SPORT AND SPORTSMANSHIP How Sport and faith fit together As a parent my hope is that my children will understand that there are more important things in life than just winning! At the end of a game, it is important that our children can shake their opponent’s hand while looking directly into their eyes (whether experiencing the joy of winning or the disappointment of defeat). It is an important part of showing respect and recognising that playing hard and fair is our ultimate goal. Let’s face it, good sportsmanship these days is rare and acts of fair play are often criticised rather than applauded by commentators, spectators and coaches. But when good sportsmanship goes missing in children’s sport, we need to ask ourselves who is responsible, because it is easy to blame our sporting heroes whose example is not always up to standard. It is true athletes can be very influential figures in society and have become role models to young enthusiasts whether they like it or not. It is important to acknowledge that sports men and women play an integral part in defining our sporting identity and have the opportunity to contribute to a culture where good sportsmanship is recognised and admired rather than perpetuating a “win at all cost” approach that leads to moral and ethical decline. However, I believe that there is a greater influence at play when it comes to establishing positive attitudes toward participation and competition in sport. Even though it pains me to admit, my role as a parent in my own children’s sporting endeavours hasn’t always been above reproach and there have been “ugly parent” episodes that I wish I could revisit. After decades of coaching and following my kids from ground to ground, I realise that parents are the real influencers and our responses and reactions are observed and duly noted by our children. This is where, I believe, the “good sporting culture” is truly defined.
Paraguay Mission Team 2019
I can still remember the day that my coach called us together prior to running on the field and proceeded to commit us and the game to the Lord in prayer. Many of my teammates were stunned and yet praying before we played became a weekly ritual that established a culture that every player, despite their own position on faith, appreciated. It always went something like this.... “Not for our glory but yours!” As a parent, I hope that my children, who are now young adults, have learned the importance of good sportsmanship. More than that, I hope that they have a clear understanding of how sport and faith can come together and be a wonderful vehicle to serve the community and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, be a place where God’s kingdom can be furthered. We need to see that every aspect of our lives is an act of worship and this includes our involvement in sport. We understand this from Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Since sport can be an act of worship, all Christians both young and old are encouraged to worship God in their sport to an audience of One. Worship is an attitude that can be applied to every action, whether we are winning or losing. We are called to worship Him with every gift and ability that He has given us in sport and in every aspect of life. May we be attuned to our opportunities to be culture setters in this important environment, worshipping God and encouraging our children in life, sport and faith.
Culture Setters If we consider our involvement in sport from a Christian perspective, it would be very easy to condemn sport as a toxic environment where moral and ethical issues are overlooked when challenged in the light of winning and success. The fact is, we have a great opportunity to become culture setters in this secular environment. Instead of Christian parents dragging their children away and denying them opportunities to participate because of the perceived damage that is being done, it is time for Christian parents to put their hands up to coach and manage children’s teams, or simply inhabit the sidelines cheering and encouraging their children to play in a spirit that recognises the principles of good sportsmanship.
PAUL MCCONNELL Director of Sports & Service
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