Etiquette is the unwritten rules, or customs, of a sport; it is expected that performers and participants follow these rules
Etiquette example
E.g. shaking the hands of opponents and officials before or after a game
Sportsmanship definition
This means that participants play by the rules and within the spirit of the game
It involves respecting others in the sport, including the opposition, and acting graciouslyupon losing
sportsmanship example
E.g. congratulating an opponent on their win or helping out an injured player from an opposing team
Gamesmanship definition
This involves 'bending' the rules in such a way as to not be punished or disciplined for rule-breaking; this is often to gain an advantage over other competitors
Gamesmanship example
E.g. distracting an opponent or purposefully time wasting
The contract to compete is related to good conduct in sport
It is an agreement whereby a player will aim to win and play within the rules whilst allowing other competitors a fair chance to play and win
This is an unwritten agreement that the player mentally signs up for when competing in a sport
Acting or playing out of this contract is seen as breaking the values of a sport and is not considered good sportsmanship
E.g. a player not trying their hardest, drug doping, match-fixing
