For all the coaches that are in the profession today, please be advised that YOU HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES THAT GO WAY BEYOND YOURSELF. In today’s world of coaching, there are far too many incidents happening where a coach’s moral compass goes astray and embarrasses a profession that many take pride in and have given their lives to. The dictionary defines a coach as “a person who trains an athlete or group of athletes.” But as we all know, the actual scope of coaching goes way beyond that. A coach is an individual that is in a position to change lives. To make a difference in a young person that could potentially save them from themselves or the environment they are in. A coach has no choice in this matter; a coach has the responsibility to change lives.
There are many stories in the news, whether it be national or a small town paper, that depicts a coach involved in disgraceful acts that do not in any way benefit the young person involved. The most common instance is “inappropriate communication” with a student of the opposite sex. Just last month I learned of one of my former coaches “resigning” because of this type of inappropriate communication. A head coach for over 20 years, a husband with a wife and two kids, a man that I have looked up to as a role model and previously thought of as a great individual to model my coaching style after, my mentor made an egregious mistake; he failed to follow his moral compass. Inappropriate communication, whether face-to-face or through the use of technology (texting or social media), is an absolute wrong regardless of intention.
Coaching is a tough yet noble profession. There is no room for any type of acts that will embarrass and crucify this sacred family that many of us have chosen to join. Get back to true definition of the word coach --- to be a role model and help kids become the best they can be on and off the field of play. As coaches, we must always follow our moral compass so that we can lead in the right direction.
As a coach at any level you have a responsibility to conduct yourself in a manner that is fitting for a role model. Athletes listen to their coaches on a daily basis and “buy in” to a certain philosophy that their coach may follow. For your statements to hold water you must “practice what you preach” (for lack of a better phrase). How are your players/students supposed to respect you or play wholeheartedly for you if you are just spouting off a bunch of crap about honesty and integrity and you are living a completely different life behind the scenes. Especially with younger athletes, they are significantly more impressionable and the ideals they learn from you can follow them their entire life. So, before you make a selfish decision, think about who it may be impacting.
ReplyDeleteMany athletes view coaches as prototypical role models, being someone with high character with the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Some might even see them as “God like”, fully buying into their philosophies and programs as if it was some type of religion. So when coaches lose the direction of their moral compass and become involved with students/athletes in an inappropriate manor. Due to “inappropriate communications” and it is publicized in the local news and paper for all to see. Their athletes feel let down and betrayed. Trying to understand how a father like figure could act in an inhumane manner is hard to comprehend and accept. That’s why coaches have to be more aware of their actions away from the locker room.
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ReplyDeleteAs a coach, you are a role model and you have an obligation to your players and fellow coaches to present yourself in such a manner. I cannot express adequately through this comment the feelings I have towards coaches who throw their careers away because they (like Arthur says) allow their moral compass to go astray. Coaches who forget their number one role and duty as a coach and allow such incidences to happen make me sick. I take great pride in the coaching profession, my chosen profession, and do not understand how an individual, whose job is to lead by example and establish strong morals and ethics in their players both on and off the field, can lose sight of that. A coach is constantly changing lives of the individuals they coach and it is they’re duty to make sure they are changing lives for the better. A coach is always being watched, judged, and evaluated by their players, other coaches, parents, and administration. This is why coaches must be sure that they’re actions and words for that matter is consistent with their responsibilities and role as a coach.
ReplyDeleteThis type of article can get a person thinking. Of all the coaches that are getting caught have inappropriate relationships with students, how many are getting away with it or have gotten away with it. Before text messaging and cell phones how many have had these inappropriate relationships and either it was swept under the rug or there was no hard evidence to prove anything. This is an embracement to this profession, one that is constantly speaking of morals, doing the right thing, and living right. I cannot understand why someone would throw their career away over something that they know is not right and that they know will eventually catch up with them. People like this are making what was once a position that was so highly regarded by the community become a laughing stock.
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