Exceptional People - Built By Design or Accident?

Consider for a moment what it is that makes people exceptional.

Is it certain character traits such as strength, confidence, integrity, respect, charisma, a sense of humor or intelligence?

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle offered the following as exceptional qualities in man: courage, temperance, pride, good temper, friendliness, truthfulness and justice.

An how do people become exceptional?

Are these qualities genetically acquired? Do they depend upon a person's parents and the values taught through experiences at home? Or, were they acquired though other means?

We believe that we can develop the positive characteristics of exceptional people through sports.

Everyone is born with tremendous potential, and participation in sports is one of many ways that the young people of America can develop into contributing citizens. High school sports are an American tradition that can teach people fundamental life skills such as teamwork, respect, responsibility, good sportsmanship and integrity, among other positive values and attributes.

At times, it seems that our society often overlooks these positive attributes because of the media attention given to the negative actions of certain athletes, coaches and fans. We are all familiar with altercations between athletes and fans, other athletes' outlandish antics and attitudes exhibited time and time again, and some team rosters that resemble police blotters.

High school sports are an American tradition that is entrusted to us. They possess tremendous potential to influence the values of young people and through them, our society.

Buth hese things do not happen automatically. In fact, they have probably been taken for granted, lost in the growing list of expectations for education in this country. Some things should not be taken for granted about sports and their ability to mold exceptional people.

First, we are convinced that sports can educate, ant that they can educate in the virtues identified by Aristotle.

Because of this, sports can become a major contributor to the development of the total individual -- the mind, the body and the spirit of the person. But, it doesn't happen by itself anymore.

Every day, another child learns to dribble a basketball, another high school student learns a new playing rule, and another coach teaches his or her team patience or integrity. Through lessons learned on the court or on the field, students lean and grow into more well-rounded individuals.

Second, we believe that we are in a tremendous struggle to see that sport is used in this educational framework. If we lose that battle, we may actually become a detriment to the education of athletes, and our society as a whole.

Third, we believe that we possess the means to change the direction we are in, and reposition these experiences for the betterment of our society and this nation.

But it's not going to happen by itself anymore.

In order for sports to remain an educational tool, we must guide our young people with patience and passion so that they may grow into individuals of character who we can entrust with the future of this country. We are the educational leaders of this nation and we must take advantage of the positive impact we can have on America's youth.

Learning and common sense mean absolutely nothing without character development. Think about any intelligent person you know who has dealt with problems with alcohol or other addictions. It doesn't take brains to stay out of trouble; it takes values -- values that can be developed through sports participation. Consider the following statement made by Theodore Roosevelt:

"To educate a person in mind and not morals is to educate a menace to society," he said.

As a testament to Roosevelt's statement, witness the myriad people in our prison system who are very intelligent individuals -- a prime example of acquired intelligence being worthless without character development. Any development of ability in a person is counterproductive to our society without the development of character.

As athletic leaders, we set the standards and place that education-based athletics will occupy for the generations to follow. We are the guardians of high school sports and it is our responsibility to serve in that capacity to the best of our ability. In doing so, we must be certain that our coaches and advisors teach honesty, effor, fairness, sportsmanship, racial harmony, proper work ethic and dedication to purpose.

Contained within each of you is the ability to inspire, influence and enlighten the youth of America. Each of you knows someone who has had a mentor and has been positively impacted by someone possessing a patient attitude and a genuinely caring spirit. With perseverance, you can be that person who makes a tremendous difference in the lives of young people. If we all keep this goal in mind, we will indeed succeed.

Will you have the courage and determination to assume this great responsibility? The success or failure of this challenge will be determined by all of us, and our willingness to put forth the effort to do so. It will require the efforts of exceptional people. It's up to each of you -- because that is who you are.

[From NFHS Officials Quarterly, Spring 2007. Ray Kutylo has been a NFHS/SCAF certified sports official for ten years, and starts and referees swim meets for Southern California high schools and the Special Olympics]