He pointed out that the foundation of the Church program, clearly spelled out in the Activities Committee Handbook, includes participation for all, along with sportsmanship, fellowship and activation.

"As collegiate and professional sports have dominated more and more attention of the general public, there has become an increase of inappropriate behavior on the court," he affirmed. "There are those who like to intimidate or taunt others, get away with what they can and force the official to make the call. Occasionally language is inappropriate and crude.

"Some players mimic those things in Church programs, and they are opposite the Christian values we teach. I think some of our lack of sportsmanship is directly associated with mimicking the kind of play we see on television."

Brother Leake encouraged participants to personally discipline their own play, citing positive examples of players making honor calls when officials were uncertain as to what calls should be made. "That's the kind of character we are trying to teach," he emphasized.

He also encouraged priesthood leaders to be mindful of how their wards or stakes are being represented on the court. "Priesthood leaders are responsible to call coaches," he reminded, "and the coaches and players need to be accountable to those leaders for their behavior."

Brother Leake noted that having well-trained, volunteer officials can help maintain sportsmanship. But he hastened to add that regardless of the caliber of officiating, proper behavior and attitudes should be exhibited by all players and spectators. Questions about rules or calls can be worked out respectfully. He cited the Church Officiating Handbook and The Church Sports Official videotape as resources for those involved with training Church officials.

An outstanding reference for anyone concerned with sportsmanship is a talk titled "A Goal Beyond Victory," given by President Thomas S. Monson in the priesthood session of the October 1988 general conference, Brother Leake added. Following are several paragraphs excerpted from the address:

"Years ago, many of us participated as players or observers in the all-Church basketball tournaments and later in the softball tournaments. The most coveted prize was not to be adjudged first-place winner, but rather to receive the sportsmanship award. The applause of the audience was louder and longer, the smiles broader and more universal. A goal beyond victory had been won.

"Lately we have received at the Office of the First Presidency letters which tell of serious arguments on the sports floor or playing field, name calling by parents, abuse of referees, and all that characterizes poor sportsmanship. We have room for improvement, brethren, and improve we must.

"In the videotape produced by the Church and entitled The Church Sports Official, there is featured this truth from the First Presidency: `Church sports activities have a unique central purpose much higher than the development of physical prowess, or even victory itself. It is to strengthen faith, build integrity, and develop in each participant the attributes of his Maker.'

"Brethren, it is difficult to achieve this objective if winning overshadows participation. The recreation halls in our many buildings are constructed through the tithes of the members of the Church. It is only fair that all . . . have an opportunity to play, to learn, to develop, to achieve."

Brother Leake concluded: "Conducted properly, Church sports activities provide joyful play and beneficial exercise and have the potential to change lives for the better. Sports provides a setting to practice Christian principles in the midst of the heat of friendly competition." - Mike Cannon