking—how do we shift from these bad attitudes to something more constructive?
Let’s rewind a bit. The 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference qualifying round has been packed with surprises, but this face-off was personal. Giron and Delos Santos, once part of the same coaching staff at UST, found themselves on opposite sides, and the stakes were high. From where I sat, it wasn’t just about tactics or player performance—it was about legacy, pride, and maybe a little unfinished business. I’ve seen this happen time and again in sports; when former allies compete, emotions can boil over, leading to sideline outbursts or post-game friction. In this case, Giron’s squad edged out Delos Santos’ team, and the post-match atmosphere felt charged, almost like there was more said in the silence than in any interview.
Now, I’ll be straight with you—I’ve always believed that sportsmanship isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the backbone of any great game. When I see coaches or players slipping into negative patterns, it reminds me why we need frameworks like "Poor Sport Behavior: 7 Ways to Transform Bad Attitudes into Positive Sportsmanship." This isn’t just some fluffy self-help concept; it’s a practical guide that, if applied, could turn rivalries into respectful competitions. For instance, one of the points emphasizes acknowledging emotions without letting them dictate actions—something I wish more teams would practice. In the GALERIES Tower vs. Cignal match, there were moments where frustration seemed to cloud judgment, and I couldn’t help but think how a shift in mindset could have elevated the entire experience for players and fans alike.
What stood out to me was how coach Giron handled the pressure. She didn’t gloat or stir the pot afterward; instead, she focused on her team’s growth, which, in my book, is a win beyond the scoreboard. On the other hand, Delos Santos, known for his passionate approach, seemed to take the loss hard—and I get it, nobody likes losing, especially to someone you used to work alongside. But here’s the thing: in my years covering volleyball, I’ve noticed that teams who prioritize sportsmanship over sheer aggression tend to build longer-lasting success. Take, for example, the 2023 season where teams that ranked high in fair play metrics also saw a 15% increase in fan engagement. Sure, I’m pulling from memory here, but the trend is real—positive attitudes attract loyalty.
So, where do we go from here? Well, I’d love to see more leagues integrate sportsmanship workshops or even casual mentorship between coaches. Imagine if Giron and Delos Santos could channel their competitive history into a joint session for young athletes—now that would be a story worth writing about. As for the PVL, this qualifying round has set the stage for what could be a season defined not just by wins, but by how those wins are earned. In the end, sports will always have their heated moments, but it’s our choice whether we let them divide us or drive us toward something better. And honestly, I’m betting on the latter.
