Many of us start out in organizations with a set of rules or a code of conduct. They form the basis of our organizational value system. But when we as members of the organization - whether we're a coach, a parent, a player, a community supporter or an administrator - begin to look for ways to enrich those formal codes with more informal "values demonstrations," we begin to foster culture. Simply said, it becomes the unwritten "this is how we do it here" kind of feeling and mentality.
At Responsible Sports, we tend to think culture is best developed and maintained not through telling but by doing. This means demonstrating the principles and values through actions. By taking those steps ourselves, we create an environment where others can follow.
When one parent walks across the bleachers to congratulate a parent of the opponent, it speaks volumes about the culture of the team. That shows individual leadership and a personal commitment to the culture of honoring the game, including Opponents. (Remember, "Honoring the Game" is about ROOTS - Positive Coaching Alliance's core elements of honoring the game: Rules, Officials, Opponents, Teammates and Self. Learn more about ROOTS.)
* Consider the traditions of the University of Notre Dame football, where players salute the student body after the game by raising the helmets to the Student Section in the end zone.
* Players of NFL teams meet at mid-field to recognize a hard fought battle.
Culture is kept not just on the field, but in the stands as well - cheering for a great play made by an opponent for example. Show your support and lead a targeted cheering effort in the stands one weekend. (Learn more about targeted cheering.)
* Try sticking around for the Championship game after your team has been eliminated and cheer on the team that narrowly beat your team in a hard, well-fought game.
* Cheer for the coach - he or she needs praise too!
* Give a special reward to a player on your team who might not have scored but was the unsung defensive hero.
* And if your team should be so lucky to earn more than its fundraising goal this year, consider donating a little to the league to help your opponents meet their goals.
We're not saying it's easy, but it's worth it. Education through sport can develop children of high character, who lead, persevere, overcome adversity and function as productive team members. Sports provide the ideal classroom for teaching life lessons and parents who demonstrate responsibility lead a good example for their children to follow.
To learn more about Culture Keepers and how you can involve your organization in Responsible Sports visit ResponsibleSports.com today!
In an effort to benefit millions of youth athletes, parents and coaches, this article is among a series created exclusively for partners in the Liberty Mutual Responsible SportsTM program (ResponsibleSports.com) powered by Positive Coaching Alliance (http://www.positivecoach.org).
