The purpose of this study was to determine which strategies were used by coaches to address the Six Pillars of Character to deliver the Pursuing Victory with Honor sports program in selected high schools in southern California. A second purpose of this study was to determine to what degree the Pursuing Victory with Honor program has been successful as perceived by administrators in charge of athletic, athletic directors, and coaches.

The subjects in the present study were administrators and coaches at twelve high schools in the C.I.F. Southern Section. Subjects responded to three research instruments: (1) a 34-item survey assessing coaches' perception of program effectiveness, (2) a ten item survey of administrators assessing their perception of program effectiveness, and (3) One interview question was asked of principals to assess the factors they saw that should be added to these strategies for increased program effectiveness.

Examination of quantitative and qualitative data from the twelve high schools indicated that schools that were committed to the program experienced improved student behavior. All stakeholders agreed that sportsmanship was an important part of high school athletics. They agreed that the Pursuing Victory with Honor program helped to reinforce sportsmanship, develop good character, ethics and teamwork.

Coaches knowing and modeling the program was a key ingredient to students understanding the and following the program. Coaches modeling the program by using safe conditioning and skill building drills were essential to program success.

While the training and modeling of coaches was an important component for program success, parent involvement and support was seen as equally important. Getting information out to parents about the program's mission and their role in supporting the program needs to be addressed.

The study data support the conclusion that more coaches need PVWH training, schools must find more ways to involve parents in the program, and schools need to make the commitment to fully implement the program. Further research is advised: a follow-up longitudinal study of these schools and their progress. Also, it is recommended that a study be done using a random sampling of schools involved in the PVWH program.