NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS CHAMPIONS OF CHARAC TER
I N T E G R I T Y • R E S P E C T • R E S P O NS I B I L I T Y • S P O R T S MA NS H I P • S E R V A NT L E A D E R S H I P
NAIA Champions of Character Sport Summit - Conduct in Competition
Guided Discussion Facilitator’s Guide
This guide provides the facilitator with a road map for conducting a discussion on conduct in competition.
Time: 3 hours or 2 – 1 hour conference calls
Discussion outcomes: By the time participants have completed this guided discussion, they will be
able to:

Evaluate their conference ejection reports.

Identify potential opportunities for improvement within their own programs

Trouble shoot conduct in competition issues and recognize strategies that promote the
five core values
Materials needed:
1)
Conference ejection reports from the past years.
2)
Sport Summit Guide
Copy the two-page “Sport Summit - Conduct in Competition Discussion Guide” at the end of this
document for each participant.
Role of facilitator, preparations
If you have experience with coaches, officials, athletic administrators, athletes, or fans, you will feel
very comfortable leading this discussion.
In leading the discussions:

Listen, encourage and support rather than control the conversation. Typical answers
may be included for some questions, but those are to guide you should the conversation
“Sport Summit - Conduct
become off track.
in Competition Discussion

Encourage participants to listen to each other.
Guide” at the end of this

Work to engage all participants so the discussion is not dominated by just a few.
document is used as a

Help your group recognize that the personal value of this discussion will depend upon its
worksheet for this
discussion.
relevance in their professional lives.

Respect viewpoints of others. Don’t impose your own ideas.

Be flexible enough to go-with-the flow but stay on task.
 Indicates that facilitator shares this information with the group
?
Indicates question facilitator poses
Italics are instructions for guiding the discussion.
NAIA Champions of Character • 1200 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106 • 816.595.8000 • www.NAIA.org
Sport Summit / page 1
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS CHAMPIONS OF CHARAC TER
I N T E G R I T Y • R E S P E C T • R E S P O NS I B I L I T Y • S P O R T S MA NS H I P • S E R V A NT L E A D E R S H I P
Section 1: Agenda Options
In-person meeting 3 Hour
A.
Attendees: all Athletic Directors, Head and Assistants Coaches, and 2 or 3 team leaders (usually the Captains),
assignor of officials, couple officials, and conference commissioner
B.
Presentations (1.5 hours)
1.
Conference Commissioner – Previous year’s ejection report and stressed the importance of changing
the culture of the sport as it relates to the NAIA.
2.
Sport Chair – Give direction and support for change – “Will your program reduce ejections?”
3.
Athletic Director & Champions of Character Conference Chair gives a Champions of Character core
value reminder
4.
C.
D.
Soccer Assignor – video clips: make the call “test”: nothing, warning, yellow, red, etc.
Small group discussions: AD’s, Coaches and Captains. (45 mins)
1.
Conference Commissioner facilitate AD’s
2.
Soccer Assignor met with the Coaches
3.
Several Soccer Officials meet with the Captains
Group summaries: Each small group summarizes take-aways from their discussions. Refer back to later in the
season. (30 mins)
E.
Optional: provide a meal and/or snacks (30 mins)
Conference call 2 calls (1 hour each) - prior to season & halfway through the season
Prior to the season
A.
Attendees: all Athletic Directors, Head and Assistants Coaches, and 1 or 2 team leaders (usually the Captains),
assignor of officials, and conference commissioner
B.
Roll call and a brief overview of the order of the meeting
C.
Presentations (45 mins)
1.
Conference Commissioner – Previous year’s ejection report and stressed the importance of changing
the culture of the sport as it relates to the NAIA.
2.
Sport Chair – Give direction and support for change - “Will your program reduce ejections?”
3.
Athletic Director & Champions of Character Conference Chair gives a Champions of Character core
value reminder
4.
Soccer Assignor – Report on instructions that are given to officials and what types of behavior/play
would not be tolerated.
5.
Coaches Input
D.
Questions & Answers
E.
Set date for next call.
F.
Adjourn
Second Call
A.
Attendees: all Head and Assistants Coaches, assignor of officials, Athletic Director representative and
conference commissioner
B.
Roll call and a brief overview of the order of the meeting
C.
Discuss the results of season ejections at that time
D.
Questions or concerns that the coaches may have for assignor.
E.
Adjourn
NAIA Champions of Character • 1200 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106 • 816.595.8000 • www.NAIA.org
Sport Summit / page 2
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS CHAMPIONS OF CHARAC TER
I N T E G R I T Y • R E S P E C T • R E S P O NS I B I L I T Y • S P O R T S MA NS H I P • S E R V A NT L E A D E R S H I P
Section 2: Will your program reduce ejections?
Facilitator Insight
The Committee on Conduct in Competition worked to establish standards for behavior during all NAIA competition. The goal was
to provide both proactive best practices to avoid situations which may lead to misconduct and reactive standards to take action
when necessary.

