Appendix- Athlete Self-Evaluation
The self-evaluation tool on the following page is designed to be something that you can distribute to your athletes at the beginning of your season (the first day of practice is a great time), as you introduce them to the study and pursuit of the discipline of integrity.
Before you distribute the information to your athletes, you’ll need to understand the categories of “Disciple Athlete”, “Apprentice Athlete”, and “Servant-Leader Athlete”. The following information is not intended to be read directly to you athletes, but to give you an understanding of the categories as they relate to athletes at different levels of maturity and development. You can then decide how you want to present the information to your athletes; usually it’s easiest and most effective to divide athletes by grade levels (freshmen, sophomore/juniors, seniors).
The first level is the Disciple Athlete; he needs to be taught the fundamentals, and his development requires a lot of oversight. Repetition of basic habits is critical at this stage; this athlete’s focus is on training. The second level is the Apprentice Athlete; he is committed to and actively working on improving. His faithfulness to the task can be trusted, so he needs less oversight; this athlete’s focus is on practice. The third level is the Servant-Leader Athlete; his habits and example have elevated him to a leadership position, and he understands that leadership is defined by a responsibility to serve others. He does things with care, and he gives oversight to others. His sees the “big picture” of team and is motivated by helping others to learn and grow; this athlete’s focus is on maintaining the health and success of the team.
These different levels are often closely associated with age. You might identify freshmen as Disciples, sophomores and juniors as Apprentices, and seniors as Servant-Leaders — and that’s an alright starting point. However, keep in mind that you will have older athletes who are less mature (and not ready to lead), and you will have younger athletes who are more mature (and capable of more demanding challenges). Treat each athlete as an individual; don’t assume that an athlete of a certain age should be “lumped in” with others his age, when using these challenges to encourage and guide him in his submission to discipline throughout the season.
Encourage your athletes to read over the appropriate category (based on their grade level); then ask each athlete to evaluate whether each characteristic or behavior is a strength or a weakness of his, and to identify one particular way in which he would like to grow or improve this year. (This can be done privately, or you can allow time for athletes to voluntarily share with one another, if you’d like.)
At the end of the season, ask your athletes to use the “athlete of integrity” list (which you will compile throughout the season) to evaluate their submission to and growth in the discipline of integrity. You can also have all athletes (except seniors) look forward to the set of “sport applications” of integrity for the next level, and to identify goals for growth for the year ahead.
“Sport Applications” of Integrity
Athlete Self-Evaluation
How does a Disciple Athlete train in integrity?
· Make the goal of growing in your relationship with God your top priority. Read Scripture and pray regularly, especially when you face temptations and difficult decisions.
· Identify godly leaders on your team and follow their examples. Ask them for help and guidance when you need it.
· Compete passionately, with all your heart — but take care to treat others well in the midst of competition.
· Do not seek praise or take credit; give God all of the glory for your successes.
How does an Apprentice Athlete practice integrity?
· Ask a leader on the team to help you develop personal goals, and to hold you accountable to those goals in practice and throughout the season.
· Be quick to ask for and give forgiveness; take every opportunity to build your relationship with teammates.
· Pray for teammates with whom you have a strained relationship. Take steps (even if small, at first) to show them that you care about them.
How does a Servant-Leader Athlete maintain integrity?
· Be committed to improvement at all times, and call your teammates to that same commitment. Choosing to give a half-hearted effort is not consistent with the goal of glorifying God.
· Encourage coaches and teammates; work to get to know them better.
· Respect, thank, and encourage your opponents and the referees.
· Treat opponents’ fans and facilities with care and respect; encourage your teammates to do the same.
· Discuss (with coaches and teammates) how your team can promote unity with the teams against whom you compete. Put this into practice.
· Play with all your heart, yet be sensitive toward the spirit of opponents. Encourage an inferior opponent; do not run up the score.
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