|
| |
|
Problems, comments or questions
about this site? Please email us at webmaster (at) coachjerry
(dot) com
|
Coaching
Your Own Child
A general coaching question from Richie:
Do you have any advice on how to address a group of coaches on coaching your own child. In my town I am in charge of our preseason coaches meeting. I feel it is the sports foundations responsibility to educate coaches that sign up to coach. And as most towns are there are always some parents we need to call to step up to coach. I feel it is our responsibility to educate all on the possible pitfalls that can occur when coaching your own child, such as expecting more from your own, or the opposite, giving him special treatment. Iąd love to hear your thoughts? Thanks.
|
|
|
| Answer:
That's a good question. As you have said, there are situations that need to be addressed about coaching your own child including such things as nepotism, different expectations, different disciplinary standards, favoritism or the opposite of favoritism.
To address the coaches, I would start by instructing them that coaching young children is both a privilege and responsibility and that they must never lose sight of the fact that the game is for the children (all the children) and not the adults.
Remind them also that the coach must place the emotional and physical well being of each player ahead of any personal desire to win. If coaches can adhere to these two basic and fundamental concepts they should not have a problem coaching their own or other children.
Telling a coach to forget that he has a child on the team is a bit like "unringing" a bell. Coaches with kids on their team generally react in one of two ways and neither way is proper. Either they play favorites or bend over backwards to an extreme to avoid playing favorites. There is a fine line that needs to be followed here and implicit in the two basic coaching concepts I talked about above are some specific recommendations and reminders that may be helpful for the coach with a child on the team:
 | Coach all the players on the team not just the best and not just your own child. If necessary give special attention to those who need the most help. If your own child is in need of extra help, try to work with him or her away from practice at home if possible. Also you might consider having an assistant coach help your child and you work with other children. |
| Avoid trying to treat all players exactly the same. Instead try to treat each player as an individual, with his or her own specific ability, sensitivities and personality. But avoid playing favorites with regard to coaching instruction, critique or criticism, playing position or playing time. |
| Be sensitive in how you discipline each player on your team. Discipline each with love, not fear or intimidation and without favoritism. Establish and explain rules for player conduct and be consistent in administering and enforcing these rules. |
| Encourage all players but keep your expectations for the team and any individual player under control
and under wraps. Remember that these are little kids playing a game for fun. As a youth coach you should not demand or expect more or less from your own child than you would for any other member of the team. |
| Remember to be vocal and elaborate with praise for deserved individual accomplishment by any player. |
I hope this helps. |
|