United States Military Academy

 

 

Department of Physical Education

 

 

 

 

 

 

Champions of Character Manual

 

           

 

 

“Achieving athletic excellence through fair play,

ethical behavior and integrity”

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Message from DPE Competitive Sports    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

 

DPE Competitive Sports Vision / Outcome Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            3

 

Overview of the Champions of Character Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           4

 

Coach’s Checklist – Teaching Character through Sport  . . . . . . . . . . . .          6

 

The Difference between Good Coaches and Great Coaches  . . . . . . . .         8

 

Coach’s Pledge to Teach Character through Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           9

 

Athlete’s Checklist – Character Development through Sport . . . . . . . . .        10

 

Athlete’s Pledge to become an Athlete of Character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        12

 

Sportsmanship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   13

 

Building Teams on Core Values and Core Covenants  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       14

 

The Mike Krzyzewski Teaching Character through Sport Award  . . . . . . .    15

 

USMA Champions of Character Certified Coaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       17

 

 

 

 

                                 

            

 

Message from DPE Competitive Sports

 

 

Competitive Sports Team,

 

This manual has been prepared to provide information on the Champions of Character initiative.  The Champions of Character program was developed by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics in response to the deteriorating standards of integrity in sport and society.  The purpose of Champions of Character at West Point is to instill an understanding of character values in sport and reinforce the Army Values.

 

General Douglas MacArthur’s motto of “every cadet an athlete, every athlete challenged,” continues to guide us today.  We believe in his underlying principle, “Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that, upon other fields, on other days, will bear the fruits of victory.”  It is our responsibility to provide experiences that develop athletes and leaders of character.

 

As we prepare for the upcoming seasons, the DPE Competitive Sports Office wants to emphasize to each sport educator, coach, OIC, CIC, official, and player the importance of your leadership role in sportsmanship, fair play, ethics, and integrity.  The professional manner in which you conduct yourself impacts the behavior of everyone involved in our program.

 

We look forward to working with you in our quest to make DPE Competitive Sports the recognized leader in character development.  Your individual efforts are responsible for our success.

 

 

Go Army!

 

Dr. Ralph Pim, Chief of Competitive Sports

Mr. Sandy Helfgott, Director of Company Athletics

CPT (P) Joe Gelineau, Director of Club Sports

LTC Joe Doty, Special Assistant to the Director for Teaching Character

Mr. Paul Gannon, Special Events and Brigade Open Specialist

         

 

 

For additional information on the Champions of Character, contact:

Mr. Rob Miller, Director of Champions of Character

Email:  rmiller@naia.org

Phone: (913)791-0044 (ext 119)

http://naia.cstv.com/champions-character/

DPE Competitive Sports Vision / Outcome Goals

 

 

Vision:

 

The vision of the Department of Physical Education is to build the premier sports program in the nation that teaches character through sport and the “will to win.”  The program will:

 

  1. Develop leaders and athletes of character;
  2. Instill the Warrior Ethos; and
  3. Promote team-building skills.

 

 

Outcome Goals:

 

As a result of participation in the competitive sports program, cadets will demonstrate:

  • Respect for teammates, coaches, opponents, officials; and respect for the rules and regulations governing the game.
  • Responsibility for their actions as it contributes to the welfare of the team and the development of the Warrior Ethos.
  • Integrity during sport competition.
  • Sportsmanship by adhering to the highest standard of ethical conduct and fair play.
  • Servant leadership by demonstrating effective team play and by placing the needs of the team ahead of their own.
  • Physical fitness and motor skills necessary to succeed in sports.

 

Process Goals:

Participation in the DPE Competitive Sports program will provide                

 

  • Challenging competitive sports experiences designed to promote the Warrior Ethos, Army Values, teamwork, and moral-ethical decision making.

 

  • Meaningful leadership experiences for cadets.

 

  • A safe environment and appropriate resources that facilitate effective program delivery.

 

Overview of the Champions of Character Program

 

 

          In 2005, the Department of Physical Education implemented the nationally recognized Champions of Character initiative into their Competitive Sports program.  The Champions of Character program was created by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and its mission is to create an environment in which every student-athlete, coach, official, and spectator is committed to the true spirit of competition through the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership, and sportsmanship.

 

          The Champions of Character program is designed to instill an understanding of character values in sport.  Training is available for student-athletes, coaches, and parents to help them know the right thing, do the right thing, and value the right thing inside and outside of the sports setting. 

         

At West Point, the Champions of Character program:

1.      Reinforces the Army Values and provides specific strategies on how to teach these character traits on the athletic fields.

