Welcome to the Lincoln Eagles Athletic Ministry.
The games of our youth are wonderful pastimes and provide excellent opportunities for coaches and parents to teach life lessons as well as apply Christian principles both on and off the playing fields.
Our overall goal is to provide a wholesome environment in which our young people can enjoy the sport, learn its rules, and develop their skills with an eye towards a lifetime of enjoyment from a balanced select team perspective.
A typical “Select Team” is most interested in what the kid can do for the sport. Many times the selection process can be harsh with more emphasis on “winning NOW!.” The Lincoln Eagles approach will be more “What can the sport do for the kid!” Being a team sport experience, talent does play a role, but not at the expense of the fact that we are working at building Christian character. We are all truly God’s ambassadors in the wide world of sports, and our character can have a tremendous influence on those around us. These principles can help keep sports in perspective at a time when that is getting increasingly difficult to do.
Therefore, what are the roles and expectations of parents, players and their coaches?
Expectations of the Coaches
- To treat every young athlete as if they were their own son or daughter with the respect they deserve.
- To show effective leadership by modeling proper behavior in actions and speech.
- To make reasonable demands and have reasonable expectations.
- To conduct organized and meaningful practices.
- To never insult or demean a player.
- To provide a safe and healthy environment to play in.
- To teach players to work hard and to do their best.
Expectations of the Parents
- To encourage and support the concepts of Lincoln Eagles team sports.
- To remember that my child plays for his or her enjoyment, not mine.
- To make every reasonable effort to have your child attend all scheduled practices and games and fulfill their commitments to the team.
- To treat coaches, fellow parents, game officials, players and spectators with respect.
- To influence my child to abide by the contract they have signed.
- To provide a safe and healthy environment to play in.
- To contact the athletic director first if you have a comment or concern.
- To handle a dissatisfaction with coaching, parents are not to speak directly with the coach(es) especially during games, halftimes, in public, etc.
- To provide a ride for my own child to the out of town games or to arrange one.
- To support the program by fulfilling my responsibilities in helping with the many functions surrounding the program.
Expectations of the Players
- To be on time for practices and games (and let the coach know a head of time if I can’t make it).
- To listen to instructions and follow the team rules.
- To be willing to be coachable.
- To show respect and loyalty towards coaches, players, and officials.
- To demonstrate a love for practice and playing the game.
- To strive to be a good student and show leadership.
- To not use drugs, tobacco, alcohol or any other controlled substances that would hurt my body or hinder my testimony for Christ with one another.
- To report all injuries to the coaching staff as soon as possible.
- To refrain from abusive or foul language and to always remain encouraging to those around me.
- To always be safe in all my behaviors.