Statistics reported during the first year were so troubling to the NAIA Council of Presidents that the council called upon the
NAIA as a whole to “take every possible step to eliminate misconduct we are witnessing.” The second year’s data
indicated unequivocally that the behavior of NAIA coaches and athletes on the whole has not changed in any meaningful
way. The statistics for ejections must change.

The behavior of coaches and athletes responsible for these statistics must change. As leaders in creating an appropriate
playing environment for the students who have placed their trust in you, we are counting on you to bring real change.
?
Let’s do a quick inspection of your ejection report. When I read each statement, rank your program using
the following scale:
Seldom = 1
Sometimes = 2 or Consistently = 3
Participants mark their scores on the discussion guide handout.
1.
I have a program that has fewer than 2 ejections a year.
2.
I use pre-season meetings, newsletters, articles in the local newspaper, and the school's web page as a means
of establishing sportsmanship expectations.
3.
My president communicates conduct in competition expectations to coaches and staff.
4.
I hold my coaches accountable for teaching and modeling the five core values.
5.
I hold my coaches and student-athletes accountable for their behavior on the playing field.
6.
I follow up with people who have demonstrated poor sportsmanship.
7.
I am consistent in my behavior on and off the field.
8.
I only allow captains and head coaches to talk to the officials.
9.
I emphasize the importance of fair play and sportsmanship at the pre-game meeting among the head coach,
captains, and officials.
10. Our teams shake hands prior to each contest.
How did you score?
20 and below

Unlikely
21-26
Maybe
27-30
Definitely
Let’s look at best practices. For those who gave themselves a “3,” in an area, describe what you do on your campus?
NAIA Champions of Character • 1200 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106 • 816.595.8000 • www.NAIA.org
Sport Summit / page 3
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS CHAMPIONS OF CHARAC TER
I N T E G R I T Y • R E S P E C T • R E S P O NS I B I L I T Y • S P O R T S MA NS H I P • S E R V A NT L E A D E R S H I P
Section 3: Champions of Character Reminder
Athletic Director or Conference Character Liaison Insight
The mission of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champions of Character Program is to provide training
to ensure character is demonstrated through conduct as well as competition, so students know, do and value the right thing in all
areas of life. The Champions of Character five core values go well beyond the playing field to the daily decisions.
The core value checklist includes five words that each describes the core value with the help of coaches and student-athletes.
 Two of the words of each core value provide a reminder as to how to respond to a call that you may think does not go
your way.
?
Let’s do a quick inspection of your application of the five core values. When I read each statement, rank
your program using the following scale: Does your team have…?
Seldom = 1
Sometimes = 2 or
Consistently = 3
Participants mark their scores on the discussion guide handout.
Action Steps for Applying the Five Core Values –
Integrity — Know and do what is right
1.
BE COMMITTED: Set high standards for your behavior and stick to them, even in difficult situations.
2.
BE DISCIPLINED: Remain dedicated and self-controlled, even when challenged.
Respect — Treat others the way you want to be treated
3.
BE CONSIDERATE: Always be aware of and honor others rights and feelings.
4.
BE ATTENTIVE: Be ready to learn from coaches, officials and other contestants.
Responsibility — Embrace opportunities to contribute
5.
BE CONSCIENTIOUS: Be aware and careful of the choices you make.
6.
BE ACCOUNTABLE: Accept that your actions impact everyone around you.
Sportsmanship — Bring your best to all competition
7.
BE FAIR: Compete skillfully, guided by the letter and spirit of the rules.
8.
BE HUMBLE: Take success in stride – share the credit.
Servant Leadership — Serve the common good
9.
BE EMPOWERING: Inspire and help others to grow, succeed and lead.
10. BE VISIONARY: Raise expectations for yourself and the team.
How did you score?
20 and below

