The Athletic Department of Desert Christian, being fully-convinced of the value of interscholastic sports competition related to the fulfillment of the school's mission motto of "Discipling young people to make a difference in their world," and recognizing that athletics at Desert Christian High School is a means to an end rather than an end in itself, purposes that the interscholastic sports program provide for as many students as possible the opportunity to:
1. Experience healthy sports competition at a level of skillfulness and excellence, not afforded through physical education or intramural sports. "Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy." (Psalm 33:3)
2. Foster an understanding of the dynamics of teamwork while working towards the common goal of becoming the best team possible. "For even as the body is one, and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ." (Corinthians 12:12)
3. Grow in the manifestation of Godly character as he or she faces situations in the arena of athletics which are representative of situations to be faced in life.
- Unselfishness - learning to set aside personal goals for the overall success of the team. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)
- Flexibility - learning to fulfill whatever role is necessary as to the eventual benefit of the team. "Have this attitude in yourselves which also was in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:5-7)
- Self-Control - learning to discipline oneself in order to achieve the maximum of efficiency and success. "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city." (Proverbs 16:32)
- Diligence - learning to expend whatever energy and intensity are necessary to accomplish a goal. "....not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit." (Romans 12:11)
- Patience - learning to allow God to accomplish His plan in His way and in His time. "The end of a matter is better than the beginning; patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit." (Ecclesiastes 7:8)
- Courage - learning to respond to challenging and fearful situations, relying on the strength of the Lord. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you whether you go." (Joshua 1:9)
- Perseverance - learning to continue on, both in and through, trying circumstances. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4)
- Humility - learning to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling." (Proverbs 16:18)
- Submission - learning to honor and respect God-given authorities. "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution...."(I Peter 2:13)
4. Enhance God's reputation before a watching world through the demonstration of skillful/excellent play, and the consistent display of Christian character. "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God...." (I Corinthians 10:31)
5. Develop mentoring relationships between coach and player, as well as player with player. "A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher." (Luke 6:40)
It is the firm conviction of the Athletic Department of Desert Christian High School, that to the extent the objectives above are realized, the student athlete will experience the joy and satisfaction which goes along with competing as a winner, regardless of the final score of any given sports competition.
