Sportsmanship gestures are traditions that shouldn't be broken

I'm finding that sports people have varied opinions on one simple thing: The handshake.

Sportsmanship is a longstanding tradition of varied degrees in sports. Kids in organized athletic events are taught from a young age to go through the handshake line afterward, win or lose. As they get older, some will not only shake hands but also stand on the field, court or sheet of ice while the winning team is elated to accept gold medals and the second-place team is usually brokenhearted.

Professional-level kudos
At the professional level, there's no organized line for football players, but they walk on the field and chat with opponents afterward. Baseball players on the winning side have high-five routines on the field, while the losers head straight for the showers. Then there's the NHL, where teams go through the handshake line at center ice after the completion of each playoff series.

And we can't forget professional tennis players after a Grand Slam final. Not only does the losing player have to stay out on the court while the winner celebrates, which usually involves running halfway up the stands to find his or her team of supporters. But the losing player also has to endure the award ceremony and usually get interviewed right on the spot for the whole stadium and television audience to hear.

That has to be a tough task, too. You'll see a lot of players sitting on the sideline with their towel completely covering their face. The tears go unseen but not unknown.

It's tradition, I suppose, to have the sportsmanship and respect for those on the other side and show that through simple gestures like handshakes, a pat on the shoulder or even hugs. Not really being a competitive athlete, I support these rituals. I think it shows and teaches respect, and it speaks toward being able to handle wins and losses in a professional manner.

High school athletes face their tears
I know some people that would like to see traditions change, especially at the high school level. The point is that these kids have left everything out there for that final event of a state championship, and the losers should be able to head to the locker room before any ceremonies take place. The winners are ecstatic while the losers are left stunned, saddened and often with tear-stained faces. But both teams remain out there for the award ceremony where trophies and medals are given out, and usually where more sets of individual handshakes happen.

I understand the point of view, but I also don't have a problem with the way it's done now. The second-place team still has a great accomplishment to celebrate, even if it doesn't seem like it at the time. Those individuals should be recognized for that. The winning team watches them get their awards, so it's only fair that they stay and see the winners do the same.

Yes, I'm sure some would like nothing more than to hide under a towel or just run into the locker room. It has to be tough knowing you lost the championship, and then there are the emotions for the seniors playing in possibly their last game ever.

Still, I like the tradition. It shows respect, lets athletes know that they have a lot to be proud of and also teaches them that life won't always be easy, but you'll need to face the hard things, too.