In soccer, unsporting behavior can result in a free kick for the other team and even a red card and an expulsion. But, it's often not seen by the referee and even occurs in practice. Some might say that if it's not called then it doesn't matter. As long as it doesn't put your team at a disadvantage, just let it go.
Why wait for the disadvantage? If you see it, deal with it. The first time, every time. Your players should know that you expect them to be good sports and to play by the rules. Your players should know that you care about doing it well and doing it right.
In a recent game, one of my players tripped a player on purpose to keep her opponent from attacking the goal. It was a subtle and undetected move that she had learned on another team. The rest of the girls were watching for my reaction, but it would have been the same regardless. "You kept her from scoring, that's true," I said, "but don't ever do that again while you are on this team."
Be consistent and unequivocal on this one. If you have to play unfairly to win then you haven't really won at all.
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