Coaches & Parents…
What you allow is what you are teaching. You may not be using words to say it’s ok, but your actions are. By turning a blind eye to poor sportsmanship, disrespecting teammates, umpires, opponents and coaches, having a lack of eye contact when speaking to or listening or a lack of hustle, you are allowing habits to develop that can be devastating and difficult to over come later in life.
I could care less if that’s the “best” player on your squad, BENCHED! I could care less if it’s the championship game of some “major” youth tournament, BENCHED! You preach development..I can think of no better moment to develop then when a child shows Character issues.
What are you instilling by letting this slide even once? In the real world, these type of mistakes can result in poor parenting, poor students, poor employees, poor business owners and a life headed in the wrong direction.
I have three children and deal with this in some fashion each day. It’s a battle, I completely understand. But coaches, we are an outside voice of reason. Sometimes they will take your words differently. Even though you may be preaching the same thing as mom and dad, it just hits them different.
You are a role model. You are a mentor. You are a teacher. You are a leader. Lead with their future in mind, don’t get caught up in the moment, and NEVER let a teachable moment pass by.