The Mike Krzyzewski Teaching Character through Sport Award

  

“It is certainly an honor to have my name associated with an award that you will introduce in this upcoming school year.  Thank you so very much.  I was pleased to hear about the objectives of the DPE Competitive Sports program.  They are right on target and I wish you the best in your efforts to make these programs outstanding.” – Mike Krzyzewski

 

 

1.      PURPOSE.  The Mike Krzyzewski Teaching Character through Sport Award allows DPE Competitive Sports the opportunity to recognize significant contributions in the area of sport education and character development.

 

2.      AWARD CRITERION. 

The recipient(s) shall:

a.      Have demonstrated outstanding work in creating an athletic environment that promotes and models the true spirit of competition through respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership, and sportsmanship.

 

b.      Be an individual of personal integrity who exemplifies devoted service to the development of “leaders of character” through athletic competition.

 

3.      AWARD DIVISIONS.

There are two divisions of The Mike Krzyzewski Teaching Character through Sport Award:

a.      Cadet Award

One award may be given each year to either a DPE Competitive Club Sport or Company Athletics cadet.

 

b.      USMA Faculty and Staff Award

One award may be given each year to a sport educator, OIC, or coach in Club Sports or Company Athletics.

 

4.      SELECTION PROCESS.

a.      Cadet Award

The recipient of the Mike Krzyzewski Teaching Character through Sport Award will be a cadet from either a DPE Competitive Club Sport or Company Athletics.

1.      Selection process in DPE Competitive Club Sports

§         Each team can nominate one cadet from ANY club.

§         Club OIC/CIC can submit one name NLT 15 November (fall sport) and 1 April (winter/spring sports).

§         Nominations must be in the form of one page or less and justify the criterion above.

§         The selection committee will review all nominees in Club Sports and Company Athletics and select one cadet winner. 

§         All nominees, CICs and OICs will receive an invitation to the ceremony.

2.      Selection process in Company Athletics

§         Each DPE Sport Educator and/or CIC can nominate one cadet per sport NLT 15 November (fall sports) and 1 April (winter/spring sports).

§         Nominations must be in the form of one page or less and justify the criterion above.

§         The selection committee will review all nominees in Company Athletics and Club Sports and select one cadet winner.

§         All nominees and sport educators will receive an invitation to the ceremony.

 

b.      USMA Faculty and Staff Award

The faculty and staff recipient of the Mike Krzyzewski Teaching Character through Sport Award will be a sport educator, OIC, or coach in DPE Club Sports or Company Athletics.

1.   Selection process for the USMA Faculty and Staff Award 

§         Nominations can be made by cadets, faculty and/or staff.

§         Nominations must be in the form of one page or less and justify the criterion stated above.

§         Nominations must be received NLT 15 November (fall sports) and 1 April (winter/spring sports).

§         The selection committee will review all nominees and select one faculty-staff winner. 

§         All sport educators, Club coaches, CICs and OICs will receive an invitation to the ceremony.

 

5.      AWARD PRESENTATION.

The inaugural award will be presented on April 16, 2007 by Coach Mike Krzyzewski.  There will be a permanent plaque in Arvin honoring the award winners. Individual recipients will receive a framed certificate.

 

6.      SELECTION COMMITTEE.

Chief of Competitive Sports, Director of Company Athletics, Director of Club Sports, and two At-Large Members.

An “Athlete of Character”

 

 

How an Athlete of Character shows RESPECT

 

1.  Teachable Spirit

·         Can take correction as a compliment

·         Consistently seeking new information

·         Eager to learn

2.  Work Habits  

·         Commits to continuous improvement

·         Demonstrates self-discipline, dedication, and perseverance

3.  Attentiveness

·         Listens carefully with fine focus

·         Demonstrates respect for coaches and teammates

      4.  Confidence

·         Quiet inner feeling based on preparation not arrogance

·         Relaxed aggressiveness

·         Confidence builder

      5.  Pride

·         Shared joy of the inner circle

·         Does not require or expect special treatment

·         Sense of dignity

·         Values the work and the accomplishments of the team

 

 

How an Athlete of Character shows RESPONSIBILITY

 

1.  Academic Progress

·         Assumes responsibility for academic effort

·         Makes academic progress toward graduation the top priority

2.  Accountability

·         Accepts personal responsibility

·         Is a problem solver, not an excuse maker

·         Takes responsibility when improvement is needed

3.  Consistency

·         Dependable; can be counted on by teammates and coaches

      4.  Discipline

·         Accepts and embraces discipline for the benefit of the team

·         Demonstrates self-control both on and off the field/court

·         Maintains focus and concentration on the task at hand

      5.  Competitive

·         Demonstrates the will to win

·         Able to recover quickly from mistakes or misfortune

·         Never, never quits

 

     6.  Mental Toughness

·         Has the inner strength to be able to control emotional responses

·         Concentrates on what has to be done in pressure situation

·         Stays enthusiastic, confident, and positive

·         Nothing breaks the spirit to compete

     7.  Determination

·         Is a self-starter

·         Perseveres through the difficult times

·         Shows initiative

·         Stays with obligations and promises

 

 

How an Athlete of Character demonstrates INTEGRITY

 

·         Motives are unquestioned

·         Consistent in all situations – fulfills expectations with appropriate action

·         Leads with character – demonstrates the core covenants of team and institutions

·         Truthful, honorable, and genuine

 

 

How an Athlete of Character demonstrates SERVANT LEADERSHIP

 

1.  Selflessness - Teamwork

·         Places the team first in every decision

·         Accepts and fulfills a role

2.  Enthusiasm 

·         Shows a love for the game

·         Brings positive energy to the team every day

 

 

How an Athlete of Character demonstrates SPORTSMANSHIP

 

·         Models correct behavior

·         Respects self, teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents

·         Respects the rules of the game

·         Reinforces good sportsmanship decisions

·         Accepts decisions of contest officials

·         Acts correctly when others do not

 

 

 

 

 

A “Coach of Character”

 

 

  1. Demonstrates a daily commitment to teaching character through sport.

 

  1. Creates an environment which promotes character development.

 

  1. Teaches athletes to play fairly and respect the rules, officials, and opponents.

 

  1. Describes and defines respectful and disrespectful behavior.

 

  1. Does not tolerate behavior such as taunting, trash talking and intimidation.

 

  1. Does not permit use of profanity or obscene language, or improper actions.

 

  1. Exemplifies the highest moral character.

 

  1. Adheres to the ethical standards that are expected at USMA.

 

  1. Sets a good example for players and spectators to follow.

 

  1. Respects the integrity and judgment of game officials.

 

  1. Displays modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat.