At SportWay, fair play is at the heart of every inclusive sports event we organize. More than just a set of rules, fair play is a philosophy that promotes respect, cooperation, and mutual understanding. This is why we have developed a Fair Play Checklist—a simple yet effective tool used by referees and event staff to assess fair play behavior during our tournaments.
Measuring Fair Play in Inclusive Tournaments
Our inclusive tournaments prioritize participation over competition. We ensure that every game upholds the principles of fair play by having referees, trainers, mentors, or other relevant staff complete the Fair Play Checklist. This checklist helps evaluate key aspects of fair play and sportsmanship in every match.
Each team’s behavior is scored based on several attributes, such as:
- Ensuring all participants have the opportunity to play
- Using respectful language and avoiding offensive behavior
- Adapting to the level of weaker opponents
- Accepting any game result with sportsmanship
- Willingness to cooperate with all team members, regardless of ability
- Respecting the rules and playing without cheating
At the end of the tournament, the team that demonstrates the highest level of fair play is honored with the transitional Fair Play Cup, an annual award that symbolizes true sportsmanship. This trophy serves as a recognition of outstanding commitment to fair play values and is passed on each year to a new team that best embodies these principles. The Fair Play Cup is more than just an award—it represents a commitment to inclusivity, respect, and mutual support in sports. Winning teams often feel a deep sense of pride in upholding these values, and the trophy encourages participants to continue fostering fairness and cooperation in future events.
The Symbolism of the Fair Play Trophy
The Fair Play Cup is not just a prize; it is a reminder of the spirit of inclusion and teamwork that defines our events. Each year, it serves as a motivation for teams to strive for excellence not only in their athletic performance but also in their respect for others. The trophy is displayed prominently at our events, reinforcing the importance of playing with integrity and mutual support. It has become a coveted recognition, inspiring teams to participate with a spirit of unity and camaraderie.
A Tool for Any Inclusive Sports Event
If you are planning to host an inclusive sports event centered on cooperation, respect, and fair play, we encourage you to use our Fair Play Checklist. This tool ensures that all participants and organizers remain committed to the values of inclusion and sportsmanship. By implementing the checklist, you can create an event where all participants feel valued and respected, regardless of their skill level or background.
To make this resource widely accessible, we have made the Fair Play Checklist available for everyone to use. Whether you are an event organizer, coach, or teacher, you can download and implement our checklist to promote fair play at your inclusive sports event.
📥 Download the Fair Play Checklist here: https://sportwayproject.eu/fairplay-check-list/
Fair Play as a Lifelong Value
Promoting fair play goes beyond the game itself—it fosters life skills such as empathy, solidarity, and teamwork. These values are increasingly important in today’s society, where inclusion is a continuous and lifelong process. Our goal is to demonstrate that sports can be inclusive for all, regardless of ability, background, or experience.
Through the SportWay project, we are working to develop a widely applicable Fair Play Checklist that can be used across different sports and international events. This checklist will be one of the project’s key outcomes and will be presented at dissemination events in each participating country.
We believe that inclusion in sports should be a model for broader societal inclusion. By promoting fair play, we help create an environment where everyone feels accepted, respected, and valued. The Fair Play Cup reinforces these values, encouraging teams to see fairness and respect as essential elements of the game.
Would you like to implement our Fair Play Checklist at your event? Contact us for more information and join us in making sports truly inclusive!
