Sports Participation Helps in Character Building

Sports Participation Helps in Character Building

Introduction

Taking part in sports plays a big role in the society. People engage in sports for a variety of reasons. There are those who engage for fitness reasons while others will participate for health reasons. In addition, some participate in sports for "other" reasons. Examples of these "other" reasons are because of socialization and character development (Doty, 2006).

Team sports contribute a lot in character development. The word "TEAM" can be expressed to mean (Together, Everyone, Achieves, More).For a better understanding of how team sports builds good character, we will define the word "character". Scholars define character as an individual's internal state that manifests itself in one's behavior (Bredemeier &Shields, 1995). An individual's internal state guides his or her actions and decisions. This is portrayed as behavior to the society. Participating in team sports teaches people how to be disciplined. Discipline is a moral attribute that is essential in every individual. Discipline involves being obedient and orderly. This is obtained through control and training (JuniorC, 2011).Control and training are values acquired by participating in sports. Team sports develop an individual's character because it teaches how to be disciplined.

Team sports helps in building good team work characteristics. Team work is a beneficial character quality. This quality enables individuals to learn good sportsmanship (JuniorC, 2011). In addition, it enlightens people on how to become good leaders. Good team work characteristics educate people how to take instructions from others. Also, the skill that is important in career development. It enables people to make quick decisions and effectively manage stressful conditions.

Team sports provide a person with a channel of learning good characters. When a child engages in team sports, he or she learns how commitment, discipline and perseverance. Playing team sports provides a child with tools for understanding human relationships. Also, team sports can act as a model of developing positive behavior in the society (Carson, 2011). In building character, sports test the bridge between a child's principles and actions. Team sports tests this connection in a safer environment that influences a child's future decisions.

The principles that define good character comprise of courage, compassion, honesty, generosity, integrity, self-control, prudence and fairness. These principles are usually transformed into good character traits through practice. Team sports provide a medium of practicing these traits. It enables people to play and practice these principles in a controlled setting (Carson, 2011).

Participation in sports usually involves fun. But as people compete, they change their