I absolutely love sports, in any form. Whether it is playing, watching, or coaching sports have been a huge part of my life since I was 3 or 4 years old. From basketball, baseball, soccer, and volleyball, to track & field, football, water polo, and more, my love of sports is a major part of who I am.

Now I have my own kids and have the pleasure of watching them play sports. They look to me for support and love in what they do. What do I communicate to them if I yell at an umpire, official, or referee about a bad call? I am growing to understand how this behavior — of coaching from the stands and yelling at the officials — affects our kids.

Our behavior teaches our children a lot about how to respond and act in their own lives, and how we behave as sports fans has a lasting impact on their understanding of what playing sports is truly about. If our behavior as a spectator or fan is negative, it can then become difficult for our kids to understand how to be Christlike in attitude and action while playing, watching, or coaching. God tells us that we are not of this world, and we need to bring that mindset and our Christian values into each and every competition.

FRCS tries to frame athletics differently. We help students understand that athletics are an extension of the classroom. Our faith does not turn off when we step into our athletic arenas for competition or practices. It can be difficult when competition gets heated, but those are the times we need to rely on God’s strength to get us through. Do we always succeed in showing God’s love to others at athletic competitions? No. But we have a gracious God who extends mercy even when we don’t deserve it.

I am thankful for the coaches at FRCS who live this out with our student athletes every day. They are servant leaders who show God’s love in all that they do for our kids. Go, Falcons!