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850.474.3602 - ROC Desk

850.505.4693 - ROC/Team Sports Info Line

The information line contains pre-recorded messages which change daily (sometimes hourly) depending on practice schedules and weather.

Welcome

It is our goal to provide rejuvenating, safe, meaningful recreation for our church and community. We do this by maintaining a Christ-honoring atmosphere, promoting good sportsmanship, helping people improve their physical and mental health, and sharing the love of Christ. We do all of these things, keeping in mind that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

At the ROC we love recreation, but more importantly, we love the people taking part in recreation. The ROC is a great place to fellowship with others from Olive and the community. With a full fitness room, walking track, basketball courts, racquetball courts, craft room, concession stand, showers, and a pool table, there’s an activity fit for every age group.

We invite you to join us at the ROC, tour our facility, and enjoy one of the wonderful ministries God has entrusted us with at Olive. Grab a family member and a friend, and let the fun begin!

ROC & Fitness Room Hours of Operation*
Monday	6:00 am - 8:30 pm
Tuesday	6:00 am- 8:30 pm
Wednesday	6:00 am - 1:00 pm
Thursday	6:00 am - 8:30 pm
Friday	6:00 am - 8:30 pm
Saturday	8:00 am - 12 noon
Sunday	CLOSED

*The ROC is closed for certain events and holidays.

*Basketball courts are open only to Olive members and one invited guest until further notice.

Philosophy of Competition

Sports are a big part of our community, entertainment, and personal lives. Sports are great fun to watch, and even more so when our children are the athletes. At the ROC we want everyone to enjoy sports and we desire that every participant find joy in competition; win or lose.

Officials

Officials are a necessary element to ensure a game is played as fair as possible. At Olive, most referees and umpires are volunteers. Romans 12:18 tells us to get along with everyone, and that includes at sporting events. Competition often brings out strong, negative feelings toward opposing teams, fans and officials. Officiating is very difficult, and officials need our encouragement. Add to your joy by encouraging an official.

Coaches

At Olive we are grateful for all of our volunteer coaches. We are thankful that they give of their time and of themselves. Coaches often vary in experience, but they all desire the best for our players. A good, caring coach is one that seeks to expand his or her knowledge in order to push our athletes to excellence. Discipline coming from a caring and wise coach will be a positive force propelling our athletes to reach their greatest potential. Thank the coach for caring enough to invest in the life of your child.

Encouragement

Most children enjoy playing sports, but what they really love is to hear someone in the crowd calling their name and cheering for their team. Mom, dad, and other family members are important to a child's success in sports. Children's personalities and skills blossom when affirming words are poured out on them. All children develop at different rates, so there is no need to be critical of a child's skill level. Relax and enjoy the game; there are no college scouts in the stands just yet. Let’s fill children with joy by cheering them on.

Performing at Our Best

In the Bible, Phillippians 2:3-4 tells us to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” In team sports, athletes should be concerned about their teammates, but this doesn't mean they should feel guilty about performing well and achieving success in the game. In John 10:10 we find that Christ came so we me a have a fulfilled life; therefore, we can be assured that God rejoices when we compete to our fullest ability. Further, in 1 Corinthians 10:31 we are told “whatever we do, do all to the glory of God.” It gives God joy when we do our best for Him! Our competition pleases Christ when we balance our personal goals with the needs and goals of our team and teammates.

Competition

Competition in and of itself is neither good nor bad. But competition often brings out the worst in some people. Competition is a part of God’s design for the world as seen in His creation. Athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators are encouraged to approach competition with a sportsmanlike attitude.

Winning is important, but it is only deserved by those who are dedicated to playing their best. And winning is never as important as the joy of competing. Athletes are rarely satisfied if they do not play in a game, even if their team wins. Just getting to participate in sports will always be a primary motivator for people of all ages. Win or lose, athletes just want to play.

The word "opponent" conveys the idea that athletes have enemies. There are no enemies in sports, only other competitors. Without competitors there would be no game. Competitors should be treated fairly and encouraged to excel. Striving for excellence is never intended to harm or humiliate an opponent. Sometimes situations dealing with opponents can be difficult. Add to your joy by asking yourself, “What would Jesus do in this situation?” Try clapping for both teams!

“I thought church sports programs were not competitive,” said a concerned mother a few months ago. I think we all would agree that sports, church or city league, are always competitive. Our attitude is what makes the competition negative or positive. It is our goal to keep the focus on the players, support the coaches and referees, and better exercise our self control. I believe the driving force behind many of our spirited emotions during our children’s games is our desire for them to be successful. But what is real success?

Christmanship

A few teams go undefeated, while some may never win a game. Our attitudes around competition often stem from what we perceive as success. We live in a society where winning is everything. But we know that total fulfillment can only be found in Christ - something we call “Christmanship.” Christmanship encourages athletes, coaches, and spectators to live out the characteristics and attitudes of Christ as they participate in sports. Christmanship embodies the best of sportsmanship and gamesmanship, but surpasses them both. It challenges us to compete as Christ would compete. Success is not in winning, money, prestige, trophies, or any other earthly treasure. For the Christian, success is one thing only: competing in such a way that it glorifies Jesus Christ.

Christmanship is more than a code of ethics for sports; it is a lifestyle. Christmanship is overwhelming victory in a life of competition. We often isolate the idea of competition to sports; however, we find competition in all aspects of life. To experience complete victory we must compete Christ’s way!

Garner, John. Recreation and Sports Ministry: Impacting Postmodern Culture. Broadman & Holdman Publishers. Nashville, TN. 2003.