Coaches; Where Do You Draw The Line?

[daboss]

While following the nature of a couple of other threads, it got me thinking about coaching ethics. Where would you draw the line? Would you draw the line? Do you always follow the rules or do you feel comfortable crossing into the grey zone just because? Do you break the rules? Is it okay as long as you don't get caught? Do you consider how your actions can influence the girls or even the parents? What is your purpose? What is your intent?

I realize there are many questions being asked but the reason is to try and draw out the true nature of your involvement and your expectations, both in the moment and after the game.

 

[CoachTEA]

While following the nature of a couple of other threads, it got me thinking about coaching ethics. Where would you draw the line? Would you draw the line? Do you always follow the rules or do you feel comfortable crossing into the grey zone just because? Do you break the rules? Is it okay as long as you don't get caught? Do you consider how your actions can influence the girls or even the parents? What is your purpose? What is your intent?

I realize there are many questions being asked but the reason is to try and draw out the true nature of your involvement and your expectations, both in the moment and after the game.

Daboss - thank you for engaging responses and challenging questions. Drawing the line? For me (as you stated in a different post) it is checking my motivations and focusing on what is really important in the grand scheme of things (storing our treasures in Heaven). We play sports to prepare us for life and I hope that I am first and foremost setting a good example as an adult in the nurturing and development of these young ladies. Where I "go to war" is when I see coaches (school or travel) make less than "adult decisions". I am several years past having a daughter on my team (she is 24) and I coach for the love of the players and the love of the game. I don't get paid or financially compensated in any way to do what I do; in fact this is an "expensive hobby" for me. Yes I am competitive and I like winning, but there is a much deeper satisfaction that comes from helping a player realize her dream of becoming a student athlete in college. I have been very blessed to coach very talent and smart kids as we have sent kids to over 60 different colleges - some times I/we were highly involved; other times hardly involved. I am old enough and have done this long enough that I have my former players graduated, start careers, families, etc. and the joy I receive comes from seeing wonderful outcomes and possibly being a positive example/influence in their lives. I am self-aware enough to know that everyone is going to like me or my methods and I am fine with that - and I have made mistakes (and a few enemies) along the way and hopefully I am still learning from my mistakes.

 

[Passion4theGame]

Daboss - thank you for engaging responses and challenging questions. Drawing the line? For me (as you stated in a different post) it is checking my motivations and focusing on what is really important in the grand scheme of things (storing our treasures in Heaven). We play sports to prepare us for life and I hope that I am first and foremost setting a good example as an adult in the nurturing and development of these young ladies. Where I "go to war" is when I see coaches (school or travel) make less than "adult decisions". I am several years past having a daughter on my team (she is 24) and I coach for the love of the players and the love of the game. I don't get paid or financially compensated in any way to do what I do; in fact this is an "expensive hobby" for me. Yes I am competitive and I like winning, but there is a much deeper satisfaction that comes from helping a player realize her dream of becoming a student athlete in college. I have been very blessed to coach very talent and smart kids as we have sent kids to over 60 different colleges - some times I/we were highly involved; other times hardly involved. I am old enough and have done this long enough that I have my former players graduated, start careers, families, etc. and the joy I receive comes from seeing wonderful outcomes and possibly being a positive example/influence in their lives. I am self-aware enough to know that everyone is going to like me or my methods and I am fine with that - and I have made mistakes (and a few enemies) along the way and hopefully I am still learning from my mistakes.

You Nailed it Tim! This post right here is part of the reason I respect you & Lance so much!
Good Stuff!

 

[Stedman00]

I will not coach to lose on purpose, exploiting some tourney rules. I will.not inject myself into games as a coach to influence the game. Ie 5 time outs to milk the clock.. I will not ride the umps like a diaper as to every play and call. Neither will.my parents.

I will not coach my players on "grey area" plays to make.

I will roster bat whenever possible and make all.changes to maximize exposure to all players to any coaches that ask.

Long list of how to coach the 'right way'.
Have I lost games because I refuse to be "that coach", yep. But have I had parents acknowledge and back.my efforts to coach their DD's the right way? Absolutely.