What term refers to the fair treatment of opponents in sports?

The term that refers to the fair treatment of opponents in sports is sportsmanship. Sportsmanship embodies the ideals of fair play, respect for opponents, and graciousness in both victory and defeat. It emphasizes ethical conduct within the sport, ensuring that the game is played fairly and that all participants are treated with respect. This concept plays a crucial role in promoting a positive sporting environment and encourages athletes to compete with honor and integrity.

While integrity relates closely to honesty and moral principles in all areas of life, including sports, it does not specifically encompass the relational aspect between competitors. Deceit is the opposite of fair treatment, as it involves dishonesty or trickery to gain an unfair advantage. Illusiveness refers to being difficult to understand or catch, which is not relevant to the notion of fair play and treatment in sports. Therefore, sportsmanship is the most accurate term to describe the fair treatment of opponents in sports.