Character Moment #6 – October 10, 2007

This week we begin play in the Trinity League. As a member school of this outstanding league we want to uphold some very high standards as we attend and host games throughout the year. We join each school of the league, J Serra, Mater Dei, Rosary, Santa Margarita, Servite, and St. John’s Bosco as schools that have high standards and strive for excellence in all that we do. Each game we play will test our athletes and coaches to perform and compete at the highest level.

As exciting as each game will be, we want to be sure that our enthusiasm does not compromise who we are as representatives of Christ love for His people. I know our athletes will play hard and that our coaches will help their teams grow in character on and off the field. That same drive needs to be evident by all that attend the games and cheer on their friends and fellow Lancers.

Our state athletic association, CIF, has issued some rules for good behavior that can serve as our guide. These guidelines should set the minimum standard for our behavior at games. The full list will be posted in your classrooms and the gym. Some of the encouragements that are listed include:

• Show Class — Live and cheer with class. Be a good sport. Be gracious in victory and accept defeat with dignity, compliment extraordinary performance, and show sincere respect for all competitors.
• Don’t show Disrespectful Conduct — Don’t engage in disrespectful conduct of any sort including profanity, obscene gestures, offensive remarks of a sexual nature, trash-talking, taunting, boastful celebrations, or other actions that demean individuals or the sport. Do not participate in any negative or demeaning cheers.
• Show Respect for Officials — Treat game officials with respect. Don’t complain or argue about calls or decisions during or after an athletic event.
• Show Respect for Coaches — Treat coaches with respect at all times. Recognize that they have team goals beyond those of one athlete. Do not shout instructions to players from the stands. Let the coaches coach.
• Show Respect for Fellow Spectators — Display respect for all other spectators. Do not insult or fight with other fans. Wait for breaks in the action before leaving or returning to your seat.

I know some of these games can generate adrenaline and strong emotion, but we need to remember that we are representing Jesus Christ through our actions, and we are also representing Orange Lutheran High School. Last night in the girls volleyball match against Mater Dei, we had great crowd support, and except for an isolated incident of poor sportsmanship, our fans added much to the environment. However, two weeks ago several in our student section chose to “boo” the Los Alamitos cheer leaders when they came over at halftime. That is unacceptable. That message that is sent in that situation is always negative.

I want you to be proud to be Lancers. Let’s do that with loud positive support that adds to an event, not take away from it.

We have a great opportunity given to us at every game to show the visiting schools and their fans that we are different for Him. That witness may help others get to know that you can follow Christ and still compete at a high level.