No player is perfect. No coach is impulse-free 100 percent of the time. And certainly no parent is without flaws. Fielding a team of notable integrity isn’t easy.

This season, it hasn’t been any individual teams that have basked in the sportsmanship spotlight. Rather, it’s been the county as a whole and others around the state are taking notice.

For all-star squads competing in regional showcases this summer — from the Washington 8U All-Star baseball team to the Chocowinity 16U All-Star softball team to Beaufort County American Legion Post 15 — opposing fans, coaches, umpires and even league directors have taken notice at, for the most part, how well each of the Beaufort County teams have carried themselves.

That, even more than the notable tournament performances of most teams, is impressive. It’s the reason most parents sign their kids up for youth sports in the first place — to learn life lessons, sportsmanship and teamwork.

During the Bath 12U All-Stars state championship run, “the umpiring staff really fell in love with our group of kids,” said head coach Michael Craig. “They liked the sportsmanship they showed, but also like the drive and determination that they showed … The kids never gave up. These kids have a lot of heart.”

Sportsmanship is built from how children are raised and the respect they show towards coaches, teammates and opposing players. From there, camaraderie and chemistry is formed and success is usually a byproduct.

Building a respectful team is truly a team effort on and off the field and everyone responsible for how these players carry themselves deserves a round of applause.

Of course, it begins with the parents. Children develop morals, character and personality traits at a young age by imitating mother and father figures. The product we see out on the diamond every game is a direct reflection of the parents.

Coaches help fuse individual personalities and direct them towards a common goal — winning and playing as a team. Beaufort County 15U All-Star head coach Bobby Boyd said it perfectly.

“I’ve always told them three things: everybody can respect one another, everybody can hustle and everybody can play hard every play. Not anyone of those three items takes talent. They’re required.”

In terms of athletic ability, this summer has proved the future is bright for baseball and softball. But more importantly, it’s shown that those who represent their individual towns do so with class. Hopefully that will carry over into high school and adulthood. Because as of right now, Beaufort County is known for more than just on-the-field talent.