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Step 1
Look at the different areas in which respect is essential in high school athletics. Players should have respect for the rules, as well as teammates, competitors, officials, coaches and spectators.
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Step 2
Start with the rules. Hold a team meeting and go through all the basic rules of the sport, Ask players to tell you what happens when each rule is broken and the effect this has on team performance.
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Step 3
Hand out the code of conduct for high school athletics developed by the committee that oversees your district or competitive area. Go through the code of conduct at a team meeting as well.
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Step 4
Insist that team members treat each other with courtesy. Make it clear there is no swearing, physical interaction or bullying among team members. Follow up with consequences, if there are incidents.
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Step 5
Make team rules regarding competitors. For instance, insist players help up competitors after a fall and ensure there's a handshake after the game.
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Step 6
Exhibit model behavior yourself. If you argue with officials, your team members then feel it's okay to do the same.
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Step 7
Follow through. Even if it hurts game chances to bench a star player for lack of respect, do it anyway. Loss of playing time is often the best way to get a high school athlete's attention.
