| The Double Goal Coach
"A win at all cost coach" has only one goal: to win! That type of coach is concerned primarily with teaching skills and developing strategies designed to win games or competitions. A Positive Coach is a "Double Goal Coach," who also wants to win, but has a second goal in mind; to help the athletes develop positive character traits, so they can be successful in life. Winning is important, but the second goal, helping players learn "life lessons," is more important. A Positive Coach puts athletes first.
There are three major elements to the job description of a Positive Coach.
- A Positive Coach redefines "Winning"
- A Positive Coach meets the Emotional Needs of the Athlete
- A Positive Coach honors the Sport
- A Positive Coach Redefines "Winner"
A Positive Coach helps his/her athletes redefine what it means to be a winner through a mastery of techniques and skills, rather than a scoreboard orientation. A Positive Coach sees victory as a by-product of the pursuit of excellence, focused on effort rather than outcome, and on learning rather than comparison to other athletes.
A Positive Coach recognizes that mistakes are an important and inevitable part of learning and fosters an environment in which athletes don't fear making mistakes. A Positive Coach does not ignore the teaching opportunities that mistakes present, but teaches athletes that the key to real success is how one responds to mistakes.
A Positive Coach sets standards of continuous improvement for themselves and for their athletes. A Positive Coach encourages his/her athletes, whatever their level of ability to strive to become the best athletes, people they can be. A Positive Coach teaches that a winner is someone who makes the maximum effort, they continuously learn and improve, while never letting mistakes (or fear of mistakes) stop of slow them down.
A Positive Coach Meets the Emotional Needs of the Athlete
A Positive Coach is a positive motivator who refuses to motivate through fear, intimidation, or shame. A Positive Coach recognizes that every athlete runs on emotion, and that without it the athlete can not go far.
A Positive Coach understands that compliments, praise and positive recognition fill the emotional needs of the athlete. A Positive Coach understands the importance of giving truthfully and specific feedback and resists the temptation to give praise that is unwarranted. When correction is necessary, a Positive Coach communicates criticism to athletes in ways that do not undermine their sense of self-worth.
A Positive Coach strives to achieve a 5:1 "plus/minus ratio" of praise to correction, recognizing that this allows players to better hear and understand the criticism given.
A Positive Coach establishes order and maintains discipline in a positive manner. A Positive Coach listens to athletes and involves them in decisions that affect the team. A Positive Coach works to remain positive even when things are not going that well.
A Positive Coach recognizes that it is often when things go wrong that a coach can have the most lasting impact, and teach important lasting lessons. Even in adversity, A Positive Coach refuses to demean themselves, the athletes, the environment or situation. A Positive Coach always treats athletes with respect regardless of how well they perform.
A Positive Coach Honors the Sport
A Positive Coach feels an obligation to the sport. A Positive Coach teaches their athletes to honor the sport, uphold the spirit as well as its rules. A Positive Coach respects opponents, and recognizes that a worthy opponent will push his/her team to rise to the next level. A Positive Coach understands the important role that officials play, and shows them respect, even when he disagrees with their calls.
A Positive Coach encourages players to make a commitment to each other, and to encourage one another on and off the field. A Positive Coach values the rich tradition of the sport and feels privileged to be a part of it. A Positive Coach demonstrates integrity and would rather lose than win and dishonor the sport, his/her team, or the profession.
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