Author Description

Where do parents look for role models to guide them in raising their children? Coaches and players are in the limelight and influence parental approaches, even if subliminally. So, what is the sporting community teaching families? In many instances, the nature of sport as it is currently conducted, could be influential in the outbreak of domestic violence, and beyond. Neighbor versus neighbor, school versus school, city versus city, state versus state, country versus country, all because of geographical location and jersey color. One might see this as a new racism. Trash talk, rivalry, betting, and high stakes salaries have transmuted friendly games into vicious, contentious battles. I believe the vast majority of sports contests are missing the very purpose of athletics. Such an opportunity cost, opportunity lost. The reason we play sports and watch them should be to enhance the skills of life, translatable for homes, businesses, churches, & schools; to build social relationships, not tear them down. Relationship rapport skills need to be practiced and exhibited in sports, or these skills will be lost, and society with it. In my opinion, the first duty of the sports world is to prepare players for success in life, by encouraging characteristic life skills to help them land jobs, launch businesses, strengthen families, & secure communities. I have observed quite a few character skill sets displayed via the sport platform which deserve mention & attention. This list of character skills includes but is not limited to these 23: 23 Character Life Skills Learned & Taught Via Sport: Standards, Intensity, Passion, Communication, Trust, Collective Responsibility, Caring, Pride, Confidence {not conceit}, Humility, Leadership, Teamwork, Encouragement, Respect, Sacrifice, Persistence, Being Deliberate, Empowerment, Intuition, Creativity, Resourcefulness, Work Ethic & Courage. This book lists quotes about character life skills, from some of the greatest sports figures, as well