What is a Character Coach?

• A Character Coach serves coaches and athletes on a team to promote transformational character development through values-based leadership and coaching. Unlike chaplains, Character Coaches focus on values-based teaching, may use stories from various sources (not exclusively Christian), and are often considered part of the coaching staff, serving all students rather than just those of a particular faith.

• Character Coaches should align with the head coach's expectations and avoid overt religious proselytizing, especially in public schools. Their sessions may be mandatory and are designed to foster integrity, leadership, and positive team culture.

• When sharing about Character Coaches on social media, it's important to emphasize their values-based and leadership role, not a religious or chaplaincy function, to avoid legal concerns related to the Establishment Clause.

• Character coaching is a regular part of FCA staff and volunteer activities, including visiting teams, leading huddles, and mentoring athletes and coaches, as shown in a typical weekly schedule.

Character Coach vs. Chaplain

Character Coaches are NOT chaplains, and it’s not a "new term" FCA uses to describe chaplains. The chart below explains several key differences between character coaches and chaplains: