YOUTH SPORTS AND SPORTSMANSHIP

Bishop Paul S. Coakley

It is well known that Karol Wojtyla, the man who became Pope John Paul II, was an avid athlete.  As a youth and young man he enjoyed soccer.  After becoming pope he continued to go on ski outings and even had a swimming pool built in Vatican City. 

Reflecting on the importance of sports Pope John Paul II noted that many essential values, such as loyalty, fair play, generosity, solidarity and respect are common to both sports and Christian discipleship: “Are not these athletic values the deepest aspirations and requirements of the Christian message?”  These values form the foundation of lasting virtues and strong characters.

Recognizing that sports programs provide an outstanding opportunity to train and form youth the Church has embraced athletics as a fruitful approach to youth ministry.  A balanced approach to sports helps instill human and Christian values that prepare young men and women to be good citizens and good Catholics. 

UNFORTUNATELY, THERE is ample evidence today that youth sports programs are losing that balance and a clear sense of purpose.   Youth sports culture is changing.  Sports programs are increasingly becoming expensive year round programs, involving travel which often detracts from family time (and even the opportunity to participate in Mass).

 A style of coaching which emphasizing winning above all things often shows a disturbing lack of respect for players and opponents.  Examples of “parent rage” are becoming more common than ever before. 

What has become of the old refrain:  “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game”?  The cynic would say that this is just a weak consolation for the losers. 

BUT THERE USED TO BE a common understanding that while athletics taught young people to excel to the best of their ability on the playing field, winning and losing were not the ultimate purpose of participating in sports.  The quality of sportsmanship which players and coaches exhibited on the playing field was regarded as equally important as the final score.  Winning can teach us much, but sometimes losing can teach us even more.  A victory is hollow if it is gained by sacrificing integrity. 

As students prepare to return to school this is a good time to reflect on the role of athletics in our communities.  As Catholic parents, coaches, athletes and fans we have a shared responsibility within our homes, parishes and schools to promote a youth sports culture that is truly Christian.

 Do we view athletics as a way of ministering to youth and their families?  That is, do we see athletics as a way of fostering character development, and building Christian communities?   Our behavior on the court, on the field and in the stands is part of the way we live and bear witness to our faith.  How are we doing?

Published in The Register, Diocese of Salina 8-17-07