Federal Way students joined peers from across the North Puget Sound League (NPSL) on Wednesday, Oct. 14, to discuss and establish new standards for sportsmanship during the second annual NPSL Sportsman Conference. Held at the Auburn Performing Arts Center, the three-hour summit brought together students, coaches, and athletic directors from 15 high schools, including Federal Way’s Decatur, Federal Way, Thomas Jefferson, and Todd Beamer high schools.
The conference aimed to foster connections and conversations among athletes who frequently compete against one another, promoting fair play and positive interactions. This year’s focus was specifically on setting sportsmanship standards among the diverse group of participating schools. This built on the previous year’s conference, which emphasized treating all competitors with respect, regardless of their background or appearance.
During the event, students engaged in various group activities designed to encourage dialogue with athletes from different schools. These activities prompted participants to discuss personal challenges they face in competition. Students moved to different areas of the auditorium based on their answers, facilitating introductions and conversations about their respective schools and sports.
Brian Smith, Kent School District Director of Athletics and Activities, highlighted the importance of these interactions. He noted that the NPSL encompasses a wide array of schools, cultures, and communities. Smith stated that providing opportunities for students to meet each other helps break down biases and barriers. He observed that after last year's conference, team captains from different schools more frequently recognized and interacted with each other at games. “It’s about relationships,” Smith explained, adding that building these connections before competition leads to improved sportsmanship, fewer ejections, and more engaging athletic events for spectators.
Terry Jenks, athletic director at Decatur High School, echoed these sentiments, observing that when students get to know one another, their competitions tend to be more fair and friendly, rather than marked by rivalry. He noted that interactions on the field generally improve once familiarity is established.
The conference featured keynote speaker Tony Davis, a retired football coach and former athletic director from Tahoma High School. Davis addressed the high schoolers about a recent widely publicized sexual assault case involving college students, which many in the audience were familiar with. He used this example to underscore the critical importance of intervention and setting strong personal and team standards. Davis challenged students to consider the impact of their words and actions, encouraging them to “Somebody needed to step up” in difficult situations rather than choosing inaction. He emphasized the necessity of setting standards within their sports teams, schools, and broader communities.
Smith further explained that the lessons from the conference extend beyond athletics, aiming to teach valuable life skills. He stated that the ultimate goal is not merely to develop better athletes but to make “better people.” The conference serves as a platform for students to internalize these broader principles, fostering character development alongside athletic prowess.
By encouraging students to connect, discuss challenges, and collectively establish standards of conduct, the NPSL Sportsman Conference seeks to cultivate a more respectful and sportsmanlike environment across regional high school athletics. For Federal Way students, participating in such a forum provides an opportunity to contribute to these shared values and strengthen community bonds beyond their individual school campuses.
