It's not all on the pitch (or piste)

I'm a big rugby fan and at the moment am enjoying the Rugby World Cup (or not - I am an England supporter - sometimes watching an England game is agony). One thing that has struck me is how it is important to be able to be 'in the game' even when you're not. As anyone who is a viewer of the RWC will know, the England team seem to be dogged by off the field controversy at the moment; some of the younger players (and some older ones) don't seem to realise that how they behave off the pitch is as important sometimes as how they play on it. Poor behaviour or silly stories not only have an impact on them but also the team. It is partially about leadership from the manager, coaches and team captain but it is mostly down to self-leadership 
This is relevant in any sport, but in fencing it equates with how you are on the piste, how you step onto the piste, how you behave between matches and how you react to results. It also applies to how you behave in the salle; do you have lessons, discuss your fights, participate in the warm-up's etc? It's amazing how many people don't....! 
I'm not advocating a life of monastic contemplation of your chosen sport (unless it floats your boat) but I do suggest that your overall behaviour will reflect not only your character but also the respect you have for your sport and tradition.