2.      Provides training and certification for DPE sport educators, club coaches, OIC’s, and cadet coaches.

3.      Provides application models that coaches can utilize in their practice and game plans to teach character through sport.

 

 

The Champions of Character emphasizes five key core values.

 

Respect

Respect is treating people the way they should be treated. If you are respectful, you recognize the dignity and worth of all individuals and honor their beliefs, customs, and heritage. Those associated with sport show respect by treating themselves, other persons, institutions, and their sport according to the highest standards of conduct.

 

Responsibility

Responsibility implies dependability and reliability. When you are responsible, all team members can count on you. You work hard to improve and have the perseverance to get through difficult times. You are committed to excellence and do everything within your power to complete the mission of the team. Cadets demonstrate responsibility by making progress toward becoming a leader of character their top priority.  They hold themselves accountable for their actions and their decisions.  They solve problems rather than make excuses and are reliable team members. 

 

 

 

Integrity

Integrity is the cornerstone of good character and encompasses every part of your life. If you have integrity, your words are free from deceit and your actions are consistent with your words. You know what you stand for, and you live by the standards that you set. Integrity means keeping commitments and conducting honest behavior.

 

Servant Leadership

Servant leadership refers to putting the team first and becoming responsible for personal and group roles while performing at your best.  Cadets have a primary purpose of serving others while striving to become a personal and team leader.

 

Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship is the cooperation of cadets as a unit showing common courtesy, patience, pride, and respect.  The conduct of DPE Competitive Sports according to the highest standards is our expectation for sportsmanship.  Sport educators, CICs, coaches, officials, players, and spectators are expected to act correctly and demonstrate fairness and equity in all contests and relationships. 

 

 

 

 

        

 

 

     

 

 

Coach’s Checklist – Teaching Character through Sport

 

 

Coaches demonstrate RESPECT

1.  Honor the profession – a sacred trust

·         Modeling ethical and moral conduct

·         Honor character with your speaking

·         Display humility in victory and graciousness in defeat

2.  How you deal with mistakes  

·         Communicate value

·         Love the game and the players

·         Create a climate where growth and change can occur

3.  Commitment

·         Entrust your mental, physical and spiritual energies to the profession

·         Be devoted to the Champions of Character Five Core Values

·         Demonstrate work ethic - time, energy, preparation and knowledge 

 

 

Coaches demonstrate RESPONSIBILITY

1.  Leadership

·         Establish a clear vision for your teams and plant it into your athletes

·         Establish and hold athletes accountable for high expectations of effort and behavior

·         Extend your influence to enhance the sportsmanship of everyone involved in the contest (players, guests, fans, officials, and administrators)

·         Assume responsibility for your own mistakes – looks at self first – make no excuses

·         Demonstrate self-discipline – model during games and practices

2.  Teach Character

·         Sincerely care about the lives and character of your athletes

·         Develop a coaching philosophy that includes the five core values

·         Incorporate lessons of character in your practices and contests

·         Reward character and sportsmanship as well as ability

3.  Competence

·         Be a master teacher of the game

·         Demonstrate knowledge of game, teaching motor skills, preparation and team building

·         Be acquainted with all the rules governing your sport

·         Make continuing education and personal growth a priority

     4. Hold Athletes Responsible

·         Confront behavior when it is not acceptable – set and follow through on behavioral expectations

·         Maintain positive discipline – create positive behavior patterns and changes

 

Coaches demonstrate INTEGRITY

·         Motives unquestioned

·         Consistency in all situations – fulfill expectations with appropriate action

·         Build character and lead with character – demonstrate the core covenants of team and institutions

·         Preserve the integrity of your individual sport and profession

·         Determine what you will compromise and what you will never compromise

 

 

Coaches demonstrate SERVANT LEADERSHIP

1.  Leadership style check

·         Be a confidence builder

·         Be approachable – Be a listener

·         Be a team player within the department and school

·         Maintain a positive attitude, a hopeful, supportive, encouraging outlook

·         Empower others

2. Generosity 

·         Do more than what is required by your profession

·         Display common courtesy, politeness and consideration

·         Develop a feeling of camaraderie with all opponents and officials

 

 

Coaches demonstrate SPORTSMANSHIP

1. Teach sportsmanship

·         Teach and rehearse sportsmanship situations and expectations

·         Follow through with sportsmanship expectations

·         Reinforce good sportsmanship decisions

2. Model correct behavior

·         Being a role model is the most powerful form of education

·         Support the game officials

·         Accept decisions of contest officials

·         Follow the rules of the sport during the progress of the contest

·         Act correctly when others do not

·         Have fun - enjoy the profession; the people and let it show

 

