Sportsmanship: A Child's First Christian Witness

Every other Thursday is Moms Inc at church. Today was filled with such great points and knowledge on the subject of Sportsmanship, taught by a retired white hat and one who is still "on the field" for big games like UCLA, Oregon State etc, it was a blessing hearing from him as a professional and also as a dad. Trying to get all of my thoughts in order as I share what we all learned. Moms group is filled with moms of all walks and stages, as well as mentor moms (who are awesome women of God and specifically hand picked!) I am thankful to have this time, where I can go, as a mom, to be fed and fellowship with other moms and gain such encouragement and support from our mentor moms who have grown children and grand kids now too.

"For where two or three gather in My name, there I am with them."

Matthew 18:20, NIV

Before I even begin to share what I learned today, spiritually, I have to share what we, as Christian parents are up against. A couple of moms today, who have five and six year olds and have begun the sport of soccer are entrenched in the competitiveness that sports are bringing. This right here astounds me- parents are now (are you with me?) paying, yes I said paying, their children for every goal that they make! This is the motivation for their children. And at such a young, tender age, I just cant even imagine or comprehend this. *shock* I will leave this here.

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Moving on to what God has called and planned for us. I think I will write this as bullet points, as my thoughts are all over and my notes are such as that.

Being an example:

• Always offer up praise and encouragement to opponents.
• Never berate any child, coach or official. Think it only-"little ears are listening, eyes are watching and hearts are feeling"

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:16

• Let your child see you enjoy the sport.
• Put character first. Always.
• Observe your child's behavior and correct it, even if the coach doesn't-make it clear that we are called to a higher standard.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself."

Phil. 2:3

• TV Sports: look for teachable moments, or point out unacceptable behavior in a player. That behavior hurts the team and the player (sin). Point out good behavior and examples that you see as well!
• Be up front with coaches and your children. "I want my child learning life lessons out on the field."

A few side notes:

• Don't confuse sportsmanship with real tackle play- Play the game right and real.
• You want them to try to win, play hard! This verse is on spiritual discipline, but our speaker encouraged it to be also applied to sports:

"Do you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Cor. 9:24

Be Wise:

• Be wise in how you deal with coaches and overly competitive/aggressive children. Use it to teach your child the correct ways to play and behave. 

"Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown except by competing according to the rules."

2 Timothy 2:5

• Its your responsibility to teach sportsmanship- Do we have to teach our children to lie? No. Do we have to teach them to steal? Nope. We are to teach them the right ways of these things, including sportsmanship. They aren't born knowing good sportsmanship- it is learned and taught. Be sure you teach it to them, dont let the world do it for you.
• What do you want your child to learn? Teaching them character, will pay off in life. Not whether they win. They will get ground balls all of their life, teach them how to deal with them. Are they playing to learn life lessons or are you too focused on getting that scholarship?
• Lack of teaching good, quality sportsmanship will come back to haunt you in the end. Be wise.

Best Line:

• If you remember nothing else, remember this. This is the one principle for the young mind to get and keep. At the center of good sportsmanship is Matthew 7:12. The golden rule of all:

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you."

Matthew 7:12

More related verses:

• Mark 8:36
• 1 Cor. 10:31
• Col. 3:23
• James 3:16

As I was sitting there, thinking about when sportsmanship begins, it begins so early. I am reminded that it's so important to play games and board games with our children. Allowing them to safely lose at home first, while playing a simple game, can be a great beginning to having the right attitude of losing and winning. Both are important. Play lots of games!

Lots to think and pray on! Our speaker, of whom I love his family, shared so much. So much from the Bible too. It's so important that if we take the route of sports, to be present for our children. To be at all the games, to be at the meets, anything they do, because the teachable moments are there. We are to train their hearts, and use such moments for training, for life lessons. If we arent there, who will train their hearts in this important area? The world. But we must be there, in order to see them and not allow laziness or other things to take priority of being with our children. I love the ways God's word guides every step of our parenting. Such a comfort to know we can go to Him and He will lead us down His path! So much to learn. So much to pray about. Now, go play hard!