Fair Play

Fair play is one of the most important ideas in sports. It means following the rules, being honest, and respecting everyone. Fair play makes sports fun and safe for all players.

What Fair Play Means

Fair play means not cheating, even if you think you will not get caught. It means not pretending to be hurt to get a free kick. It means admitting when the ball went out of bounds, even if the referee did not see it.

Fair play also means treating your opponents with respect. They are not your enemies. They are other players who love the same sport you do. Without them, there would be no game to play.

Fair Play in Action

There are many famous examples of fair play. In some soccer games, players have kicked the ball out of bounds on purpose so an injured opponent could get help. In running races, athletes have stopped to help a fallen competitor.

Many sports organizations give fair play awards. FIFA gives a Fair Play Award in soccer. The Olympics have a special fair play trophy too. These awards remind everyone that playing fair is just as important as playing well.

Fun Facts

• FIFA gives a Fair Play Award at every World Cup tournament.
• The ancient Greek Olympics had strict rules about fair play, and cheaters were fined.
• Pierre de Coubertin, who started the modern Olympics, believed fair play was the most important part of sports.

Did You Know?

In cricket, it is a tradition for the batting team to "walk" off the field when they know they are out, even before the umpire says so. This is called the "spirit of cricket."