Sharon Springs Earns NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Banner Award

LATHAM — The New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA) is proud to announce Sharon Springs Central School (Section IV) and Cold Spring Harbor High School (Section VIII) as winners of the 2023-2024 Sportsmanship Promotion Banner Award. This is the first year each of these schools have earned the award and the 28th year NYSPHSAA has honored deserving school districts with the Sportsmanship Promotion program.

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. 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.

“I am thrilled to congratulate Sharon Springs and Cold Spring Harbor 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."

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 two 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. The Sportsmanship Banner will be presented to Sharon Springs and Cold Spring Harbor at a school event of their choosing this fall.

Sharon Springs Central School – Section IV

Sharon Springs practices sportsmanship from the pre-season, until the final whistle blows. Along with a team member announcing a sportsmanship promotion public address before every home game, student-athletes are also incentivized with earning the ‘sportsmanship/teammate award’- which highlights the sportsmanship efforts made by a student-athlete during their practice week and presented after a game. They’re presented a chain linked necklace donned in their school color which they wear proudly during the next school day; a new tradition quickly enjoyed by the student-athletes.

A highlight from this school year falls on the last home game of the season, when members of the boys basketball program presented the ‘sportsmanship/teammate award’ and necklace to the school Secretary, who volunteers her time as the scoreboard and shot clock operator for each home game. A moment that came with tears of joy, and a spread of positivity amongst the school.

“This award means a great deal to all of us at Sharon Springs Central School. It has been a team effort to build the culture of sportsmanship in our school and community,” said Sharon Springs Athletic Director, Chris Smith. “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. On behalf of the entire support team, we are thankful to be recognized with this important honor.”

Past Sportsmanship Promotion Banner Award Winners: 

2023-    Port Byron High School (Section III)

                Cleveland High School (Section VI)

                Oceanside High School (Section VIII)

                Shelter Island School (Section XI)              

2022 -   Frederick Law Olmsted (Section VI) 

               James I. O’Neill (Section IX) 

               Lisbon Central School (Section X) 

               Shelter Island School (Section XI) 

2021 -  Amsterdam High School (Section 2) 

               Brockport High School (Section V) 

               Lisbon Central School (Section X) 

2020 -   Columbia High School (Section 2) 

                Lisbon Central School (Section X) 

                Center Moriches High School (Section XI)                    

2019 -   Columbia High School (Section 2) 

              Arlington High School (Section I)