Lawson

Chapter IV

Christian Virtue and Civic Responsibility

Coaches and athletic administrators are leaders and models for good sportsmanship and

ethical behavior. They are responsible for upholding the codes of conduct, standards of behavior,

and integrity of all members of the program from the coaches and support staff to the student

athletes. For these reasons, those who lead and set the example for others must clearly understand

the virtues and/or civic responsibilities that they are to uphold. The 10 Christian Virtues and

Civic Responsibilities of Coaches and Administrators as Leaders of Sport in the 21st Century

serves as a guideline for the men and women who teach, coach and lead, (see Appendix H).

Three of the Christian virtues and civic responsibilities that are particularly important for coaches

and leaders in sport are ethical, relentless, and enthusiastic.

Ethical

Ethical is defined as “conforming to accepted standards of conduct” (Merriam-Webster,

n.d., Def. 3). While often there are ethical dilemmas that come up in one’s life, it is important for

individuals to live by a strong code of ethical standards to lead a fulfilling and successful life.

Maxwell (2003) stated, “There are really only two important points when it comes to ethics. The

first is a standard to follow. The second is a will to follow it” (p. 17).

An example that demonstrates an individual following through with their personal code

of ethics is boxer James Braddock in the film “Cinderella Man”. Braddock received relief money

from the government, but decided to give his portion back after he was paid to compete in a

championship match. Since he was no longer in need of the relief money, he decided the right

thing to do was to return the money. This decision was much to the surprise of the of clerk at the

government office, as well as all the members of the media who questioned his decision at the

press conference before the big fight, when he handed back his money (Vieselmeyer, 2020,

Video Presentation).

According to The Ten Christian Virtues and Civic Responsibilities of Coaches and

Administrators as Leaders of Sport in the 21st Century, “For leaders in athletics and sport, ethics

are the guidelines that serve as a ‘moral compass’ for doing what is right and good at all times

and in all places” (Vieselmeyer, 2020, para. 30). It is critical that coaches establish and uphold a

strong set of ethical and moral standards with the team and program. Exemplary coaches lead by

example and guide the other members of the coaching staff, their players, and all other

stakeholders in the program to live by the ethical standards set forth.

An example of a coach who demonstrated strong ethical standards with regard to racial

equity is John Wooden. Before becoming the Wizard of Westwood, Wooden coached at Indiana

State University. In 1947, Wooden and his team qualified for the NAIA national tournament,

which was to be played in Kansas City. Wooden declined the invitation because the tournament

officials refused to let an African American play in the segregated event. Clarence Walker did

not have a huge playing role on the team, but he was a member of the team nonetheless and

Wooden would not allow his team to play unless all members were allowed to be there. The

following season, Indiana State University again qualified for the national tournament and

Wooden again declined the invitation for the same reason. Ultimately, the NAIA officials

acquiesced and decided to allow the entire team to play. This made Clarence Walker "the first

African American to compete in a national intercollegiate basketball tournament" (Lumpkin et

al., 2012, p. 91)

Brown (2003) noted, “Ethical athletic leaders are able to instill respect and responsibility

in their individual athletes and teams by providing a model and inspiring others to reach higher

than they thought possible” (p. 36). John Wooden stayed true to his code of ethical standards,

and was instrumental in the beginning of greater racial equity in college basketball.

Relentless

Relentless leaders have an unwavering desire to pursue excellence. Being relentless is

marked by “showing or promising no abatement of severity, intensity, strength, or pace”

(Merriam-Webster, n.d., Def. 1). Having the ability to pursue a goal with a passion and not be

deterred when things do not go one’s way is imperative for one to reach their full potential and to

become successful.

An example of a situation where being relentless led to one’s justice is found in the story

of the Parable of the Unjust Judge. Luke 18:1-8 stated,

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not

give up. He said, “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared

what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with

the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ For some time he refused. But finally

he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because

this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t

eventually come and attack me!’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge

says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day

and night? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the

Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (KJV, 2001)

Through her commitment to appealing to the judge every day, the widow received the justice she

pursued when the judge became tired of her constant pleas. This shows that fully committing to a

cause often leads to success. As Babe Ruth said, “You just can’t beat a person who won’t give

up” (Vieselmeyer, 2020, Video Presentation).

