The coaching profession can seem
to be a passionate job when an individual decides to venture into it. To be
dedicated, some coaches are putting in extra hours, spending time away from
family, and even sleeping in their offices. Tim Tebow did all the correct
things on and off the field, but it was the idea of not being able to be a
championship quarterback that coaches couldn’t see. This same effect is in the
coaching world.
When looking at coaches, it is
easy to see them as mentors, educators, and motivational speakers. These are qualities
that coaches must possess to be successful in the coaching realm. Although these
qualities seem great, the only thing that matters now is the win or loss
column. It is a struggle for educators who have a coach that develops the
student-athletes’ character and morals but struggles to bring in the “wins.” Which
one is more important? In the article A National Study of Nonrenewal in High
School Coaching, it
states, “It seems that a win-at-all-costs attitude has become common in
high school athletics.” Being a good person in the athletic world is just a
tiny attribute reasons to keep a job. With that attitude, it can be detrimental
to some of the other opportunities these coaches can give to our youth.
Miller, G. A.,
Lutz, R., Shim, J., Fredenburg, K., & Miller, J. (2006). A National Study
of Nonrenewal in High School Coaching. Journal Of Physical Education,
Recreation & Dance (JOPERD), 77(7), 40-45.
Bagshaw, M.
(1997). Coaching - not new but newly relevant. Industrial & Commercial
Training, 29(4), 166-167.
I'm reminded of the phrase I hear from Cari Champion so often on ESPN's First Take: "winning solves all." It's frustrating to see that trend and know how true it is. In my two years as a head coach, I compiled more losses than wins. However, I would hope that the students I taught and coached would argue that they came away from their experiences with positive lessons that have transcended their time as a high school athlete. Some wins go unrecorded.
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