One of the more important and pertinent lessons that will be taught in the CARES Program is that character development is directly linked to leadership and performance. Put it into terms that are important to the student-athletes, if inevitably he or she would like to be the leader or captain of the team, coaches prefer that he or she have an established record of high character. If a student-athlete desires to represent the team during the coin toss, on the field, in the huddle, and off the field as well, then he or she should represent the program, his or her family, the institution, and his or her teammates to the highest degree in all of his or her actions on a daily basis. Leading by example means that you are a person of character. To earn the respect of your teammates and coaches, you must be willing to consistently do the right thing – no matter what the consequences. Doing the right thing especially pertains to your social life. You must keep your social life under control. The key to having a positive social life is balance and moderation. You will need to balance your social time with your athletic and academic obligations. In season, your social life will need to rank third behind your academic and athletic responsibilities. If your social life ranks first, you will have an extremely difficult time gaining the respect of your coaches and teammates.

Similar to the link between character and leadership, character and performance are interrelated. It will be stressed to the student-athletes that how they handle themselves on the field or court during practice and in games as well as how they handle themselves off the field or court can have a direct correlation to their productivity on the field. For example, coaches expect a certain level of commitment from their players. This commitment is necessary in the weight room, on the practice field or court, in the offseason conditioning sessions, and in individual workouts. In order to maximize one’s potential and opportunities, the team’s workout regimen needs to be followed closely, and the student-athlete needs to do what his or her coach expects to the utmost of his or her ability. The student-athlete’s ability and willingness to carry out the instructions of his or her coach and exhibit a strong work ethic will make him or her a better athlete, player, and also increase the coach’s confidence and trust in him or her. To the contrary, if the student-athlete is acting lazy, constantly getting in trouble, missing class, or skipping workouts, his or her coach will have negative feelings towards him or her as a person and as a teammate. This type of behavior will inevitably affect the student-athlete’s performance and playing time, whether he or she thinks it should or not.

Each attribute will be discussed thoroughly throughout the course of the program. Each attribute will be defined appropriately to the student-athletes and then explained by telling a story about a person who most vividly exemplifies the attribute.