sports philosophy

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe…

Philippians 2:14-15

The Southwest Christian High School Athletic Program will reflect the overall educational and spiritual philosophy of SWCHS without compromise. Our goal is to bring glory to God in all that we do. This means that coaches and athletes and all those who are involved in the athletic programs at SWCHS will pursue excellence in academics, athletics, and in their personal lives in a way that glorifies God.

We consider athletics to be one of several valuable educational experiences that contribute to the overall educational program provided for our students. Therefore, SWCHS will try to provide an opportunity for as many students as possible to participate in our sports activities.

We seek to have a God-centered athletic program that provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn and practice teamwork, cooperation, self-discipline, and sportsmanship, as they learn to make proper decisions and accept responsibility. Students will learn important skills specific to their sport. They will be taught that a person’s value as a human being is not based on performance, but on their relationship to God. Students will learn that success is more important than winning. Success is doing everything to the best of one’s ability, while bringing glory to God.

Southwest Christian High School coaches and athletes have a unique platform that gives them opportunities to be positive leaders. Along with this platform comes the responsibility to “shine like stars” and to be lights that point others toward Jesus.

The SWCHS Athletic Program strives to be above reproach in all areas of operation. Members should seek to follow all of the rules and regulations of the Minnesota State High School League, as well any conference or league of which we are a member. We will act as representatives of Christ, whether it’s on or off the fields and courts.

 

Philosophy of Varsity Athletics

1. Southwest is committed to participating at the varsity level in all sports.
2. Varsity is the highest level of competition provided for high school athletes.
3. Southwest is committed to being competitive in every varsity sport.  It is the goal of the Southwest Athletic Program to develop championship caliber programs in all sports.
4. In order to be competitive it is desired that varsity athletes have prior training in their sport, either in junior high or outside of the sport season.

Coach Commitment:

1. To coach the sport in accordance with the school’s Athletic Philosophy.
2. To reinforce and teach Christian values through example and instruction on and off the court or field.
3. To instruct players in fundamental skills of the sport, team strategy and play, team rules, sportsmanship, proper attitude and character development.
4. To demonstrate a proper reaction to winning, losing, or other pressure situations.
5. To recognize the value of each individual athlete and encourage and work with players of all levels of skill and ability.
6. To discipline fairly and consistently without regard to the score of the game, who the player is, or the importance of the game.
7. To continue to seek ways to develop as a professional in the sport.
8. To treat referees and officials with respect at all times and demand this of his or her players.
9. To openly, honestly, and effectively communicate with athletes and parents.

Coaches, Players, Parents, Fans:

Everyone in the SWCHS Athletic Program has the privilege of being a representative of Christ and of Southwest Christian High School. We must be above reproach in all that we do, and we should encourage others to do the same. Some general guidelines for everyone are as follows:

1. Treat your opponent with respect.  Make a special effort to be courteous and respectful, even when you feel your team has not been treated fairly.
2. Be a humble winner and a gracious loser.  “If you lose say little, if you win say less.”
3. Always conduct yourself in a controlled manner.
4. Use only positive verbal interchange with any person from opposing teams or schools.
5. Respond to officials’ decisions in a controlled manner and with a spirit of good sportsmanship.
6. Use only positive actions and words toward officials.
7. Use principles of sportsmanship and fair play, regardless of the situation or outcome of the contest.
8. Make certain buildings and properties are in good conditions before leaving.

-Respect opponent’s school and locker room areas; and others’ personal property.  Pick up any litter from the area and leave the area cleaner than before you arrived.