 

 

 

Material from Bruce E Brown – NAIA Special Presenter

 

 

 

The Difference between Good Coaches and Great Coaches

 

 

 

Good coaches are positive – Great coaches have a positive passion

 

 

Good coaches have strong beliefs – Great coaches are believed

 

 

Good coaches understand the game – Great coaches understand the game and their athletes and how to teach both

 

 

Good coaches talk about their expectations – Great coaches have athletes who meet their expectations

 

Material from Bruce E Brown – NAIA Special Presenter

 

 

 

 DPE

 

 

 

SET THE STANDARD … MAINTAIN THE STANDARD

 

 

 

Coach’s Pledge to Teach Character through Sport

 

 

Respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship, and servant leadership are lifetime values that are taught through athletics. 

 

As a coach, I agree to:

 

  1. Exemplify the highest moral character.

 

  1. Adhere to the ethical standards that are expected at USMA.

 

  1. Set a good example for players and spectators to follow.

 

  1. Teach my athletes to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials, and opponents.

 

  1. Describe and define respectful and disrespectful behavior.

 

  1. Stress that disrespectful behavior such as taunting, trash talking and intimidation will not be tolerated.

 

  1. Be no party to the use of profanity or obscene language, or improper actions.

 

  1. Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials.

 

  1. Display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat.

 

________________________________________________________________

 

 

As a coach, I understand the behavior expectations of me by DPE Competitive Sports, and I hereby accept my responsibility to be a model of ethical behavior, integrity, and good citizenship; and be a teacher of character through athletics.

 

 

Name:  ________________________________          Date: ________________

                                   (Print)

 

 

______________________________________           Sport: ________________

                               (Signature)

 

 

Athlete’s Checklist – Character Development

 

 

How an Athlete of Character shows RESPECT

 

1.  Teachable Spirit

·         Can take correction as a compliment

·         Consistently seeking new information

·         Eager to learn

2.  Work Habits  

·         Commits to continuous improvement

·         Demonstrates self-discipline, dedication, and perseverance

3.  Attentiveness

·         Listens carefully with fine focus

·         Demonstrates respect for coaches and teammates

      4.  Confidence

·         Quiet inner feeling based on preparation not arrogance

·         Relaxed aggressiveness

·         Confidence builder

      5.  Pride

·         Shared joy of the inner circle

·         Does not require or expect special treatment

·         Sense of dignity

·         Values the work and the accomplishments of the team

 

 

How an Athlete of Character shows RESPONSIBILITY

 

1.  Academic Progress

·         Assumes responsibility for academic effort

·         Makes academic progress toward graduation the top priority

2.  Accountability

·         Accepts personal responsibility

·         Is a problem solver, not an excuse maker

·         Takes responsibility when improvement is needed

3.  Consistency

·         Dependable; can be counted on by teammates and coaches

      4.  Discipline

·         Accepts and embraces discipline for the benefit of the team

·         Demonstrates self-control both on and off the field/court

·         Maintains focus and concentration on the task at hand

      5.  Competitive

·         Demonstrates the will to win

·         Able to recover quickly from mistakes or misfortune

·         Never, never quits

 

     6.  Mental Toughness

·         Has the inner strength to be able to control emotional responses

·         Concentrates on what has to be done in pressure situation

·         Stays enthusiastic, confident, and positive

·         Nothing breaks the spirit to compete

     7.  Determination

·         Is a self-starter

·         Perseveres through the difficult times

·         Shows initiative

·         Stays with obligations and promises

 

 

How an Athlete of Character demonstrates INTEGRITY

 

·         Motives are unquestioned

·         Consistent in all situations – fulfills expectations with appropriate action

·         Leads with character – demonstrates the core covenants of team and institutions

·         Truthful, honorable, and genuine

 

 

How an Athlete of Character demonstrates SERVANT LEADERSHIP

 

1.  Selflessness - Teamwork

·         Places the team first in every decision

·         Accepts and fulfills a role

2.  Enthusiasm 

·         Shows a love for the game

·         Brings positive energy to the team every day

 

 

How an Athlete of Character demonstrates SPORTSMANSHIP

 

·         Models correct behavior

·         Respects self, teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents

·         Respects the rules of the game

·         Reinforces good sportsmanship decisions

·         Accepts decisions of contest officials

·         Acts correctly when others do not

 

 

Material from Bruce E Brown – NAIA Special Presenter

 

 

 

Athlete’s Pledge to become an Athlete of Character

 

 

Respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship, and servant leadership are lifetime values that are gained through participation in athletics. 

