To see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.
To lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.
The Character Coach
Why is a Character Coach Needed?
One of the most important roles coaches play in preparing players for competition and life is to give them a chance to develop good character.
We expect a game plan for coaching the X’s and O’s of our sport. What isn’t always clear is how to coach character. Over time we have seen an ever-growing gap develop between coaching the fundamental aspects of a specific sport and the development of quality character. Character Coaches exist to fill this crucial gap in developing the complete athlete.
Who are Character Coaches?
- A wide variety of people can serve the people of sport as Character Coaches. One need not be a sport ministry professional to faithfully serve and to significantly impact the lives of coaches and athletes. Among those who could serve in these roles are:
Parents of players in youth sports (school based teams or club sports). - Coaches of youth sports teams, school based teams or coaches at higher levels of sport.
- Community leaders with an interest in developing character.
- Athletic trainers or other support personnel with sports teams.
- Pastors or other ministry professionals.
- Church members who desire to make an impact by serving others.
What does it take to be a Character Coach?
- FCA wants to provide teams with the best-trained, most effective Character Coaches that they can, so we have created a process:
Completion of the on-line application process called the Ministry Leader Application. - Initiation of a relationship with an FCA staff member in your area for further training, encouragement, facilitation and accountability.
- Communication with the FCA staff prior to the season for planning, prayer, resources, etc.
- Communication with the FCA staff during the season for encouragement, problem solving and further direction.
- Communication at the end of the season for evaluation, reporting of results, etc.
Character Coach vs. Chaplain
When discussing the role of a Character Coach it is important to know the difference between a Character Coach and a Chaplain. Both roles are critically important but distinctively different. Which role you play with a team is determined by the audience.
| Character Coach | Team Chaplain |
|---|---|
| Values Based | Faith Based |
| The goal is to teach character | The goal is to foster spiritual growth |
| Character/leadership Qualities | Guidance and Direction |
| Coaches can make it mandatory | Coaches must make it optional |
| Model + inform | Model + inform + convert |
Training Materials
Example of Team Huddle & Character Coach
Character Coaching Training Session
FCA Character Coach Responsibilities
- Pray for your coaches and players on a regular basis.
- Schedule the best time and location of an FCA Chapel with the Head Coach.
- Connect and communicate with your Head Coach on a weekly basis.
- Recruit and schedule speakers for weekly FCA Chapels who understand the following guidelines:
- Be Bible Based/Christ Centered
- Be Focused
- Be Simple
- Be Brief
- Be Positive
- Be Flexible
- Be Personal/Real/Transparent
- Be Teachable
- Be Teachable
- Be present at each team chapel to introduce the speaker.
- Communicate with the local FCA Staff at least 1-2 times/month (phone, email, text).
- Visit with the Head Coach at the end of the season for an evaluation of the FCA Chapels.
Character Coach Essentials Agreement
All prospective Character Coaches must have a signed agreement on file with Manatee County Florida FCA indicating that you agree to adhere to all statements included within the agreement.
