It is mind boggling to think about the number of people we have give the title of “coach” to over the years in the various levels of sports. Coaching a team can be a life changing experience for any parent or sports enthusiast and an even greater experience for the many young people they touch through the trials and tribulations of a sport season. There have been many outstanding coaches who have given the time, energy, expertise and leadership that have made a tremendous impact on the development of our youth and just as many who really do not get it! What a great opportunity and responsibility we have to influence so many young people during a time in their development as athletes and more importantly as people. Some of my most influential mentors who helped me shape who I am today were coaches throughout my youth. We cannot argue that the foundation of our character is built by our own parents although for many young people, it is their coaches that provide them with the moments and experiences that ultimately make a difference in their development as adults. I can look back today at the coaches that I had in elementary school, Little League, high school, and various leagues that I participated in up through my college career. I can remember every name and more importantly what kind of influence they had on my life. That is a very powerful statement and it proves the point that responsible coaching can have a tremendous influence in shaping the character of our youth. I was influenced so well that I chose to coach as a profession. To this day, I continue to thank the coaches in my life for the guidance, discipline, encouragement and knowledge the instilled in me over the years.
When we make the choice of becoming a coach, it is imperative that we understand some simple guidelines that have been proven over the years to provide the proper environment for our youth to develop their athletic skills but more importantly the skills they will need to be successful in life.
Coaching is a privilege and great coaches have to wear many hats. The most successful coaches have the teaching skills of an educator, the training expertise of a physiologist, the administrative leadership of a business executive and the counseling wisdom of a psychologist. But the most important role you play in youth sports is to teach character.
Coaching for character is helping your players know the right thing to do and then helping them to do it right!
Guidelines for teaching character:
Respectful
- Of the game and to its rules and traditions
- Of your opponents
- Of the officials
- In victory and defeat
Responsible
- Prepare yourself to do your best
- Be punctual for practices and games
- Be self-disciplined
- Be cooperative with your teammates
Caring
- Help your teammates play better
- Support teammates – Encourage vs. Discourage!
- Be generous with praises; stingy with criticism
- Play for the team, not yourself
Honest
- Play by the spirit of the rules
- Be loyal to your team
- Make good choices on and off the field
- Admit to your own mistakes
Be Fair
- Treat other players as you wish to be treated
- Be fair to all players, including those who are different
- Give all players an opportunity to grow & succeed
- Play to win within the rules
Be a Good Citizen
- Be a good role model
- Strive for excellence
- Give back to the Sport
- Encourage teammates to be good citizens
Until next month,
Coach Candrea