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AFM Magazine


The Definition of a Coach

by: Chip Baker
Assistant Football Coach, Conroe High School (TX)
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The other day I was at a sporting event with a friend who is a fellow coach. Behind us a student hollered, “Hey Coach.” We both automatically turned our heads in response to find that he wasn't addressing either of us. This athlete was talking to his coach, seated in our general vicinity. The athlete got his coach's attention. He appeared to be in somewhat of a panic, but whatever the coach was saying to him, it seemed to calm him down. Eventually, he smiled. Observing this interaction made me reflect on the job we do as coaches on a daily basis, and even more generally, the life we live as a teacher/coach. It brought to mind all the coaches I have had the privilege to play for, work under, and work with. I have learned many great things from just being in their presence. I realized, these people, these coaches, all share traits in common.

The first trait is consistency. Great coaches are consistent. They are consistent in their dealings with people, their mannerisms, and the way they respect and follow rules. They attempt to do the right thing at all times. They show respect for those they come in contact with regardless of how they have been approached. Great coaches are consistent in their demeanor. There is no guessing; you know what to expect from them. Great coaches take pride in doing the right thing and always making child-centered decisions.

The second trait is that coaches go overboard. They go overboard to help those around them. “If you help enough people get the things they want, you will get the things you want.” That quote was from inspirational and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar.

Coaches are great teachers first. They teach everyone around them. They teach and model what can be used to be successful in life. When they go overboard, helping those around them, they promote growth. Everyone they come in contact with learns something; something that will make them a better athlete, a better student, a better person. Their aim is to produce positive, productive, hardworking, successful citizens for our society; their goal is to instill traits that can be passed on generation to generation.

The third coaching trait is to attain knowledge. Coaches love their job. Not only are coaches excited to be coaching, at whatever level they are currently coaching at, they are always striving to be better at their craft. Knowledge is the key that opens the door to success. With knowledge, the level of success is unlimited. As a teacher/coach, knowledge can be sought in a variety of ways. Coaches may read and research, communicate and compare, discuss with others in the profession and observe others doing what they do. What makes a great coach is taking this knowledge and using it effectively to benefit others. To know something is one thing but to do something with it is a whole other ball game. It is like baking a cake. You may have all the right ingredients but still not be able to bake a good cake. To take the skills and knowledge you have and use it to positively influence others--that is what good teachers/coaches do.

The fourth trait is confidence. Coaches are confident, but not arrogant. They do a great job because they believe that they can. “The secret of making something work in your lives is first of all, the deep desire to make it work; then the faith and belief that it can work” (A quote about confidence from Eileen Caddy).

Great coaches do not go around bragging or boasting about their accomplishments. They enjoy the moment and continue working to achieve more. Coaches carry a quiet confidence. This confidence exudes through the staff and the children they are around. It makes everyone feel they too can be effective and do an effective job benefiting children.

The fifth and final trait is a hand to guide. Coaches teach children to do the right thing, to believe in themselves and to follow the rules. Not only do they say it and demand it, but they live it. From actor Denzel Washington: ''We're all destined to leave some kind of mark. We're all meant to walk a certain path, at a certain time, in a certain direction, for a certain purpose.”

Coaches realize they are here for a certain purpose, to walk that certain path and most importantly, to guide those around themselves in the right direction. They teach life lessons that children can take away with them to use to be successful in their lives. Coaches understand they are part of a cycle. They take what they have learned and use it daily to help young people. In turn, the people around them can take what they have learned from them and use it to help someone else.

Webster defines coach “as one who instructs or trains, or one who instructs players in the fundamentals of a competitive sport and directs team strategy.” When I hear the word “Coach I see a myriad of faces, past and present. In my mind, a coach is much, much more than an instructor or director. To me a C.O.A.C.H. is one who is C-consistent with others, O-overboard in helping others, A-attains knowledge to help others, C-confident in dealing with others, and finally, H- a hand to guide others. All this while also teaching fundamentals and strategies of various sports. For those of you reading this article: my hope is that it has provided some information to help you, help others and become a better COACH. We are very fortunate to be in the coaching profession and we have the opportunity to be a positive influence to many people. We can all help someone as they try to figure out their path. You don’t need a curriculum to see that you are a part of the math.

Chip Baker is an assistant coach at Conroe High School (TX). He can be reached at ebaker@conroeisd.net.





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