Why do we coach
Why do we coach? Is it because we want to give our younger generation direction in life and something to strive for? Do we do it for self gratification, so we can feel as if we are accomplishing something? Do we do it because we are good at it and can make good money doing it? Is it competition that we constantantly strive for and when we can no longer play athletics ourselves we feel we can turn to coaching to keep that competitive edge? Do we have to coach because no one else will or we feel that the other person is incompetent? Will we coach because we feel like we can make a difference in the lives of the worlds youth? Will coaching make us a better person because we are giving back to the sports that have helped us. These are questions that we should all ask ourselves before we take on the job of coaching and we must realize that it is not just coaching sports, but being a life coach and a mentor for the kids to look up to and a way to help show pride throughout your community. If you go into coaching for the right reasons you will be succesful even if your record doesn't show it and if you go in for the wrong reasons you will never feel the satisfaction that you strive for in life.
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Comments
I think we coach or should coach for all of you mentioned reasons, other then the money or course! I think that coaching is rewarding for the coach, players, and community. My father has coached for over 30 years and is constantly introducing me to people who look older then him who he says he once coached. I would like to have this type of situation when I am that age. It would be nice that I had an impact on that many lives throughout my career. There is something that you can get from coaching that you can't get from only teaching. I like the way that coaches are able to create relationships with their players that can last a lifetime.
When I interviewed Coach Howard he simply said its more than a job, its a calling. Only certian people have what it takes to be a coach. You have to be a coach to all and a father figure to some. You have to practice what you preach, and be true to your values both on and off the field. It involves putting in tons of hours for multilple causes but most importantly to show your athletes what it takes to reach a goal. Its more than a job, its a calling.
He has coached many sports mainly football and basketball (girls and boys) for over 20 years. He said it is an addiction. Its a puzzle to figure out how best to use what you have that year against what is out there that year.
Levi, your point on too many coaches getting into the profession for all the wrong reasons seems to arise more and more now that I have moved on from my playing days. As a player you don't realize how many coaches have families to care for and that the money is an essential part of earning a living, (more so at the college and professional levels); however, at high school and lower levels of sports I think that one should coach as if they are a life teacher. The NFHS certification test was really great in this regard becuase a lot of the time it takes a coaches intuitiveness to identify the many teachable moments on a daily basis. Furthermore, Chad, I think teachers also can identify with students in a similar manner that coaches do. Aside from the non-physical aspect of academia I know that I will cherish the friendships that I have gained from many of my teachers in high school and previous schooling insofar as the great mentors that they were in my life.
I really enjoyed your piece Levi. You know I have thought about this many times over the years. For me it is because I love what I do, I think I can teach the kids something about the sport they love so much, and the educational value we all get out of it. But I can definitly tell you it is not because of financial gain. I have never been paid a dime and that is how I like it. This should make everyone think about what they want out of their experience coaching.
I think you are right in stating that if a coach goes into it for the right reasons then no matter what the numbers look like on paper, they are successful. Good work:)
Nice post. Really gets one thinking about this. For me personally, I also believe its a calling. I think you have to want to change the players lives and in the end, they will be changing yours too. You always hear that when you teach, you are teaching them something, but you also are learning. I totally believe this and can't wait to get into coaching full time. There are so many kids to affect, even if it is just to get them away from their homes or lives for just an hour or two a day.
Great post I really like all the points you hit. I agree a person that wants to coach needs to get in it for the correct reasons.