In the wake of Tiger Woods’ indiscretions and Mark McGwire coming clean about his steroid use, I can’t help but reflect on how this past decade has inevitably changed the view of many regarding the values taught through competitive sports participation.
You would be hard pressed to find a sport that has not been rocked by some type of unethical, even illegal, scandal demonstrating poor character choices by some of the most elite and celebrated athletes within their venue.
Even the Olympics are not exempt from such disgrace and dishonor with some athletes falling under scrutiny for possible cheating through performance enhancing drug use.
Whenever an athlete reaches a pinnacle of performance, breaks a record, or demonstrates extraordinary feats, our first thought has become “is he or she…?,” or “isn’t he or she…?”. We are invariably focused on whether what we just witnessed was real or fake - a display of athletic greatness, or a farce.
Competitive accomplishments weren’t always plagued with second guesses. When a group of college age hockey players beat USSR, arguably the best hockey team on the planet (amateur or pro), in the semis of the 1980 Winter Olympics; then went on to defeat Finland for the gold medal in the next round, my first thoughts had nothing to do with steroids. In fact, it wasn’t even a thought. It seemed Americans across the nation felt an immeasurable sense of pride as this story unfolded before us.
It is sad to think of how much everything has changed. It was a gradual process that had its beginnings long before the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey win.
So many of us involved in sports, whether as an athlete, coach or parent, truly and undeniably support and believe that very valuable qualities – core principles – can come out of competitive sports play.
Yet, when we step back to look at our sports environment today, on a more global scale, that is not what we see. It becomes painfully clear that we are losing the innocence of athletic, no, human endeavor. Where honesty, character and integrity support accomplishment rather than become words lost on the path toward “winning.”
I believe athletes need to shift their thought process at a younger more impressionable age. Fair play needs to become an ingrained part of the way they make choices. One that comes from a belief system which supports a decision making process based on the esteemed qualities we want to see in all competitors at every level.
Athletes need a code of ethical standard that will bring pride and a deeper meaning to the term “athlete”. Thus, I propose The Code of A True Champion.
THE CODE OF A TRUE CHAMPION I will...
1. Consistently, and without reservation, strive to reach my full potential.
2. Be committed and disciplined in my approach.
3. Take personal responsibility, and any action necessary, to achieve team and individual goals.
4. Demonstrate a deep desire to succeed, applying passion and heart to any and every task at hand.
5. Show an impeccable and relentless work ethic that only true dedication provides.
6. Set priorities, and make the required sacrifices, that enhance the chances for athletic success.
7. Persevere through adversity with a positive attitude and concentration that strives toward excellence and mastery.
8. Establish a mindset that highly encourages the belief and confidence that one can accomplish anything, if they are so willing.
9. Apply training and competitive focus that creates the opportunity to transform the impossible into the possible.
All set on a foundation of strong character and integrity that beseeches one to do the right thing just because it is the right thing to do.
And so, you may ask, “Why follow a code of such high standard?”
- Because I believe I can make a difference.
- And because I believe it,
- Then it is something I should do.
- Because it is something I should do,
- Then it is something I will do. - So I toil and sweat both through the good days and the bad:
- Chipping away at any weakness that following the code may reveal within,
- Creating inspiration from athletic experiences of days gone by,
- From future experiences that have yet to occur,
- And from those who may someday attempt to walk the same path –
- Never giving up,
- Never giving in, And never swaying – but for a moment – from the Code of a True Champion.
Again, “Why?” one might ask. Simply – Because I can!
Hundreds of questions and answers from other parents and coaches!
The write-up is superb! If Youth Sport Coahes, Managers, and parents would instill the principles in their athletes or children, it will help enhance positive character development through sport education programs.