Character Development
Character development is an integral part of a successful football program. When asked how do you have time to take away from football or weights to implement character education, I ask how do you have time not to? We will make character education a priority in our program. We will start in the football program and other programs will follow. We really emphasize to our kids that we are walking on this earth to minister and serve one another and that it cannot be about themselves.
Two Types of Coaches
There are two types of coaches. Transactional and transformational. Transactional coaches will make winning the priority and focus less on the journey or experience that takes place during the season. They neglect the life lessons taught through the game of football. Transformational coaches are more interested in being a teacher and developer of character first and foremost. Winning is the byproduct of the way that you do things.
On the Anvil
We are all somewhere in the blacksmith shop and of course, God is the master blacksmith...We are either on the scrap pile, in the Master’s Hands on the anvil being shaped, or in the tool chest ready for the opportunity to be used. Most of us have been in all three places. For those who make the journey; Who leave the scrap pile and enter the fire and dare to be pounded on God’s anvil...a grand privilege awaits...to be called one of God’s chosen instruments.
That message translates to our kids to be willing to get hot and uncomfortable and embrace the struggle, which will allow us as coaches to mold them to become the men and women that they are called to be.
Commitment
Big Question...When do we have time to do this?
How do you have time not to?
During the athletic period
Before School
After School
During Lunch
Two Phases of Character Education
The first phase of our Character Education will start with Leadership You! training. This will consist of a lesson taught by coaches 2 times a week for 15-20 minutes. Coaches will have a powerpoint that will discuss the topic of the day and how that fits in to the Leadership You! model. We encourage coaches to bring personal experiences in to their teaching to help build relationships with kids. The players will be given fill in the blank notes to be kept in their Character U notebook.
The second phase of our Character Education we call Character U. Here we will spend 3 days a week during the offseason approximately 15 minutes each day. We will teach the kids how to write S.M.A.R.T. goals daily. Players will be given a goal sheet each week to write their daily goals on. This curriculum consists of several character traits for us to choose from. The lessons will start with a story about a character trait followed by 4-5 open ended questions. Players will be divided into their accountability teams to answer the question and discuss with each other and their assigned coach.
Team Building
Each month we will engage in at least one team building activity. This will be in effort to have players get to know each other on a different level. Seeing their teammates outside the football area goes a long way in developing relationships and building cohesiveness amongst the team. Activities may include going to a movie, obstacle course, puzzles or mazes, video game tournament, etc. In order for us to be a strong team we must have strong bonds between players. We will encourage players to get to know teammates that are outside of their circle. In life we will work with and come across people of all different backgrounds. We must learn to appreciate them as a person, but also build a relationship to be able to work together.
In Season Character Education
During the season we as coaches will assess the needs of the team to determine the best character traits to work on. For example, if we are having a problem of selfishness then we will spend time that week speaking about unselfishness and its benefits. We call this method scratch where it itches. Coaches need to be in tune with their position group as well as the team to be able to address the needs as we see fit. That starts with building relationships with your players.