Strengthening the Character of SMAN 1 Bululawang Hockey Athletes in Developing High-Achieving Athletes

Abstract

Training school-age athletes is not just focused on improving technical skills and physical fitness, but also needs to be supported by character development to enhance performance during training for competitions. Hockey athletes are expected to have discipline, responsibility, sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, resilience, and self-control. This community service activity aims to strengthen the character of SMAN 1 Bululawang hockey athletes as part of athlete development that focuses on both sports skills and character building. The community service method uses a participatory approach through stages such as identifying needs, preparing program materials, providing education, mentoring, reflection, and evaluation. Evaluation was done through observing behavior, discussions, character assessment sheets, as well as pre- and post-activity evaluations.  The results of the activity show that strengthening the character of SMAN 1 Bululawang hockey athletes can be a relevant strategy to integrate values like discipline, responsibility, teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and respect for others into hockey training activities. This activity gives athletes the experience of taking on roles as players, team members, leaders, activity managers, and individuals responsible for the continuity of the sports process.