Which list are you on?
What kind of player are you?
by Larry Burns
The player list concept is a very effective way of encouraging fair play in physical education classes. I first became aware of the idea at a sharing day for elementary physical education teachers in the fall of 1994. A presenter from Topeka sent me a copy of an article written for the purpose of fair play. It originally came from an 1983 publication by Pat Griffen and Judith Placek entitled, "Fairplay in the Gym: Race and Sex Equality in Physical Education." The concept hit me like a rock and many other teachers and coaches began to use it. Just after returning from the sharing day, I went to work posting it on my gym wall so that students could decide what list they were on and work to move to the "fair player" list. I also thought that by being on the wall of the gym, parents could see them when they come to the gym for ball games, etc. I came across the article in my file cabinet and decided to reprint it.
The player list introduces students to the concept of "play". "Play hard, play fair, play safe and with nobody hurt" are the words I often use to students in physical education class. The list that used to be on the wall of the gym looked like this:
What kind of player are you?
|
FAIR PLAYER |
UNFAIR PLAYER | NON-PLAYER |
|
-follows set rules |
-finds ways to cheat | -avoids the ball |
| -compliments peers | -puts peers down | -usually quiet or social |
| -controls intensity | -ball hog | -hides out on team |
| -gives others a chance | -intentionally fouls | -doesn't dress out |
| -encourages others | -thinks they are the best | -stands on sideline |
| -plays safely | -teases players | -stands around talking |
| -cooperation in play | -uses foul language | -doesn't volunteer |
| -includes all abilities | -rude behavior | -doesn't know the rules or care to learn them |
| -active | -takes aggression out on less skilled players | -doesn't even try |
| -motivated | -only passes to skilled players | -oblivious to the game |
| -willing to assist | -breaks/bends the rules | -non-assertive |
| -tries to involve everybody while helping the team | -meanness | -fear of the ball |
| -competitive toughness | -blatant insensitivity | -fear of failure |
| -appropriate perseverance | -questions many calls | -gives "get lost" body language messages |
| -stops play on whistle | -simply exists |
The fair player is the student whom generally feels good about himself or herself and who knows there is fun and enjoyment from participating with others who will work together. Fair players usually place winning second to the way they treat their peers.
The unfair player is the cop-out physical education student who uses every play possible to either hog the ball, ridicule others (teammates or opponents), argue with the official or cheat to feel superior. This behavior can frequently occurs when students who like to play a game are surrounded by non-players.
Most non-players have suffered years of subtle (or not so subtle) abuse. Those who say, "I hate volleyball" or "I hate soccer" are often feeling the pain of a "get lost" message. "No one wants me on their team." "I can't do it", "I won't do it" or "They'll laugh at me." are often how non-players feel.
The player list will hopefully help break the negative unfair player and non-player cycle. When students recognize their own play behavior, they take on a sense of ownership and responsibility for their play. By providing a setting in which students' feelings about play are validated, teachers can raise the level of play for the entire class.
