Good sportsmanship includes, being supportive, having a positive attitude, being respectful, being willing to learn and having good self-control.
In any tournament, I always be a good sport and shake hands before the match begins. I always like to support my teammates and friends by saying "good match" or "good try" and I never criticize them for trying.
Good sportsmanship is a critical skill and as you gain experience as it will allow you to handle professional and personal successes, issues and disappointments. Show professionalism both in training or at any competition.
Always show respect and always lower the stakes not the standards. Every arm wrestling match has a winner and a loser and always learn from our mistakes, wether we win or lose.
Being strategic while being a good sport!
I am very strategic and give the misconception that I am a push-over or weak by shaking hands with my opponent and setting up very lightly. I have been given the nickname "the master of misconception".
At a major tournament with professional referees : If while setting up lightly and your opponent puts pressure you can let the hands move in the direction of that pressure. The referees will know who the pressure is coming from and give a warning or foul to your competitor. This will take his focus off ther start of the match, which you should always focus on.
Setting up lightly will also allow you to be as quick as possible. The harder and more tense you are while setting up the grip, the slowler you will become. It is always advised to stay loose to be fast. Always set up lightly and do not give pressure in the direction you are going to move. Keep the hands straight and your opponent will not know which technique you are going to use.
Showing good sportsmanship means sticking to the rules and regulations, always being polite and showing that you can win or lose gracefully with good humour.
At the end of each match in a tounament, try to shake hands with your opponent whether you win or lose and say thank you.
