#  382   2/19/07   Character is the lesson of sports
           
We are deep in the middle of basketball season with March Madness looming ahead.  Basketball has always been my favorite spectator sport.  I blame my initial enjoyment of basketball on the fact that it is played inside a warm gymnasium.  Later, I came to love the fast, adrenaline-producing pace.
           
While I enjoy all levels of amateur basketball, both boys and girls, none are as enjoyable to me as the beginners.  Of course they do not have the skill or teamwork of a Division I collegiate team, but they are not lacking enthusiasm.
           
I recently watched games in a church in Keller, Texas.  Do I need to mention that I had grandsons on two of those teams?  I was impressed with the program that is called Upward Basketball.  The coaches were committed to teaching character as well as basketball.  Their gradual introduction of skills at the appropriate levels decreased frustration for the young boys and girls.  There were no overwrought parents yelling evaluations of the players and officials.  Sportsmanship was the main lesson.
           
Athletic competition is about life.  Why else would Paul have used so many references to races and fights when he wrote letters of instruction and encouragement to the young churches?
           
When the games are over, what will matter the most?  Will it be the skill of sinking a basket under pressure, or will it be the ability to work as a part of a team?  Will it be the final score, or will it be the character of the athlete?
           
If your child is involved in sports, remember that sharing the ball, encouraging fellow teammates, exhibiting humility and practicing self-control are life lessons.  At the end of the game, compliment your young athlete for his sportsmanlike behavior as well as his number of baskets or steals.  And do it specifically:  “I saw you encouraging Jake after he missed that free throw.  And, showing self-control when you thought a call was unfair.  Way to go, Sport.”
           
I thank God for men and women who are willing to give their time to work with young people in any sport.  I especially admire those who coach a team of six-year-olds.  I saw character being built when one six-year-old gently reminded a teammate which direction to run with the ball.