NAIA Champions of Character®
The NAIA mission is to provide training to instill the values that build character, so students, coaches and parents know, do, and value the right thing on and off the field. The program helps participants find balance by keeping the five core values – integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership – at the heart of the athletics experience. Students learn to understand how the values play out in both practice and competition. Coaches are taught how to intentionally define, model, shape, and reinforce these values through their coaching and mentoring. Parents learn how their behavior is key to supporting athletics.
Five Core Values
The Champions of Character® five core values go well beyond the playing field to the daily decisions of our youth. These character values help young people – and those associated with their development – make good choices in all aspects of their life and reflect the true spirit of competition.
Click each of the core values below to learn more.
Integrity /
Know and do what is right
Respect /
Treating others the way you want to be treated
Responsibility /
Embrace opportunities to contribute
Sportsmanship /
Bring your best to all competition
Servant Leadership /
Serve the common good
