Some sports have rulebooks that are hundreds of pages (see the Rules of Golf, courtesy of the USGA and R&A) and some just have a couple of rules (soccer, for example), but all sports have clearly defined rules that govern play. All those rules can be dizzying to keep track of, both for players and spectators. But they’re there for a reason, so we don’t do what little kids do and just make up stuff as we go along.

And then there are the unwritten rules in sports. These don’t get written down (hence the term), but they sure do get enforced — not by referees and umpires, but by the players, coaches and teams themselves.

Why are these “rules” unwritten, you ask? Good question, and one to which your humble scribe doesn’t really know the answer.

But they exist. Oh, they exist — in all sports, at all levels.

Stuff like not running up the score in football. When you have a game comfortably in hand, thou shalt not pile on. Stuff like onside kicking or running fake punts with a big lead is an extra no-no. Why? Because karma has an awfully funny way of slapping back, and folks have long memories. Come to think of it, running up the score isn’t good in *any* sport, which is why you’ll see mindful coaches empty their benches (that’s how I got to play in high school!) once the game is decided one way or another.

Another football one that hits hard is not getting too grabby during big pile-ups. A player who might take an extra advantage by bending back a finger or, ahem, checking an opponent for proper below-the-belt armor is strictly prohibited. Again, karma will get you in a big way — either on the next series or during the next game.

In baseball, it is gauche to swing at 3-0 pitches or steal bases when ahead by a large margin, again because running it up doesn’t really get you anywhere but in bad graces. I go back and forth on peacocking after home runs — you know, theatrically flipping one’s bat or admiring the majestic flight of the ball while in the batter’s box. The oldster in me says that earns the next pitch you see square in the small of your back, but kids these days (*shakes fist at the clouds*) seem to enjoy the showmanship of it all. Your mileage may vary.

For you golfers out there, whatever you do, DO NOT step in another player’s putting line on the green — that’ll get you a stern glare at the least. It used to be silence was the norm when it is another player’s turn to hit, but these days with the Bluetooth speakers jamming tunes in carts, it seems like some noise is OK.

Basketball has an unwritten rule I didn’t know until recently: Don’t go passing like crazy when you’re up big — especially to a teammate for a low-percentage shot like a three-pointer. That’s called a “grenade” in hoops circles, so if you dribble down the clock and don’t find anyone open, take a tough shot yourself rather than pulling the pin and putting a teammate in position to dent his percentages.

In tennis, especially at the level where you call your own lines, for cripes’ sake don’t cheat. Beyond the obvious karma you’re bringing on yourself, calling a ball out that was in is a fantastic way to not find anyone to play with in the future.

In fact, taking undue advantage of any rules gaps is generally being a poor sport. This ain’t NASCAR, where they *all* bend the intent of the rules and thus re-set a level playing field for yourself. Like your momma hopefully told you, just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.

Also, and we addressed this just last week in this space, show some respect for the officials out there. Feel free to raise your hand if you’ve never ever screwed up while trying your best — and if your hand is raised, then go look in the mirror and observe the liar. Refs and umps are out there trying their best, so don’t be a tool and show those folks up.

There. Some unwritten rules in sports written down. If we could only get athletes and coaches to abide by them, the sports world would certainly be a better place.

You’re welcome. Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson airs weekdays from 3-5 p.m. on Southwest Florida’s Fox Sports Radio (105.9 FM in Collier County), and streaming on FoxSportsFM. com.