SSCS has been named a winner of the Sportsmanship Promotion Banner Award for the 2023-2024 school year by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA).
This is the first time SSCS has earned the award and the 28th year NYSPHSAA has honored deserving school districts through its Sportsmanship Promotion program. The Sportsmanship Banner will be presented to Sharon Springs in the fall.
This marks the second sportsmanship award honoring SSCS student-athletes during 2023-24. In May, the SSCS girls athletic teams were awarded the Pat Grasso Sportsmanship Banner by the Tri-Valley League.
SSCS Girls Athletic Teams Earn Tri-Valley Pat Grasso Sportsmanship Banner
“These awards mean a great deal to all of us at Sharon Springs Central School,” said SSCS Athletic Director Chris Smith. “It has been a team effort to build the culture of sportsmanship in our school and community. It begins with the efforts of our parents, faculty, staff, coaches and unwavering support of our administration. We are very proud of our student-athletes and give them enormous credit when they continue to demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviors whether winning or losing.”
More About the NYSPHSAA Honors
Each year, NYSPHSAA presents the Sportsmanship Promotion Banner Award to schools that have developed proactive approaches in keeping sportsmanship in the forefront with their students, coaches, spectators, and communities.
Sportsmanship award winners are decided based off their Sportsmanship Promotion survey, a tool built to assist athletic departments in examining their policies and procedures used to promote positive sportsmanship within their athletic community.
For the 2023-2024 school year, 312 schools submitted the Sportsmanship Promotion survey to NYSPHSAA with 49 schools selected by their Sections as plaque winners. The award winners for this year were selected based off not only being recognized by their sections as plaque recipients, but also neither school having a single athlete or coach disqualification from any of their athletic events in the 2023-2024 school year.
“I am thrilled to congratulate Sharon Springs for winning the Sportsmanship Promotion Banner Award,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “The dedication to fostering an environment of respect, integrity, and fair play both on and off the athletic arena exemplifies the highest ideals of high school athletics. Your commitment to sportsmanship not only enhances the experience for all participants but also sets a shining example for future generations.”