Needs to improve
21-26
Room for improvement
27-30
Leads by example
Let’s look at best practices. For those who gave themselves a “3,” in an area, describe what you do on your campus?
NAIA Champions of Character • 1200 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106 • 816.595.8000 • www.NAIA.org
Sport Summit / page 4
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS CHAMPIONS OF CHARAC TER
I N T E G R I T Y • R E S P E C T • R E S P O NS I B I L I T Y • S P O R T S MA NS H I P • S E R V A NT L E A D E R S H I P
Section 4: “Make the Call” Examples
The following issues regarding sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity are potential scenarios that could arise. Choose how to make
the call and then discuss the questions provided.
CASE STUDY - Basketball

Score is tied at the end of regulation. Visiting team coach, after 0:00 on the clock, asks the official for a conference and
proceeds to rip him with profanity.
?
Discussion Questions
1.
Make the call: Do you ignore it; do you give the coach a technical foul?
2.
Would you give the coach a warning and would the process look any different if it were the home team?
3.
How do you adjudicate the rule? Start the OT with free throws? Shoot free throws before the 2nd half begins?
(Rule 5, Article 7)
CASE STUDY - Baseball/Softball

Home team is up by eight in the last inning of the first game of the double header. The visiting coach runs to the plate
after the first batter strikes out. The coach begins a swearing tirade regarding the strike call and is loud enough to be
heard by everybody in the venue.
?
Discussion Questions
1.
Make the call: Do you ignore it; yell back, warning, ejection without warning, suspension?
2.
What position does this put the home team’s assistant coach and players?
3.
How would you adjudicate the rule? Will the coach be back to coach the next game of the double header?
(Baseball – Code of Ethics) (Softball – Rule 13.6)
CASE STUDY - Football

Team “A” player catches a long pass along the sideline, steps out of bounds, stops running and turns toward the bench.
Team “B” player makes a late hit when player “A” was out of bounds. In addition, player “B” stands over the player,
taunts, and screams in his face after getting up.
?
Discussion Questions
1.
Make the call: warning, unsportsmanlike conduct, flagrant – disqualify
2.
As a coach what action do you take if the does not eject the player and the only penalty is the automatic 1 st and
15 yard penalty?
3.
How do you adjudicate the rule? Could this action lead to a catastrophic injury?
(Rule 9, Section 1 & 2) (Flagrant – Rule 2, Section 10)
CASE STUDY – Soccer

