DEAR MISS MANNERS: Are people oblivious, uninformed, narcissistic or just plain rude when it comes to sports etiquette? From the golf course to the gym, these outings are becoming less enjoyable.

Slow players on the golf course — whether it’s a large group, or a small group playing multiple balls per person — won’t let others play through, even upon request. Or someone will be just sitting at a gym machine, playing on her phone, while a queue forms. When I ask if I can please use the machine, she’ll reply, “I have two more sets,” then look back at her phone. I am sure others have experienced worse when it comes to poor sports etiquette. Even complaining to management changes nothing.

GENTLE READER: And to think that sports used to be considered an etiquette training ground.

Yes, really. Think of the elements of etiquette that are enforced in sports: dress codes, respect for authority, graciousness in winning or in losing, penalties for breaking rules, etc. Haven’t seen much of that on the playing fields lately? Or in the stands? Alas, no. Rather than be the exemplar of good sportsmanship, the sports world, at both professional and personal levels, has become more like the rest of society, as you have noticed.

Competition is more satisfying when it is against opponents one respects. Miss Manners would hope that the parents of young athletes, and the managers of teams and of gymnasiums, would find it in their interest to revive the old standards and bar mean-spirited behavior.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, [email protected]; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.