Philosophy of Coaches and Athletes

“Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which we have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” I Corinthians 6:19,20.

Since we are not our own and since our bodies belong to God, we must keep the body in subjection to the new nature that we have in Christ. Physical education and extracurricular sports have a place in the Christian School, just as mental education and spiritual instruction have their respective places. Yet we will not place the training of the body above the academic and spiritual training.

The sports guidelines of  WCA will be followed by all students. All parents are expected to support the standards and goal of WCA for the overall student body and Christian school ministry. Parents must keep the long range goals foremost in mind when decisions and policies must be made that limit or eliminate student participation in sports.

The prevailing attitude among all those connected with the sports program at WCA should be - I want Christ to be seen in my life. Such an attitude will mold and shape Christian character from the inside to the outside. The following guidelines are designed to make the sports program profitable for each participant:

• Obedience - Do what your coaches and others whom God has put in authority over you tell you to do with a good attitude. If you have a question, do not be afraid to ask for clarification.
• Diligence - Use all your strength and ability to complete each part of your task, whether it be cleaning up,doing drills, conditioning, competing in a game, or any other activity.
• Responsibility - Do everything that is expected of you, whether being directly supervised or not. Do not make the coach “baby-sit” you.
• Determination - Make up your mind to accomplish all of God’s goals in His time, regardless of the opposition.
• Confidence - Remember, as you give totally all you have to Jesus, you become a winner in God’s sight.
• Intensity - Give a “total release” performance at all times, focusing your attention on the job at hand, putting forth every effort to complete it perfectly.
• Perseverance - Always do your best and try to win, as this is the object of competition. If you have done your best, there is nothing to regret.

In all aspects of life, whether occupation or recreation, Christians must realize that they are to put Jesus Christ first in every situation. The student-athlete and coach are no exceptions to this rule; they should not place athletics before their relationship with God. The athlete and coach should find time to study God's word and pray as they strive to know Him and make Him known. The prayer is that our athletes become more like Christ because of the daily example of the coach, administration and teachers.

The student-athlete should develop a thirst to be the very best with his/her God-given talents. The coach performs a critical role in this development. The student-athlete should discern the difference between a prepared and unprepared coach. The prepared coach is enthusiastic about each day's practice and has a schedule of events to develop all student-athletes to their fullest potential. The coach should help student- athletes gain exposure and possible scholarships as they make the transition from high school to college.

During the battle of competition the student-athlete may feel cheated by an official’s decision which the athlete assumes is unfair. The coach demonstrates leadership at this time by displayed attitude, actions, and communication to the officials. The coach should be in control of the team during all circumstances relating to competition and the school.

Winning is of great importance to the program; however, to sacrifice Christ-like qualities to win a physical victory does not achieve the goal. The student-athlete and coach should realize there are two victories: the spiritual and the physical. The goal should be to attain the spiritual victory at each practice and competition. The physical victory should be the next goal, and its meaning is made valid through the spiritual victory.

The student-athlete and coach have an awesome responsibility of maintaining Christ-like qualities. The athlete and coach are looked upon as leaders by the administration and are constantly being observed. These qualities are difficult to maintain unless Christ is the motivation. The student-athlete and coach may often feel pressure to perform for friends, but this is not the motivation that should enhance a Christ- centered athletic program. Colossians 3:23 tells us that we are to do all as unto the Lord rather than men. Athletics is an opportunity to practice the principles of God's word, such as subjecting one's self to authority, working together as members of the body of Christ, and controlling the emotions that arise in competition. Athletic competition offers an arena for the demonstration of our faith in Jesus Christ and opens many doors for active ministry.