Philosophy of Christian School Athletics

The primary goal of athletics in a Christian school setting is to honor Christ. Within the framework of high school sports, this goal encompasses several areas.

Competition

• We compete to win. This includes both physical victory and spiritual victory. Winning is an attitude that involves preparation, effort, execution and integrity. While a win may not always be registered on the scoreboard, the inclusion of these four principles ensures a Christ-like approach to competition. Preparation, effort, execution and integrity are all factors of choice within our control. (I Corinthians 9:24-27)

Developing Christ-like character

• Behavior and attitude are molded through our approach to participation in sports, just as they are molded through how we participate in everyday living. Athletics gives us numerous opportunities to experience success, failure, jubilation, frustration, trials and tribulations. Athletics provides the opportunity to develop relationships and understand the meaning of teamwork, role-play and sacrifice. These experiences and opportunities should take place within a Biblical framework. (Romans 8:29; 12:3, Ephesians 4:2-3)

Commitment to excellence

• Every time an athlete “takes the field”, he or she is called to compete with a total release of all their physical, mental and emotional energies. An athlete must never leave anything behind. Just as Christ gave his all for us, we are to give our all in everything we do. Christ has blessed every athlete with 100% of their abilities, and it is the responsibility of every Christian athlete to return 100% at every practice and competition. (Colossians 3:23)

Integrity and sportsmanship

• Christian school athletes represent their school, their faith, their teammates and Christ when they perform in a competitive arena. “You may be the only Bible they ever read” should be a constant reminder of the athlete’s responsibility to maintain integrity and sportsmanship. (Colossians 3:17)

Sub-varsity competition should be a formative program, used to develop skills, attitudes, and teamwork. Effort should be given to provide playing time for all individuals; yet, this is a time for each athlete to learn the value and purpose of accepting a role and committing to the success of the team. At this level, players should be preparing to step into a higher level of responsibility and demand at the varsity level.

Varsity competition continues to refine skills and attitudes. The varsity programs are charged with forming the best possible team to compete successfully in competition. It is vital that each team member understands and accepts their role for the good of the team and the glory of God.

When conflicts arise between coach and player, it is imperative that the principles clearly stated in Matthew (18:15-17) are followed. It is important to understand that this involves a direct approach from the player to the coach, not from the parent to the coach. No discussions should take place between a parent and coach until the player has first talked to the coach in a one-on-one setting. This is a tremendous opportunity for relationships to be strengthened. A player has the opportunity to learn perseverance while developing the valuable life skill of learning how to properly deal with adversity.

A quality athletic program is an important part of the total Christian education program. Athletes gain educational benefits that develop their physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and social dimensions. Through athletics, participants learn to recognize and value their god-given gifts.  Athletics provides a unique arena in which participants witness to many through their efforts, attitude and demeanor. Athletes learn how to accept a role, deal with adversity, submit to authority, and sacrifice for a greater cause than one’s self.

Every aspect of athletics in a Christian school requires nothing less than a commitment to excellence.