Player A1 accidentally pushes player B1 to the field. The official doesn’t call a foul. B1 gets up off the field and punches
player A1.
?
Discussion Questions
1.
Make the call: nothing, warning, yellow card, red card
2.
What do you as an administrator want the official to do about the matter?
3.
Should the other players or coach get involved? If so, how?
4.
What would be your reaction?
(Rule 12.3.3, 12.12.1)
NAIA Champions of Character • 1200 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106 • 816.595.8000 • www.NAIA.org
Sport Summit / page 5
Champions of Character
Conduct in Competition
Discussion Guide
RATINGS
Ejection Reduction
Seldom = 1
Do a quick inspection of your program by using these
ratings.
Sometimes = 2
Consistently = 3
__________
I have a program that has fewer than 2 ejections a year.
__________
I use pre-season meetings, newsletters, articles in the local newspaper, and
the school's web page as a means of establishing sportsmanship
expectations.
__________
My president communicates sportsmanship expectations to coaches and
staff.
__________
I hold my coaches accountable for teaching and modeling the five core
values.
__________
I hold my coaches and student-athletes accountable for their behavior on the
playing field.
__________
I follow up with people who have demonstrated poor sportsmanship.
__________
I am consistent in my behavior on and off the field.
__________ I only allow captains and head coaches to talk to the officials.
__________
I emphasize the importance of fair play and sportsmanship at the pre-game
meeting among the head coach, captains, and officials.
Champions of Character — 4
__________
Our teams shake hands prior to each contest.
__________
Total
Champions of Character — 1
Champions of Character
Core Value Checklist
RATINGS
Seldom = 1
Action Steps for Applying the Five Core Values
Rate your program on applying these core values
specific to the two word descriptions.
Sometimes = 2
Consistently = 3
Champions of Character
Conduct in Competition Case Studies
CASE STUDY – Basketball - ? Discussion Questions
1. Make the call: Do you ignore it; do you give the coach a technical foul?
2. Would you give the coach a warning and would the process look any different if it
were the home team?
3. How do you adjudicate the rule? Start the OT with free throws? Shoot free throws
before the 2nd half begins?
(Rule 5, Article 7)
BEST PRACTICES NOTES:
Integrity — Know and do what is right
_ BE COMMITTED: Set high standards for your behavior and stick to them, even
in difficult situations.
BE DISCIPLINED: Remain dedicated and self-controlled, even when
challenged.
Respect — Treat others the way you want to be treated
CASE STUDY - Baseball/Softball - ? Discussion Questions
1. Make the call: Do you ignore it; yell back, warning, ejection without warning,
suspension?
2.
What position does this put the home team’s assistant coach and players?
3. How would you adjudicate the rule? Will the coach be back to coach the next
game of the double header?
(Baseball – Code of Ethics) (Softball – Rule 13.6)
BEST PRACTICES NOTES:
__BE CONSIDERATE: Always be aware of and honor others rights and feelings.
__BE ATTENTIVE: Be ready to learn from coaches, officials and other
contestants.
Responsibility — Embrace opportunities to contribute
__BE CONSCIENTIOUS: Be aware and careful of the choices you make.
__BE ACCOUNTABLE: Accept that your actions impact everyone around you.
CASE STUDY – Football - ? Discussion Questions
1. Make the call: warning, unsportsmanlike conduct, flagrant – disqualify
2. As a coach what action do you take if the does not eject the player and the only
penalty is the automatic 1st and 15 yard penalty?
3. How do you adjudicate the rule? Could this action lead to a catastrophic injury?
(Rule 9, Section 1 & 2) (Flagrant – Rule 2, Section 10)
BEST PRACTICES NOTES:
Sportsmanship — Bring your best to all competition
_BE FAIR: Compete skillfully, guided by the letter and spirit of the rules.
_BE HUMBLE: Take success in stride – share the credit.
Servant Leadership — Serve the common good
_BE EMPOWERING: Inspire and help others to grow, succeed and lead.
__BE VISIONARY: Raise expectations for yourself and the team.
CASE STUDY – Soccer - ? Discussion Questions
1. Make the call: nothing, warning, yellow card, red card
2. What do you as an administrator want the official to do about the matter?
3. Should the other players or coach get involved? If so, how?
4. What would be your reaction?
(Rule 12.3.3, 12.12.1)
BEST PRACTICES NOTES:
__________ Total
Champions of Character — 2
Champions of Character — 3