Champions of Character®
Leading with character-driven intercollegiate athletics
Commitment To Character
NAIA coaches and administrators embody and teach integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership on and off the field. Since Champions of Character was launched in 2000, NAIA member colleges and universities have made ongoing character education and professional development for coaches, athletics staff and student-athletes a priority.
The NAIA’s successful Character-Driven Coaching course was launched in 2009. All NAIA coaches, including graduate assistants, are required to take the online course within the first two months on the job. More than 25,000 college, high school and youth coaches have also taken the course.
From its inception, NAIA member colleges and universities committed to putting Champions of Character values into play both on and off the field. Hospitality and game management of NAIA athletics events and conduct in competition are guided by Champions of Character principles.
The Champions of Character program provides values-based training, so student-athletes know, do and value the right thing, on and off the field.
Teaming Up for Character™
Champions of Character connects with the community at NAIA national championships, annually impacting more than 30,000 individuals through outreach activities to local schools and youth sports programs through Teaming Up for Character.
The Core Report
Every year, each NAIA institution and conference has the opportunity to demonstrate its implementation of character-driven athletics by completing its Champions of Character Core Report. Institutions are recognized for a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and earn points in character training, academic focus, character recognition, character promotion and conduct in competition.
Last year, 209 NAIA institutions were recognized as Champions of Character five-star institutions at either the gold, silver or bronze level and earned the privilege of displaying the Five-Star medallion proudly on their athletics webpage and recruiting materials.