26th Annual Sportsmanship Essay Contest
The Stands Standards: Honoring the Game as a Spectator
Eligibility & Guidelines
Participants: Open to all students in grades 9–12 attending MIAA member schools.
Length & Format: Typed, double-spaced, 500 words maximum.
Judging: Submissions will be evaluated by the MIAA Sportsmanship Committee based on the official contest rubric.
Prizes & Recognition
First Place: $400 prize
Runner-Up: $200 prize
Both winners will be featured as honored guests and present their essays at the 32nd Annual MIAA Sportsmanship Summit on November 20, 2026.
Submission & Deadline
Deadline: Thursday, October 15, 2026, by 12:00 PM.
How to Submit: Email entries directly to
dharrington@miaa.net.
Click here to view the official contest flyer
25th Annual Student Sportsmanship Essay Contest Winners and Finalists
32nd Annual MIAA Sportsmanship Summit
Registration link coming soon
Join student and adult leaders from across Massachusetts for an energized, impactful day dedicated to sportsmanship, leadership, and positive empowerment.
📅 Event Details
- Date: Thursday, November 20, 2026
- Time: Sign-In & Registration: 7:45 AM – 8:30 AM
- Summit Program: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Cross Insurance Club
- Inclusions: A light continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Fostering Sportsmanship and Integrity
The MIAA is committed to encouraging and promoting the high ideals of sportsmanship, integrity and ethics, as well as developing a positive environment for athletic events at all levels of interscholastic competition. The goal of interscholastic athletics is to give young people the opportunity to expand their educational horizons by experiencing fair and friendly competition with their peers. Ingrained in this competition is respect for rules, regulations, opponents and officials.
NFHS #BenchBadBehavior Campaign
Your behavior matters. When fans, coaches and parents act poorly at high school athletic events, we ALL lose. Especially our students. Enough is enough. Let's all #BenchBadBehavior for good!
Print Ad
Printable Flyers
Related Awards
William N. Gaine, Jr. Sportsmanship Award
In honor of promoting sportsmanship in Massachusetts interscholastic athletics.
Boston Bruins - MIAA Sportsmanship Award
Honors a student-athlete from boys and girls high school ice hockey leagues across the state for best exemplifying a commitment to sportsmanship throughout the season.
Ron Burton Community Service Award
In honor of the original New England Patriot, widely recognized for his service and philanthropy.
Additional Awards
Related Resources
Sportsmanship, Integrity & Ethics Committee
Provides leadership and service designed to improve interschool relations in athletics; ensures interscholastic athletics are conducted within reasonable bounds, encouraging all that is honorable and sportsmanlike.
