Champions of Character
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' Champions of Character provides training to ensure student-athletes know, do and value the right things in all areas of life. The five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership are put into play, accounted for and tracked at all NAIA schools.
As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Bethel University participates in the Association's Champions of Character program.
The NAIA clearly defines each of these values with respect to sport:
(From the NAIA Champions of Character website)
Respect
Those associated with sport show respect by treating themselves, other persons, institutions and their sport according to the highest standards of conduct. It implies civilized and gracious behavior to players, coaches, fans and parents.
Responsibility
Athletes show responsibility by making academic progress toward graduation their top priority. They solve problems rather than make excuses, and are reliable team players. Students should be accountable for their actions and decisions, and coaches and administrators should maintain high standards of competence and conduct.
Integrity
For student competitors and their coaches, integrity means keeping commitments and conducting honest behavior. Coaches must subscribe to and practice the Coaches Code and Code of Ethics and student-athletes must know and understand the Champions of Character Student-Athlete Pledge.
Servant Leadership
This core value refers to putting the group first and becoming responsible for personal and group roles while performing at your best. Students demonstrating servant leadership have a primary purpose of serving others while striving to become a personal and team leader. The servant-leader provides a critical service to society and the great gift of good example.
Sportsmanship
The conduct of educational sports according to the highest standards is our expectation for sportsmanship. Administrators, coaches, students, fans and parents are expected to act correctly even when others do not, and demonstrate fairness and equity in all contests and relationships.
Bethel University athletic teams demonstrate each of these values during the season, including performing at least one community service project per team each school year.
For more information on the NAIA's Champions of Character program, visit www.naia.org.
Stories about the Champions of Character program and service projects Bethel sports teams will participate in during the seasons will be listed at the top of the website under Wildcat News.