If you have played the game, coached, or even been a parent of a player, you have probably witnessed on a few occasions someone showing extreme emotions as a result of a play, an umpire’s call, or ultimately the final outcome of a game. The game is played, officiated and observed by competitive people. After all, we look at the game as a competition and results of these competitions can result in people losing their composure, ability to think with reason, and allow their emotions to control them.
During competitions, it is imperative as coaches & parents to teach the importance of sportsmanship & honoring the game we play. Self-control is essential not only on the field but in life. We always talk about controlling the controllable to our athletes that consist of attitude, effort, focus, energy, and emotions. These are lifelong lessons that are truly essential to our ability to succeed in life.
We observe what the lack of self-control can cause in the news each day and the result is never good. As a young coach, I realized very quickly how important it was to have a cooling off period before addressing the team after a hard defeat. It is important that we learn to control our emotions or your emotions will control you. Coaches and parents must be willing to set a good example for our kids to follow.
Competitive people will always play the game with great passion. The great players have a key ingredient that I will call “emotional stability”. They never get too high or too low and they succeed because they understand how to handle the ups and downs in a positive way.
Parents – 24 hours can make a big difference in how we feel. As parents, stay supportive and give your child some time before re-hashing the game. Be a good role model with your behavior in the stands – support, encourage and don’t make a negative scene! Coaches- emotional times are where you need to step up and be the leader. Visit this topic with your team before it happens so they have an understanding of how to handle & respond to tough situations.
Umpires- are human beings that will make mistakes and not get every call right! In many cases, they are paid very little and sometimes volunteering their time because of their love for the sport. Give them a break!
Remember- we play a game that is not life threatening and should be fun! There will always be a winner and a loser! Learn to deal with both as a learning process to life long success!
Until Next Month,
Coach Mike Candrea