Upward Sports

Upward Sports helps our leaders leverage the power of sports to connect with families in their community.

Our mission is promoting the discovery of Jesus through sports.

Game Day Attitude

Choosing the right game-day attitude is a key to being an effective Upward Basketball Coach. Actions and reactions on the court can either open or close thedoor to ministry. The Circle of Criticism and the Circle of Affirmation are simple diagrams that illustrate the results of a coach giving a referee either negative or positive feedback.

In Upward Basketball, coaches and referees work together as a unified team. Coaches have the opportunity and the responsibility to stop the Circle of Criticism by starting the Circle of Affirmation.

The Circle of Affirmation goes beyond the referee. A coach’s affirmation ofplayers inspires encouragement and praise from parents, family members and other players. Practicing the Circle ofAffirmation makes the game a better experience for everyone.