When young people play organized sports, perhaps one of the most important lessons they learn is good sportsmanship. Being a gracious loser, appreciating others for their contributions to a team and handling frustration, anger and disappointment well are all important to forming character --- and these attributes matter far beyond the baseball diamond or soccer field.

We often hear of people arguing with referees, fighting with one another, breaking the continuity of play and, sometimes, intentionally inflicting injury upon one another. Sadly, many of the altercations are not by the young players, but rather by their parents, the very people who are expected to lead by example.

To highlight the importance of parents' responsibility to exhibit good conduct and sportsmanship, Little League Baseball and Softball has developed and implemented a document called the "Sport Parent Code of Conduct." Parents whose children wish to participate in Little League activities read and sign the document before the children play.

As I reviewed the document, I was struck by the fact that, although secular in nature, the principles outlined in the document resonate deeply with our Catholic values and are a useful guideline for any parent wishing to encourage a child to compete with a healthy attitude toward others.

The document's preamble begins with six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship. Clearly these principles apply to daily life as much as to organized sport.

Next, the parent is asked to agree to 17 specific actions or approaches. The first is, "I will not force my child to participate in sports." The second is, "I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults."

The list addresses situations to avoid, such as "I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures."

Building character is also addressed in the list: "I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence" and "I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability."

So much of living a Christ-centered life is putting others before oneself. This is also acknowledged in the document's 14th precept: "I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win."

Substance use and abuse is addressed: "I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events." (Especially important now, with recent professional sports substance abuse scandals.)

Once a parent has signed the document, if he or she engages in improper conduct, the consequences include being asked to leave the sports facility, suspension from the following game and possible forfeiture of the privilege of attending any games at all.

Children learn lessons from books and the classroom, but they learn so much more from the examples set by adults, especially parents. Our faith holds precious, important guidelines for setting those examples, and by carrying that faith into action when children compete in sports, we truly combine promoting health in mind, body and character.

Author Maureen Pratt lives in Los Angeles.