Lawson Chapter VI: Professional Development

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Chapter IV

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Chapter IV

Christian Virtue and Civic Responsibility

Coaches and sports administrators are leaders and role models of proper sportsmanship and ethics. They have the task of ensuring adherence to the codes of conduct and behavior as well as integrity of all the individuals in the program from the coaches and their support team to the athletes. "The 10 Christian Virtues and Civic Responsibilities of Coaches and Administrators as Leaders of Sport in the 21st Century" is the document that guides the men and women that teach, coach, and lead (see Appendix G).

Ethical

The word “ethical” means “conforming to accepted standards of conduct” (Merriam-Webster, n.d., Def. 3). Although ethical dilemmas often arise in people’s lives, it is important for each person to adhere to high ethical standards to enjoy a happy and successful life. In his book Maxwell (2003) writes: “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 of someone adhering to his or her code of ethics can be a boxer James Braddock from the movie “Cinderella Man.” Although Braddock got money from the government as a relief, he decided to give back the money that was given to him since he had been paid to participate in the championship match. Braddock felt that returning the money was the right thing to do, which was quite surprising for both the clerk at the government building and media present at the press conference before the match when Braddock returned 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, “Ethics are the code of conduct that act as a ‘moral compass’ for being the best in everything, at all times and in all places, for leaders in athletics and sports” (Vieselmeyer, 2020, para. 30). It is very important for coaches to develop and enforce high levels of ethical standards in the team and program.

One of the examples of the coach that exhibited high ethical values in terms of racial equality is John Wooden. Prior to becoming the Wizard of Westwood, Wooden served as a coach at Indiana State University. In 1947, Wooden and his team became invited to participate in the NAIA National Tournament. However, Wooden decided to decline the invitation because the tournament did not allow participation of any African American player. According to Brown (2003), “Ethical athletic leaders are capable of instilling respect and responsibility within each individual athlete and each team by serving as a model and motivating other individuals to strive for more than what they have ever achieved” (p. 36).

Relentless

“Relentless leaders have an insatiable desire to strive for excellence.” Relentless means having “the quality or promise of never showing any lessening of severity, intensity, strength, or speed” (Merriam-Webster, n.d., Def. 1). The capability to chase one’s goals with a strong passion and not being discouraged when things do not happen in one’s favor is essential to achieving success.

An illustration of how being relentless can bring one justice is the story told in the Parable of the Unjust Judge in to Luke 18:1-8. Then, Jesus told his disciples a parable which teaches that they should always pray and not give up. This is evident from His statement that, “There was a judge in a certain city which neither feared God, nor regarded man. And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, ‘Avenge me of mine adversary’. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me’” (KJV, 2001).

The woman was able to get justice for herself by her persistence in trying to appeal to the judge every day until the judge could no longer withstand her appeals. It proves that being dedicated to a particular pursuit usually brings success in the end. Babe Ruth stated once that “You just can’t beat a person who won’t give up” (Vieselmeyer, 2020, Video Presentation).

Relentless approach is a key to success of a coach, a player, or a team in sports activities. Spending long hours on the development of skills and preparation for competitions in the name of excellence is usually what sets one apart from others. Perseverance and the capability of moving ahead regardless of the difficulties helps to develop one’s character and reach one’s full potential. “You can always recognize those who will succeed in the future since they possess the strength to persevere” (Brown, 2003, p. 19).

One good example of a relentless leader is Gregg Popovich who is the head coach and President of Basketball Operations of the San Antonio Spurs. It is because of his detail-oriented and team-oriented nature that it has been possible for the Spurs to maintain their success for the past 24 years. He has had the luxury of working with some Hall of Fame players, but through his relentless pursuit of excellence and the team-first mentality, he has been able to lead his team to five NBA titles and winning seasons in 22 out of his 24 seasons with the Spurs.

Enthusiastic

As mentioned in the Ten Christian Virtues and Civic Responsibilities of Coaches and Administrators as Leaders of Sport in the 21st Century, “Leaders recognize that enthusiasm is contagious, passionate and motivating for accomplishing the impossible and possible” (Vieselmeyer, 2020). When leaders add enthusiasm to the team, it increases the spirit and motivation of all members in the team. As per Lumpkin et al., “Effective leaders motivate others to work enthusiastically on behalf of the common good” (2012, p. 22).

Good coaches know how to harness the power of enthusiasm to get their athletes to embrace the vision and standards of the program, as well as lift the spirit in order for the group to attain their peak performance. Dedicated athletes use enthusiasm to unite the team, carry their fellow teammates through rough patches, and instill positivity all around the program. Coach John Wooden was a believer in enthusiasm to such an extent that he put it as one of the basic blocks in his Pyramid of Success. One incident where a coach used enthusiasm to build up his team in order to get them through difficult times happened at Gilman High School football team in their season of 2001. Immediately after losing the second consecutive match to start the season and the worst start in five years, Marx (2004) described the words and actions of the coach.

Turning up both the volume and energy, Biff addressed his players saying, “I wouldn’t want to coach anybody in the whole wide world, anybody, but you guys. I can’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) Despite having a poor start to the season like never before, Coach Biff was highly enthusiastic about his team and told them that their performance will not be judged by their wins and losses, but whether or not they were giving it their best shot and playing to their best abilities.

Conclusion

It is essential that leaders in sports exhibit the principles described in the Ten Christian Virtues and Civic Responsibilities of Coaches and Administrators as Leaders of Sport in the 21st Century. Many successful coaches exemplify the principles of Christian virtues and civic responsibility of ethical, relentless, and enthusiastic nature, and these principles become especially essential for leaders to exhibit.

References

Brown, M. (2003). The character of a coach. Kansas City, MO: Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Lumpkin, A., Stoll, S. K., & Beller, J. M. (2012). Practical ethics in sport management. Jefferson, NC: McFarland.

Maxwell, J. C. (2003). There’s no such thing as “business” ethics. New York, NY: Warner Books.

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Ethical. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethical

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Relentless. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relentless

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Enthusiastic. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enthusiastic

Vieselmeyer, D. (2020). The ten Christian virtues and civic responsibilities of coaches and administrators as leaders of sport in the 21st century [Video presentation and course materials].