CHARACTER COACH INITIATIVE

Why Are Character Coaches Needed?

One of the most important roles coaches play in preparing players for competition and life is to give them a chance to develop good character.

We expect coaches to have a game plan for coaching the fundamentals and strategy of any sport.  What isn’t always clear is how to coach character. Over time we have seen an ever-growing gap develop between coaching the fundamental aspects of a specific sport and the development of quality character. Character Coaches exist to fill this crucial gap in developing the complete athlete.
Character Coach vs. Chaplain 
It is important to know the difference between a Character Coach and a Chaplain. 
Both roles are critically important but distinctively different. 
Character Coach
  • Non-religious
  • Goal is to teach character/leadership qualities
  • Coaches can make it mandatory
  • Model + Inform
Chaplain
  • Faith-based
  • Goal is to provide spiritual guidance and direction
  • Coaches must make it optional
  • Model + Inform + Convert
Who Are Character Coaches?
A wide variety of people can serve the sports community as Character Coaches. One need not be in the ministry to faithfully serve and significantly impact the lives of coaches and athletes. Among those who could serve are:
  • Parents of players in youth sports (school based teams or club sports).
  • Coaches of youth sports teams, school based teams or coaches at higher levels of sport.
  • Community leaders with an interest in developing character.
  • Athletic trainers or other support personnel with sports teams.
  • Pastors or other ministry professionals.
  • Church members who desire to make an impact by serving others.
What Does It Take To Be A Character Coach?
FCA wants to provide teams with the best-trained, most effective Character Coaches we can, so we created a process:
  • Completion of the on-line application process called the Ministry Leader Application.
  • Initiation of a relationship with an FCA staff member in your area for further training, encouragement, facilitation and accountability.
  • Communication with the FCA staff prior to the season for planning, prayer, resources, etc.
  • Communication with the FCA staff during the season for encouragement, problem solving and further direction.
  • Communication with the FCA staff and the Coach at the end of the season for evaluation, reporting of results, etc…
General Guidelines

Relational Approach

Have a missionary mindset. Do not approach this role with an agenda other than to serve.

People > Strategies

Give your heart to the coaches and athletes. Be expressive in letting them know you care about them.

Always Be Available

Don't talk down to anyone and be quick to listen. You never know what opportunities may arise by simply being there when you are needed.

Colleges/Universities

13

High Schools

174

Middle Schools

223

Teams

Countless

The Stakes Are Too High To Not Get Involved!
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