 

 

As a cadet-athlete, I agree to:

 

  1. Play hard and fair at all times.

 

  1. Treat teammates, opponents, and officials with respect and dignity.

 

  1. Do my best to be a team player.

 

  1. Refrain from taunting, trash talking or making any kind of derogatory remarks to my opponents during the game.

 

  1. Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials. I understand that officials are doing their best and I will treat them with respect even when disagreeing with their judgment.

 

  1. Exercise self-control and be a good example for my team members.

 

  1. Congratulate opponents following either victory or defeat.

 

 

________________________________________________________________

 

 

As a cadet-athlete, I understand the spirit of fair play while playing hard.  I will refrain from engaging in all types of disrespectful behavior including inappropriate language, taunting, trash talking, and unnecessary physical contact.  I know the behavior expectations of me by the DPE Competitive Sports office, and I hereby accept my responsibility to be a model of ethical behavior, integrity, and good citizenship.

 

 

Name:  ________________________________          Date: ________________

                                   (Print)

 

 

______________________________________           Sport: ________________

                               (Signature)

 

 

Sportsmanship

 

 

What is Sportsmanship?

 

Sportsmanship is the cooperation of cadets as a unit showing common courtesy, patience, pride, and respect.  It is a concrete measure of the understanding and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior, and integrity.

 

 

Why Do We Need Good Sportsmanship?

 

  • To promote ethics, respect, and integrity in all walks of life.

 

  • To learn the attitudes necessary for responsible behavior.

 

  • To promote teamwork and consideration for others.

 

  • To prevent violent actions towards officials, opponents, and other spectators which are becoming commonplace in today’s society and sports.

 

  • To decrease the emphasis on just winning or losing an athletic event.

 

  • To promote the ideal of intrinsic rewards of athletes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Building Teams on Core Values and Core Covenants

 

Greatness is a function of conscious choice and discipline.  Successful leaders build their teams on core values.  At Duke University, Mike Krzyzewski has identified trust, collective responsibility, caring, communication, and pride as the program’s core values.  15 Strong was the battle cry of the Miami Heat in 2006 as Pat Riley led the team to the NBA championship emphasizing the values of team unity, unselfishness, toughness, and perseverance.

 

Core values are the heart and soul of a team and become the indispensable and lasting tenets of a program.  They define a team’s code of behavior and describe what is and what isn’t acceptable.  Successful coaches bridge the gap between words and action by describing the expected behavior for each core value.  They set a standard and hold players accountable to this standard.

 

A team’s core values become a covenant that binds players together and focuses them on their desired end state.  Players understand that it is the responsibility of all team members to make sure that every one adheres to the team’s covenant. Any slippage in this area results in cracks in the foundation of the program. Unless these cracks are repaired immediately, internal dissension will keep the team from reaching its full potential.

 

 

Activity 1 – Select your team’s core values                                                                

Coaches and team members should determine the core values of their team.  Keep the number of core values to a minimum.  Select only those that best represent your program and will serve as your team’s identity. 

 

Examples of core values:

Positive attitude, intensity, commitment to excellence, pride, confidence, respect, responsibility, teamwork, enthusiasm, friendship, mental toughness, integrity, competitiveness, selflessness, courage, discipline, poise, and accountability.

 

 

Activity 2 – Define your team’s core values

Describe the behavioral expectation for each of the values listed in the previous activity.  Be specific.  What does it look like in practice, games, when you win, when you lose, on trips, in the barracks, in the Mess Hall, during the off season?

 

Example of behavioral expectations for the value of responsibility:

·         First to accept responsibility; last to make excuses

·         Exceeds standards rather than doing the minimum

·         Lives according to the team’s core values

·         Accepts role on the team and fulfills it to the best of his/her ability

·         Does the right thing even when no one is watching

 

The Mike Krzyzewski Teaching Character through Sport Award

 

“It is certainly an honor to have my name associated with an award that you will introduce in this upcoming school year.  Thank you so very much.  I was pleased to hear about the objectives of the DPE Competitive Sports program.  They are right on target and I wish you the best in your efforts to make these programs outstanding.” – Mike Krzyzewski

 

 

1.      PURPOSE.  The Mike Krzyzewski Teaching Character through Sport Award allows DPE Competitive Sports the opportunity to recognize significant contributions in the area of sport education and character development.

 

2.      AWARD CRITERION. 

The recipient(s) shall:

a.      Have demonstrated outstanding work in creating an athletic environment that promotes and models the true spirit of competition through respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership, and sportsmanship.

