Sportsmanship Expectations
The term ‘sportsmanship’ refers to the conduct of coaches, players, officials, and fans in any athletic contest.  Our conduct can be good or poor and thus sportsmanship can be good or poor.  We have the ability to control our behavior.  Since it is our purpose on this earth to serve God in every way possible, we strive to conduct ourselves in such a way that will bring glory to Him and further His kingdom on this earth.  To this end, the following expectations have been established to help us with our conduct.

Expectations of Coaches:
1.      Always set a Christian example for participants and fans to follow, exemplifying the highest moral and ethical behavior.
2.      Instruct participants in proper sportsmanship responsibilities and demand that they make Christian sportsmanship their highest priority.
3.      Respect the judgment of contest officials, abide by the rules of the event, and display no behavior that would incite fans. 
4.      Treat opposing coaches, assistant coaches, and athletic director with respect.  Shake hands with these individuals before and after games in public.
5.      Treat your own athletes and the opposing athletes with respect that shows in both words and actions.  Remember, you are responsible for the well being of ALL the athletes that participate.
6.      Treat fans with respect.  In most cases, they are parents who have only their child’s best interest at heart.
7.      Develop and enforce penalties for participants who do not abide by sportsmanship standards.

Expectations of Student Participants:
1.      Treat opponents with respect: shake hands prior to and after contests.
2.      Respect the judgment of contest officials, abide by the rules of the contest, and display no behavior that would incite fans.
3.      Cooperate with officials, coaches, and fellow participants to conduct a fair contest.
4.      Never argue with your coach or fellow teammates.
5.      Never play “out of control” or is such a manner that shows disregard for the safety and well being of other participants in the contest.
6.      Offer a helping hand to a teammate or opposing player after a fall.
7.      Accept seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing your school, your community, and your Lord.
8.      Display positive, Christian attitudes that reflect those of your coach, your parent, and Jesus Christ.
9.      Live up to a higher standard of sportsmanship, which gives all glory to God.

Expectations of Parents, Students, and Other Fans:
1.      Understand your God-appointed role as parent, acting in a manner that would please Him and serve as a good example of an adult that has Christ in the center of their lives.
2.      Realize that you are a guest of your school or another school and the fact that your child is a participant in an event is not a license to verbally assault those involved, vindictively criticize the actions of others, or be generally obnoxious.
3.      Respect the decisions made by the contest officials and coaches.
4.      Be an exemplary role model by positively supporting teams in every manner possible.
5.      Respect the other fans.  Remember, in most cases, they are parents and/or grandparents just like you.
6.      Respect the other participants.  They are children and are still learning.
7.      Make an effort to study the rules and strategies of the contest.  This will enable you to understand calls made by the officials and decisions made by the coach.
8.      BE A FAN --- NOT A FANATIC.

Expectations of Spirit Groups:
a)      Stimulate desired crowd response using only positive cheers, signs, and praise without antagonizing or demeaning opponents.
b)      Treat opposing spirit groups and fans with respect.
c)      Recognize outstanding performance on either side of the playing field or court.
d)      Know the rules in order to cheer at the appropriate times.
e)      Maintain enthusiasm and composure.
f)        Serve as a positive, Christian role model helping others to see and appreciate the God-given gifts in themselves and others.

Expectations of Board of Christian Education and Administrators:
1.      Recognize the value of school activities as a vital part of education.
2.      Adopt policies that promote the ideals of Christian sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity.
3.      Recognize and support coaches that display proper Christian Sportsmanship while diligently working with those that need improvement.
4.      Serve as a positive role model and expect others to do the same.
5.      Attend and enjoy school activities.

ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR for all involved:
a.       Being quiet and participating in the opening and closing prayers of each contest.
b.      Applause during the introduction of players, coaches, and officials.
c.       Handshakes between participants and coaches before and at the end of the contest, regardless of the results.
d.      All showing concern for an injured player or official.
e.       Searching out participants to recognize them for outstanding performance or coaching.
f.        Encouraging those around you to display sportsmanlike conduct.
g.       Treat competition as a game, not a war.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR for those involved:
·        Disrespectful or derogatory yells, chants, songs, or gestures.
·        Use of profanity at any time.
·        Displays of anger and/or loss of temper.
·        Booing or heckling and official or criticizing an official’s decision.
·        Laughing, name-calling, or yelling at a participant in an effort to antagonize them, distract them, or hamper their performance.
·        Refusing to shake hands or give recognition for good performance.
·        Blaming the loss of a game on officials, coaches, or participants.
·        That which is not God pleasing and does not serve to accomplish His will.
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