POLICY & GRACE

A Biblical Approach to Athletics at BVCS

At Big Valley Christian Athletics, our heart is to develop athletes who compete with excellence, integrity, and Christ-centered character. As we continue to pursue that mission, we want to bring clarity to an important dynamic within our athletic culture: the relationship between policy and grace.

Why We Have Policies

Policies are not barriers—they are guardrails that help us maintain fairness, safety, consistency, and accountability. They provide structure for our athletes and clarity for our families. Scripture affirms the value of order and boundaries:

• “Let all things be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40

• “The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise person listens to advice.” – Proverbs 12:15

Policies help us create an environment where every athlete knows the expectations and every team can function well. When followed, they protect our students and strengthen our sports programs.

Where Grace Meets Policy

At BVCS, we also deeply believe in grace—because God has extended grace to us. Grace does not erase consequences or dissolve structure; instead, it seeks restoration, understanding, and relationship within those structures.

• “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” – John 1:17

• “Bear with each other and forgive one another... Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

Just as Jesus modeled grace without compromising truth, our athletic department strives to balance both. There will be times when grace looks like a second chance, a conversation, or support in navigating a difficult situation. Other times, grace means lovingly walking an athlete through the consequences of a choice so growth can occur.

How We Hold Both Together

For parents and families, our commitment is this:

• We will do our best to create and uphold clear policies so expectations are consistent for all student-athletes.
  
  

• We will do our best extend grace when appropriate, seeking to reflect the heart of Christ in how we guide and correct.
  
  

• We will do our best to communicate openly, helping families understand decisions and reinforcing a culture of partnership.
  
  

• We will do our best to aim for restoration, not punishment. Our goal is growth—not perfection.
  
  

A Shared Calling

Athletics provides moments that test character, reveal areas of growth, and shape our students spiritually. As parents, coaches, and an athletic community, we share the responsibility of modeling how to respond to both policy and grace in a Christlike way.

• “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

Thank you for partnering with us to help our Christian Student Athletes grow not only in skill, but also in wisdom, discipline, humility, and grace. Together, we are preparing them to compete—and live—for God’s glory.

📸 Photos by Jennifer Mangelos