MCA ATHLETICS MISSION & VISION

Midland Classical Academy considers the extracurricular athletic activities it sponsors to be an integral

part of the learning experience for students, and accordingly encourages wide participation.
With the primary mission of MCA being focused on assisting parents in developing their children into
Christian leaders who walk with the Lord in a manner that impacts the world for Christ, our athletic
activities provide an outstanding opportunity to put the principles learned in class into action. Our culture
worships fame, and athletics is one significant way fame is achieved. Accordingly, our culture tends to
pursue athletics to achieve personal glory. In contrast, MCA seeks to pursue athletics in a manner which
is distinctive from that of our culture, and which will accomplish drastically different results.

Effort

Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.” Ephesians 2:10
says, “We are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we might
walk in them.” Paul says in I Corinthians 9:24, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all
run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” Colossians 3:23 says,
“Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” In all these (NKJV) passages the
need for diligent effort is apparent.

Goal 1: MCA's athletic program provides an ideal opportunity for students to learn to put forth
maximum effort, even when the flesh is weak.

Character

Romans 8:28-29 says that God weaves all things together to conform us to the image of Christ.
Galatians 5:22 lists the fruit of the Spirit that we exhibit as we allow Christ to live through us.

Goal 2: MCA's athletic program provides an ideal opportunity for students to practice walking by
faith, denying the flesh, and walking in the spirit.

Joy: When we experience disappointment in meeting athletic desires, whether it be playing time or
outcome, we have the opportunity to learn to focus on the greater goal of becoming like Christ. This
allows us to experience joy in times of unhappy circumstances.

Peace: When we are confronted with belligerent opponents, a biased official, a heckling crowd, or
even uncooperative teammates, we have the opportunity to learn to focus on the fact that Christ as
the great judge will bring all to right, and His rest becomes our peace.

Patience: When we are frustrated in achieving our desires - the development of personal ability,
performing at less than our capability, overcoming injury, not being utilized by the coach in the
manner we desire, not getting recognition we think we deserve, etc. - we have the opportunity to
focus on the biblical principle of Rom. 12:18 (NIV) to make sure that “as far as it depends on you,
live at peace with everyone.”

Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness: As we focus on giving our all for Christ for the eternal rather
than temporal rewards, we can become more like Christ by walking in the newness of life as He has
made us new creations. We can then view our competitors as our best allies because they are
creating the environment that allows us to progress toward our goal. We can view the officials and
the rules as great friends because they are providing an opportunity to achieve our ultimate objective
in life. We can view our teammates as essential elements in developing our character. As this occurs,
our behavior towards others exhibits these traits of Christ.

Self-Control (Discipline): As we are pushed beyond our limits by our teammates, opponents, and
coaches, we have the opportunity to learn to trust in Christ for our sufficiency rather than reverting
to the flesh and making excuses or placing blame on others. We also are allowed the opportunity to
resist the temptation to cut corners as we submit to the rules, even when we could get away with
non-compliance.

Since each player, coach, and fan will reflect on MCA and what we stand for, we will agree to hold each
other accountable to a standard of behavior that reflects the foregoing philosophy toward other teams,
officials, and each other. Any player, coach, or fan who becomes an obstacle to the implementation of this
policy shall not be allowed to participate. Midland Classical Academy is a member of the Texas Association
of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) and will abide by all the rules and regulations of TAPPS.