Let's Play

At Saint Joseph's School we believe that interscholastics sports are a form of ministry. Everyone claims they believe in sportsmanship but what does that really mean? In my 33 year public school career I saw many shining examples of sportsmanship. Unfortunately I also became all to accustomed to poor sportsmanship, not so much from the athletes as from the rowdy, profane and obsessed fans in both the student and parent sections. Being at this smaller Catholic school allows me more time to focus on building good sportsmanship before it is too late.

It is sad to see people who become so obsessed with winning they will verbally demean other players, coaches and especially referees. Pope John Paul II encouraged us to look at sports as an opportunity to teach and practice the cardinal virtues. He believed sports participation could, in fact, exemplify the gospel message if done in the right spirit.

The cardinal virtue of prudence enhances sports when we make right judgements about how to react and what to say, or not say, in a ball game. Not speaking in anger and cooling off before reacting are prime examples of prudence.

Justice teaches the athlete to play fair, follow the rules, and respect the authority of coaches and referees.

Courage (Fortitude) allows the athlete to endure difficulties and obstacles with patience and conviction. It calls us to fulfill our moral responsibilty and show our faith by the way we deal with challenges on and off the field.

Temperance shows the athlete how much is enough and how to seek balance in life. Obsessive behavior by athletes, coaches, and fans can lead to cheating, violence, exploitation and poor sportsmanship. Temperance reminds us it is just a game with wholesome fun as the goal.

Give it some thought next time you are engaged in a sporting event. The game is quite small in the eternal scheme of life. Try practicing the cardinal virtues as part of the ministry we call athletics. Join us in building holiness and character when we say, "Let's Play the Saint Joe's Way!"