Good sportsmanship is good behavior. It is the imposition of a code of conduct on players that supersedes any competition or any consideration of winning or losing. These sportsmanship awards are presented annually to a player in the Junior, Boys, and Girls. The winners best exemplify the qualities of players who recognize and acknowledge talents equal to, better than, or less than his or hers; competitors who play hard yet appreciate his or her opponent’s abilities. It is not an award to recognize a superstar or a top point-producer, but an award to distinguish a person who spiritually and morally leads his or her team by the example of Christian sportsmanship. The award is intended to honor players who best demonstrate the qualities and conduct of fair play accompanied by the capacity to win or lose gracefully and graciously without arrogance in victory or whining in defeat.

In 2006 a team Sportsmanship Award was added. Like the individual award, the team award is earned for good behavior. This award will be presented annually to the team, cheerleaders, and fans of one church or school that best exemplify the qualities of sportsmanship.

These awards are permanently displayed in the Valparaiso University trophy showcase for all visitors and students to see. The Calumet Athletic Officials Association (CAOA) referees, solely on the basis of votes cast throughout the Tournament of Champions, select each year’s winners.

The LBAA is grateful to the CAOA for the establishment of these awards, not so much because they add yet another piece of hardware to the festivities on Super Sunday but more importantly, because they symbolize what the National Tournament of Champions is all about. Additionally, these awards embrace this philosophy, “Hey, we only do it for the love of God and the kids.” (Wally McCormack, LBAA Hall of Famer, Former CAOA official).