NEW ULM – The New Ulm U13 girls team won an Outstanding Ambassadors of Teams Honoring Sportsmanship (OATHS) award from the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA). MYSA awards one OATHS award for each age group and playing level, so the team was selected out of the 44 U13 C3 teams. The girls received a certificate and pin Sept. 25 at the Martin Luther College Soccer Complex.

OATHS is an encouragement education program for traveling U9 through U19 boys and girls teams that distinguish athletes, coaches and fans for their dedication to good sportsmanship. The goal is to allow the players to enjoy the sporting event as well as the total complement of fans, referees and coaches.

The OATHS evaluation is included on every competitive match report. All referees are asked to complete the evaluation of each team’s players, coaches and fans. Referees are asked if the players are playing within the rules and spirit of the game. Coaches are evaluated to make sure all players and officials are treated with respect, and fans are expected to support all players, coaches, and referees in a positive manner.

Responses are tabulated and the data analyzed to determine our OATHS winners. The results of the tabulations are used to evaluate overall sportsmanship throughout the state.

Teams receiving the highest accumulated marks over the course of the season are presented with recognition pins, special gifts and a certificate of achievement.