In athletics, being relentless is critical to the success of a coach, player, or team. Putting

in long hours to hone skills and prepare for competition, in an effort to pursue excellence, is

often what separates the good from the truly great. The ability to push through adversity and

continue moving forward builds character and allows one to reach their maximum potential.

“You can always identify people who will eventually be successful because they have the inner

strength to persevere” (Brown, 2003, p. 19).

Gregg Popovich, Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations of the San Antonio

Spurs, is an example of a relentless leader. His attention to detail and focus on teamwork,

communication, and relationships, has made it possible for the Spurs to sustain success over the

last 24 years. He has had the opportunity to work with Hall of Fame players, but by demanding

excellence and a team-first attitude, he led his team to five NBA championships and winning

records in 22 of his 24 seasons with the Spurs. He also is committed to excellence off the

basketball court, where he has put in tireless effort working with many charities and being a

voice for social justice.

Enthusiastic

According to The Ten Christian Virtues and Civic Responsibilities of Coaches and

Administrators as Leaders of Sport in the 21st Century, “Leaders know that enthusiasm is

contagious, passionate and motivates us to achieve the possible and the improbable”

(Vieselmeyer, 2020). When leaders bring energy and enthusiasm to their team, it lifts the spirit

and drive of the entire group. Providing a vision for the future with enthusiasm sets the stage for

remarkable achievement. Lumpkin et al., (2012) said, “Good leaders influence people to work

enthusiastically toward goals that benefit the common good” (p. 22).

Great coaches are able to utilize enthusiasm in order to help athletes buy into the vision

and standards of the program and to boost morale so that the group may reach their maximum

potential. Committed players use enthusiasm to bring the team together, pick up their teammates

through times of adversity, and create a general positive feeling around the program. Coach John

Wooden included enthusiasm as one of the base blocks on his Pyramid of Success. Three points

that Wooden made regarding enthusiasm were that your heart has to be in what you are doing,

enthusiasm brushes off on those with whom you come into contact, and leaders must always

generate enthusiasm if they wish to bring out the best in themselves and others (Vieselmeyer,

2020, Video Presentation).

An example of a coach using enthusiasm to build up his team to help them overcome

adversity occurred with the Gilman High School football team during their season in 2001. After

the team had just lost its second game in a row to start the season, their worst start in five seasons

Marx (2004) described what the coach said and did.

With both volume and energy turned up high, Biff told his team “I wouldn’t want to

coach anybody in the world, anybody, other than you guys. I couldn’t be prouder of a

group of boys than I am of you. Look at me, boys. I love you. And I’m really proud of

you. Really proud.” (p. 82)

Although the team was off to the worst start in several seasons, Coach Biff was enthusiastic and

reminded the team that they would not be judged based on wins and losses, but rather if they

were giving their full effort and playing to their potential.

Tommy Lasorda, longtime manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, is another example of

an enthusiastic leader. Known for being outspoken and animated, Lasorda’s energy permeated

the clubhouse, which led to many of his players reaching their full potential. The Hall of Fame

coach managed the Dodgers to two World Series championships (1981 and 1988) and coached

nine players who won the Rookie of the Year award. He was able to bring out the best in his

players with his enthusiasm and instilled in them the confidence to achieve their best from the

time each one entered the major leagues.

Conclusion

It is important for leaders in athletics to demonstrate the ideals outlined in the Ten

Christian Virtues and Civic Responsibilities of Coaches and Administrators as Leaders of Sport

in the 21st Century. The Christian virtues and civic responsibilities of ethical, relentless, and

enthusiastic are practiced by many successful coaches and are especially important for leaders to

model. This will shape athletes and ensure that teams and programs are in the best position to

reach their maximum potential. Athletic leaders have the unique opportunity to influence many

people over the course of their careers. By applying these standards, they are positively

influencing the community and the world.