Sports rivalries can energize school spirit. But keeping events respectful takes a dynamic blend of foresight, leadership and buy-in from the community. Sports rivalries are dynamic relationships with many moving parts--athletes, coaches, students, pep squads, parents and others. When it's healthy, fierce competition can engender respect as well as passion. Whatever antagonism exists is balanced by awareness that the two opponents "need" each other as integral halves in the contest. Demonization of the other side, though, is a sign the rivalry may be tilting toward something uglier. Students posting signs threatening mock violence against the other school, the vandalizing of school property, fans booing when the visiting team is introduced or cheering when an opposing player is injured--all can be warning signs that the rivalry may be coming off the rails. When this happens, school officials can manage the conflict--existing or potential--with one of two general strategies: (1) the crackdown model; and (2) the ownership model. For sports in a school with a healthy climate, pride can be less about winning and more about representing a vibrant, can-do community where everyone's place and participation is respected. School unity is valued, defended and celebrated, in sports and elsewhere. In all things, winning is secondary to effort and honorable behavior, and triumph is not based on the defeat or humiliation of another or the other side.