Iowa Games Is Based On Sportsmanship

In May of 1999, nearly 50 influential leaders in sports issued the Arizona Accord to encourage greater emphasis on the ethical and character-building aspects of athletic competition. It was hoped that the framework of principles and values set forth would be adopted and practiced widely.

The summit, entitled "Pursuing Victory With Honor," was sponsored by the Josephson Institute of Ethics, the Character Counts! Coalition and the United States Olympic Committee's Coaching Division. Delegates to the summit were a virtual Who's Who in sports, and Jim Hallihan, Executive Director of the Iowa Games, was invited to attend this conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Arizona Accord stated the premise that "sports can and should enhance the character and uplift the ethics of the nation.

As a result of this summit, in 1999 the Iowa Games implemented its Sportsmanship Award with the principles of the Character Counts! Coalition in mind.

In Iowa Games team events, officials are in charge of voting on sportsmanship, using three separate criteria: players, coaches and fans. Each of the three criteria is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being the highest rating. Teams that average a score of "1" are awarded sportsmanship medals.

Each year, the Iowa Games awards 1,500 sportsmanship medals during its Summer Games, 500 during its Winter Games and approximately 300 more at its Net Fest basketball and volleyball tournaments as well as Hoopin' at the Dome.  All sportsmanship medals are sponsored by Pella Corporation.

Oath of Athletes
I promise
that I shall take part
in these (Summer/Winter) Games
respecting and abiding
by the rules which govern them
in the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Oath of Parents and Coaches
I will encourage good sportsmanship
by demonstrating positive support
for all players, coaches and officials at the Iowa Games.
I will do my best
to make youth sports FUN for all children.