At the U.S. Naval Academy, there's no doubt among student-athletes, coaches or even members of the student body that sportsmanship is important.

This fall, the academy held a series of seminars on sportsmanship as part of character-development seminars held for the midshipmen. The entire 4,000-member Brigade of Midshipmen participated.

The seminars, held monthly on various topics, are designed to stimulate discussion on topics such as values, leadership, respect and similar character traits.

In preparation for the seminar on sportsmanship, each midshipman was provided with a set of readings that included: "Accepting the Rules of the Game," by Olympian John Naber; "When is it Gamesmanship and When is it Cheating?" by George Vecsey of The New York Times; and a letter sent to the administration of the Naval Academy on what was perceived by a visiting fan as unsportsmanlike behavior on the part of a group of midshipmen at a women's soccer game in 1999.

The Brigade divided into 240 small groups, each consisting of 15 to 18 midshipmen. Also, 45 athletics administrators, coaches and physical education instructors joined the groups for this session. Naval officers, civilian faculty members and academy staff members served as facilitators, and each was assisted by a midshipman co-facilitator.

"We were very pleased that the Naval Academy Character Development Seminar included the issue of sportsmanship as a seminar topic," said Jack Lengyel, the academy's director of athletics. "The Naval Academy Athletic Association Strategic Plan Vision states, 'We are the standard-bearer for excellence in integrity, sportsmanship, leadership and successful athletics teams.' I personally believe if not the Naval Academy as a standard-bearer, then who?" Lengyel asked.

"Having the opportunity to include the Brigade of Midshipmen and all varsity athletes in a discussion on sportsmanship is not only unique but important in today's society."