2010 Points of Emphasis

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

BLOOMFIELD HILLS STAKE SPORTS

2010 Points of Emphasis

• The BH Stake Basketball League is organized primarily for it's MEMBERS. Therefore it is inappropriate for any team to play more guests than members. It is also of the utmost importance for all players, but especially guest players, to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship since their involvement in the league is strictly a privilege. Violation of the sportsmanship contract may result in dismissal.
• In speaking to participants in Church sports, President Ezra Taft Benson advised, “Sportsmanship is the spirituality in athletics, and we believe that the Church athletic program is a spiritual program. If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t continue it, because our purpose is to build men and women of character and spirituality.” (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 437)
• Promoting and displaying good sportsmanship is the responsibility of all who participate in these activities, which include: spectators, players, coaches, and officials. Good sportsmanship includes: thoughtfulness and concern for others; fair play - sincere admiration of the skills of teammates, opponents, and officials; and self-control - humility in victory, calmness and composure in defeat. (Church Handbook of Instructions, Bk.2:Sec.10:p.275)
• Don’t make excuses for poor play or losses. After a loss, players sometimes blame the defeat on anything but their own performance. Officials, scorekeepers, bad lighting, and poor equipment end up being scapegoats.
• The name of the game is -- "Don't Foul!"