Sportsmanship

At Grace Academy, we have a very unique school culture. It is counter-culture. Our emphasis on a biblical worldview is not only distinct from public schools but often also from other schools claiming to be Christian. Teaching and guiding young people to measure, weigh, and screen everything by biblical standards is a hallmark of what defines Grace Academy. Our standard should be the same when it comes to sportsmanship. Every action, reaction, and word from the mouths of our athletes, fans, and coaches should build up and not tear down. As Christians of all ages mature, we should become more Christ-like. This means thinking sincerely about how Jesus Christ would behave in any given situation. When attending an athletic contest, we must ask ourselves what we sound like to everyone around us. Not only to those who are connected to our school but those who are connected to the opposing school, both home and away. The number one argument I receive supporting chanting “air ball” or making noise during a free throw is, “That’s how everyone does it.” I don’t believe that I need to elaborate on the failings of that defense. We spend countless hours training our children that this type of statement is wrong in every other area of life, but sometimes we forget that it applies to sports. However, Christlikeness should permeate all areas of our lives.
 
On the basketball court, is it not the job of the players and coaches to win the game? The fan's job is to cheer success, show support, not applaud failure, and attempt to impact the game for either team negatively. Schools visit our gym, and we are sometimes appalled by their behavior, yet we tend to escalate our own negative behavior due to the atmosphere they create around us.
 
Please think about these things the next time you are a spectator here or anywhere.
 
-Timothy Pearce