 

b.      Be an individual of personal integrity who exemplifies devoted service to the development of “leaders of character” through athletic competition.

 

3.      AWARD DIVISIONS.

There are two divisions of The Mike Krzyzewski Teaching Character through Sport Award:

a.      Cadet Award

One award may be given each year to either a DPE Competitive Club Sport or Company Athletics cadet.

 

b.      USMA Faculty and Staff Award

One award may be given each year to a sport educator, OIC, or coach in Club Sports or Company Athletics.

 

4.      SELECTION PROCESS.

a.      Cadet Award

The recipient of the Mike Krzyzewski Teaching Character through Sport Award will be a cadet from either a DPE Competitive Club Sport or Company Athletics.

1.      Selection process in DPE Competitive Club Sports

§         Each team can nominate one cadet from ANY club.

§         Club OIC/CIC can submit one name NLT 15 November (fall sport) and 1 April (winter/spring sports).

§         Nominations must be in the form of one page or less and justify the criterion above.

§         The selection committee will review all nominees in Club Sports and Company Athletics and select one cadet winner. 

§         All nominees, CICs and OICs will receive an invitation to the ceremony.

2.      Selection process in Company Athletics

§         Each DPE Sport Educator and/or CIC can nominate one cadet per sport NLT 15 November (fall sports) and 1 April (winter/spring sports).

§         Nominations must be in the form of one page or less and justify the criterion above.

§         The selection committee will review all nominees in Company Athletics and Club Sports and select one cadet winner.

§         All nominees and sport educators will receive an invitation to the ceremony.

 

b.      USMA Faculty and Staff Award

The faculty and staff recipient of the Mike Krzyzewski Teaching Character through Sport Award will be a sport educator, OIC, or coach in DPE Club Sports or Company Athletics.

3.      Selection process for the USMA Faculty and Staff Award 

§         Nominations can be made by cadets, faculty and/or staff.

§         Nominations must be in the form of one page or less and justify the criterion stated above.

§         Nominations must be received NLT 15 November (fall sports) and 1 April (winter/spring sports).

§         The selection committee will review all nominees and select one faculty-staff winner. 

§         All sport educators, Club coaches, CICs and OICs will receive an invitation to the ceremony.

 

5.      AWARD PRESENTATION.

The first award will be given in April 2007.  There will be a permanent plaque in Arvin honoring the award winners. Individual recipients will receive a framed certificate.

 

6.      SELECTION COMMITTEE.

Chief of Competitive Sports, Director of Company Athletics, Director of Club Sports, and two At-Large Members.

 

USMA Champions of Character Certified Coaches

 

MAJ

Maurice

Barnett

Dr.

Renard

Barone

Dr.

Matt

Beekley

MAJ

Leonard

Bornino

Mr.

Raymond

Bosse

Dr.

Larry

Butler

MAJ

Daryl

Collins

MAJ

Arthur

Coughlin

Dr.

Todd

Crowder

COL

Gregory

Daniels

LTC

Joe

Doty

Mr.

Mike

Duffey

Dr.

Whitfield

East

Dr.

Lynn

Fielitz

MAJ

Julie

Gallagher

MAJ

Nicholas

Gist

Ms.

Molly

Haberbusch

SFC

James

Halterman

SFC

Eric

Heinsheimer

Mr.

Sandor

Helfgott

2LT

Josephine

Hix

Dr.

Thomas

Horne

MAJ

Michael

Jaskowiec

MAJ

Daniel

Lorenzen

Dr.

Angela

Lumpkin

Dr.

Ralph

Pim

Mr.

Richard

Pohlidal

MAJ

Shelley

Raymond

Ms.

Anne

Richardson

CPT (P)

Elizabeth

Robinson

MAJ

Derrick

Stanton

Mr.

Jason

Suby

Mr.

James

Swisher

Dr.

Susan

Tendy

MAJ

James

Van Atta

MAJ

Kenneth

Wanless

Dr.

Bart

Woodworth

MAJ

Todd

Wright

Mr.

Craig

Yunker

             

 

USMA Champions of Character Certified Instructors

 

Dr. Ralph Pim and Mr. Sandor Helfgott

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 “To win by cheating, by umpire error, or by an unfair stroke of fate is not really to win at all.  If athletic competition does not teach this, then what more valuable lesson is there to learn than that we have a responsibility to stand up for what is right.”

 

Brigadier General (R) Pete Dawkins

Heisman Trophy Winner

United States Military Academy,1959