As schools throughout Lawrence County have started their second full week of school, most schools have started their fall sports seasons as well.

While the fields, courts and courses will be filled with athletes working hard to help their teams be successful, another aspect that we all need to remember is sportsmanship.

While we all want the teams we root for to be the best and win each game or competition, it is always important for our young people to remember that in the end, these are still kids learning and playing for the love of the game.

As adults, we have to understand that we set the example for how our young men and young women act on and off the field, and in many cases are direct reflections of how we act in the stands.

When each young person takes the field or court, they are not professionals, but rather working hard each day in the classroom and to make the right play or hit just the right notes.

All of these activities are essential elements outside of the classroom that help mold our children, and also teach life lessons while bonding our communities together for a common goal.

Whether you are on the field or in the stands, we all play a crucial role in representing our communities.