Coaches Need to Mentor, Too

by Dawn Dee Lee Hedge
Miles City Star Sports Editor

06/11/98 BOZEMAN -- Coaches have a unique opportunity to provide children with a caring relationship and help instill important life skills.

Coaches serve as mentors by providing an ongoing relationship, an aspect of life every child needs. And through sports, coaches can help kids can learn teamwork, discipline, dedication, focus, organization, leadership and personal excellence as well as skills.

"One of the finest things a player could say about me after he left the team was that I cared every bit as much about him as an individual as I cared about him as an athlete," said John Wooden, one of the nation's most honored coaches whose priorities are family, faith and friends. "I often told the players that, next to my own flesh and blood, they were the closest to me. They were my extended family and I got wrapped up in them, their lives, their problems. There was a great deal of love involved in my coaching. That is what a team should be to a coach." Wooden considered his position a sacred trust to help mold character, instill productive principles and values, and provide a positive example.

"A leader, particularly a teacher or coach, has a most powerful influence on those he or she leads, perhaps more than anyone outside of the family," Wooden said. "Therefore it is the obligation of that leader to treat such responsibility as a grave concern. It is a privilege . . . one that should never be taken lightly."

Coaches can provide children with positive experiences in sports by following Wooden's example. Research shows a relationship with a caring adult is one of the most important factors in a child's life.

It's a simple process to be a mentor - often people do so without even knowing it.

Children need someone who cares, listens and provides special support, counsel and friendship. They also need someone who is willing to stand up for them.

Side-Bar: Tips for Child-Centered Coaches

• Show each child you care. Praise him often, not only for doing, but just for being. Often you'll get back ten-fold in hugs, smiles and a sense of pride.
• When you teach skills, let the child know you think it is important she understands. Be patient. It may take the whole season, but the skills are that important and so is the child.
• The games are played for the kids. Remember that point.
• Children are very aware of fairness and respect. Play everyone and play them equally, showing that just because some are more gifted or advanced, they are not more special or important than the rest of the team members.
• When you allow everyone to try a position and play equal amounts of time, more than success through a winning score is developed. Children learn what it is to be a member of a team.
• Allow the children to help evaluate their position on the team and their performance level. It gives them a sense of responsibility and ownership over their development and goals.
• Recognize when a child is struggling and then offer support. Let the child suggest what changes could be made.
• Sincerity is crucial. Children know when you care or when you believe that the final score is not more important than each child. Winning is not the primary reason for playing sports, but how often that is forgotten.
• Make the game fun. Be a coach by being a teacher and a parent figure.

SPECIAL NOTE: Dawn Dee Lee Hedge is active in several community programs and implementing training programs. She is a parent and a school board member, and provides workshops on child centered coaching and national youth sports coaching certification programs.

For more information on the Governors’ Summit, contact: Kirk Astroth, Summit Coordinator, at 406 994-3501 or visit our web site at: http://www.mt.gov/mcsn Send questions or comments to carolf@montana.edu.

You are the 8048th person to access this page.