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 coaches to have a game plan for coaching the fundamentals and strategy of any 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 quaracter that is above reproach. Character Coaches exist to fill this crucial gap in developing the complete athlete.

It is important to know the difference between a Character Coach and a Chaplain. Both roles are critically important but distinctively different.

Character Coach

• Non-religious
• Goal is to teach character/leadership qualities
• Coaches can make it mandatory
• Model + Inform

Chaplain

• Faith-based
• Goal is to provide spiritual guidance and direction
• Coaches must make it optional
• Model + Inform + Invite to follow Christ

A wide variety of people can serve the sports community as Character Coaches. One need not be in the ministry to faithfully serve and significantly impact the lives of coaches and athletes. Among those who could serve 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.

• PRAY for and ENCOURAGE athletes, coaches and their families of a local sports team.
• BE AVAILABLE and equipped to assist in crisis situations.
• PROVIDE training and resources for character development and life management skills.
• COORDINATE special ministry/outreach events.

FCA wants to provide teams with the best-trained, most effective Character Coaches we can, so we 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 with the FCA staff and the Coach at the end of the season for evaluation, reporting of results, etc…

As you get started recruiting, training and empowering Character Coaches in your area, it is critically important to follow some FCA guidelines to protect everyone involved.

Keep in mind the differences between a Character Coach and a Team Chaplain. The Character Coach initiative is designed to help get a ‘foot in the door’ with School Administrators, Coaches and athletes by providing an on-going presence with a particular team while passing along strong, character building lessons that are non-religious.

Obviously, our hope and prayer is that these Character Coaches begin to lay a foundation of trust that will eventually open doors for other opportunities such as evangelism and discipleship.