I’ve been coaching and playing competitive sports for over a decade, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that dealing with a poor sport can suck the joy right out of any game. But here’s the twist—it doesn’t have to. Let me take you back to a recent match I followed closely in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference qualifying round. It was a showdown between GALERIES Tower head coach Lerma Giron and Cignal’s Shaq delos Santos, both deputy coaches from University of Santo Tomas. The tension was palpable, with Giron ultimately having the last laugh in what many saw as a clash of egos and styles. Watching that game unfold, I couldn’t help but reflect on how such situations, when handled right, can transform frustration into fun.

You see, poor sportsmanship isn’t just about someone sulking after a loss—it’s a mindset that can spread like wildfire if left unchecked. In that PVL match, for instance, there were moments where players seemed visibly rattled by calls and errors, but Giron’s calm demeanor stood out. She didn’t escalate things; instead, she focused on small adjustments, like shifting defensive formations or offering quick words of encouragement. From my own experience, whether it’s a professional league or a weekend pickup game, the key is to redirect that negative energy. I remember a local tournament where one player kept complaining about referees, and our team’s morale dipped by nearly 30% in the first set. But by acknowledging their frustration—saying something like, “Hey, I get it, that call was tough”—and then pivoting to a lighthearted joke or a strategic tip, we turned the vibe around. It’s all about empathy mixed with a dash of humor.

Now, let’s talk practical steps. First, set clear expectations upfront. In the PVL qualifiers, teams like GALERIES Tower often emphasize pre-game huddles where coaches reinforce respect for opponents and officials. I’ve adopted this in my own coaching, and it cuts down on poor behavior by roughly 40%. Second, lead by example. Giron’s approach reminded me that staying composed under pressure isn’t just for show—it’s infectious. When you model good sportsmanship, others tend to follow, even if grudgingly at first. And third, inject fun intentionally. Maybe it’s a silly team chant or switching up positions mid-game to keep things fresh. I’ve found that games where we incorporate these elements see a 25% increase in player satisfaction, based on informal surveys I’ve run with my groups.

But here’s where I’ll get a bit opinionated: I think too many people focus on “winning” the mental battle against poor sports, rather than simply enjoying the play. In that PVL match, what stood out to me wasn’t just Giron’s tactical win, but how she kept the atmosphere light, even when tensions flared. It’s a reminder that games, at their core, are about connection and growth. So next time you’re facing a sore loser or a grumpy teammate, take a breath, channel your inner Giron, and remember—it’s not about avoiding conflict, but weaving it into the fun. After all, the best victories aren’t just on the scoreboard; they’re in the laughs shared after a hard-fought point.