The BAYS Sportsmanship Award is presented each season to teams selected by the Sportsmanship Award Committee from a pool of submissions received from members of the BAYS community. Winning teams receive special Sportsmanship Award Winner T shirts and have their team picture posted on the BAYS website in recognition of this honor.
While BAYS expects all of its members to practice good sportsmanship, we believe examples of outstanding sportsmanship should be recognized and rewarded.
To recommend a team, please go to My Bays | Coach/Manager or Referee | Sportsmanship Nomination
During the Fall 2024 season, we received numerous nominations from both referees and opposing coaches that described various examples of outstanding sportsmanship.
After reviewing all of the submissions, the committee has selected the following two winners:
- Boys Grade 3: Sudbury Storm: Coaches: Jeff Childs, Tom Haff, and Sonny Parente
Reason for the nomination: The Sudbury Storm were down by multiple goals for most of the game and it's much more difficult to foster a positive and fun environment for the kids when they are behind. In one play, Sudbury won possession near the midline. One of the opposing players seemed to trip over his laces as he was running after the ball. The Sudbury team brought the ball in the penalty area while his opponent stayed on the ground near the half, smiling up at the sky. One of the Sudbury boys looked over, saw his opponent on the ground, and left the penalty area to run over to help him. He held out his hand to him and proceeded to pull him up. Once up, the Sudbury player then pulled his opponent in for a hug and patted him on his back to make him feel better. It was such a sweet and genuine moment between two opposing players. Instead of telling their player to "play the whistle" like we usually hear from coaches, especially when the ball is bouncing around in front of the goal, the Sudbury coach clapped and called out, "Aw, great job! Way to hug it out!" It was such a great display of sportsmanship that was celebrated by the coaches. In another play, Sudbury had players lined up to sub during a corner kick. Before the kick could be taken, the referee blew the whistle and told one of the players to tie his shoes. Apparently, a lot of players had untied shoes because it seemed like most of them bent over. The boys weren't just tying their own shoes but helping other players with theirs. All the while, the Sudbury players and coach waited patiently at the half to get them into the game. After the game, the Sudbury coaches could be heard telling their players how great they played, continuing the upbeat and positive feedback. Both teams went through the handshake line congratulating one another, smiles on all their faces.
Sudbury Storm - Boys Grade 3
- Boys Grade 5: Canton Chelsea: Coaches: Michael D’Angelico and Edward Harrington
Reason for the nomination:
In the game Saturday, Canton Chelsea played against a team that has a young athlete who requires a lot of support from both teams and referees. During this particular game, coaches Mike and Ed observed the opposing player's needs and coordinated with their team on how to make him feel more involved in the game. Both coaches spoke with their boys and GK to allow the player to receive the ball, take on and beat a few Canton players, and move the ball into the goal. The coach disclosed that this was the first time this young athlete has ever scored and the opposing team’s celebration was a great thing to see.
I overheard a Canton player say, "I feel good because he scored". It was a great moment for everyone at that match!
Canton Chelsea - Boys Grade 5
Exhibiting and employing sportsmanship is at the very core of the BAYS philosophy: “...to provide an atmosphere of good sportsmanship to encourage all to compete, learn, and enjoy the game of soccer.”
Congratulations to this season’s winners. May you continue to be an outstanding example for all of our teams.
BAYS Sportsmanship Award Committee
Gesse Faber, Chair
Barry Elliot
Bill Kobertz
Ed McDonald
Nadia Sussman
Karen Young