Badger News

Sportsmanship isn’t a suggestion for the way every player, coach and fan should act on and off the court. It is the expectation.

To reward those exceeding expectations, the Badger Region wants to recognize you.

The 2023-24 marks the eighth year of the “Enthusiastic. Supportive. Positive.” program that highlights volleyball enthusiasts, specifically fans in the stands.

Last season, tournament directors throughout the Region distributed close to 250 wristbands at events and tournaments, and we’re looking to hand out hundreds more.

Then, at the Badger Region Championships in March, anyone (adults/spectators only) who was awarded a wristband throughout the year, will be eligible to win Badger Region gear such as T-shirts, water bottles, mini volleyballs and other cool swag.

So, what do you have to do to get a wristband? Support your team! Be positive! Show character that would make your mother proud!

Get a little crazy. Go the extra mile. Recognize the good in your team and others. Get excited when even your opponent makes an amazing save or play.

Don’t cheer against another team. Don’t taunt or heckle officials, coaches or players. Don’t give your club or team a black eye with any “in your face” cheers.

Tournaments directors, Badger Region staff, referees and board members are watching.

If you get one of our colorful “ESP” wristbands, come to the Championship Desk at the Badger Region Championships for prizes. Anyone with a wristband gets one entry into the raffle. At certain points throughout the day, names will be drawn for the prizes.

The only rule: You must have your wristband on at the time of the raffle to receive your gift.

The ESP program is designed for recognition of adults or other individuals who are “outside the lines.” Winners do not have to Badger Region members.

If you have someone like an athlete, coach or official who is deserving of recognition, please fill out a nomination form for the “Caught Doing Good” program (see below).

Caught Doing Good

The Badger Region knows there are great people who play, coach or officiate our great sport in the state of Wisconsin.

Now is the time to take a second to recognize him or her for their outstanding character, leadership or contribution to the Badger Region or others in the volleyball community.

To nominate an individual for “Caught Doing Good,” click here.

The 2023-24 season marks the third year of the “Caught Doing Good” program in the Badger Region.

In the past, some examples of folks Caught Doing Good were of coaches who took on multiple teams in the wake of situations at their clubs. There have also been coaches who have gone above and beyond to lead by example and be amazing role models for the young men and young women in their care.

Some athletes have been recognized by their coaches or fellow teammates for their amazing show of sportsmanship, leadership and character on and off the court.

Just because a coach or athlete receives an award does not mean they are the best coach in the Badger Region or the best athlete. It means they are doing things the right way, and in ways we can all learn from.

Nominees for “Caught Doing Good” will be eligible to win awesome prize packs from the Badger Region including Molten packs or volleyballs, Badger Region apparel or other Badger Region-branded items such as fanny packs, coolers or mugs. Winners will also be featured in future Badger Region newsletters.

“We want to recognize the people on the court who are models of behavior for the rest of us,” said Program Director Brian Sharkey. “It’s much friendlier on our end to celebrate the positive stories than have to reprimand those that don’t have their priorities in order.”

Only Badger Region members (coaches, club directors, tournament directors, athletes, administrators, athletic trainers, etc.) are eligible for Caught Doing Good awards.

Have questions about Caught Doing Good? Email brian@badgervolleyball.org or call 414-313-9055.