Philosophy of Competition
We strongly believe that athletic competition, in a properly structured atmosphere, is an important developmental opportunity for our student participants. Christ Presbyterian Academy’s participation in team-oriented sports (in particular, league competition within the HVAC for the middle school and the TSSAA on the high school level) presents an opportunity for individuals with specific athletic skills to be involved in competition against other schools. While the emphasis of the program should never be to “win at all costs,” pursuit of victory through physical and mental preparation within a team atmosphere is deemed to be a worthy standard.
In conjunction with the middle school and high school athletic programs, an individual should not automatically expect to have the opportunity to participate in the team sport of his/her choice (due to a limitation of participants allowed on a playing field or court at one time); however, through a wide offering of sports, some of which have larger numbers of participants, individuals who so desire should have the opportunity to participate at some level. It should be noted that team members are selected based upon talent and other appropriate factors.
Being chosen as a member of the team does not necessarily guarantee equal playing time. Athletes and parents must realize that participation in a game is only one aspect of being a part of the team, which will have as one of its goals to win as many games as possible during a particular season. Contributions made in practice, as well as on the bench, will also play a significant role in the team’s success. Participation by an athlete in a game situation will be determined by a combination of ability, attitude, and work ethic in practice. Individuals with greater athletic ability who exhibit proper attitudes will likely have a greater degree of participation in a game. Needless to say, good judgment on the part of the coach will be emphasized in an attempt to reward all team members with playing time when such participation does not serve as a detriment to the team’s overall ability to win a particular game or to reach a stated goal.
Through this process, it is desired that each participant learns to win with humility, lose with grace, and always strive to utilize God-given skills and abilities to the fullest. This philosophy of competition is designed to promote the development of the individual with regard to discipline, willingness to sacrifice personal desires for the overall benefit of the team; and to pursue the highest degree of excellence possible—qualities which will benefit the individual in his/her Christian walk and vocation well beyond the high school years.