This last weekend, my daughter’s travel team was involved in a tournament in Walnut, CA. It was a great weekend, barring smoke from the fires in Chino Hills on Sunday. Showtime won their first elimination game 1-0 in the eighth inning when a run scored from third on an illegal pitch. Since our opponent was the home team, they still had one more chance to bat.
In their half of the inning, they started with the tie breaker runner on 2nd base. The batter bunted the girl to third, and then advanced to second as our defense chose to try to get the lead runner. So they had runners at 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. The tying run was 60 feet away with NOBODY out! Two infield ground balls and an infield pop fly later, the game was over and we won 1-0.
During the following game, a few of us parents were talking with the umpire, who had also covered the first game. He told us how he heard a few of the parents of the other team saying how the “umpires cost them the game.” And he said the same thing as I had mentioned earlier. They had a runner 60 feet away from tying the game with NOBODY out. The umpires did not cost them the game. The fact that three batters came up and could not move the runner cost them the game.
But let’s add to that. The fact that they went seven innings previously without scoring a run cost them the game. The fact that the pitcher was called a second time, (she had received a warning first, and then called for an illegal pitch earlier. All three times for rubbing her hand in the dirt then going to the ball without wiping her hand off.) cost them the game.
Parents and coaches, when you not only allow, but begin the blame game after a loss you are hurting your team and your players individually. If the players are allowed to pass off their failures on the umpires, or anything else for that matter, then it creates a situation where improvement does not take place. Why should I get better if it wasn’t my fault that I lost? It wasn’t my fault, the umpire cost me that run? It wasn’t my fault I left that curve ball over the middle of the plate, that girl shouldn’t have hit it so far. Do you see where I’m going?
Especially in a one run game, there are so many opportunities that a coach can demonstrate to his or her team where the team could have scored and won the game. Are umpires going to make mistakes now and then? Sure they are. But why are you in the position that the mistake would have such a dramatic impact? I know, there have been two or three situations in the NFL this year where umpire literally did cost somebody a game (and bettors thousands of dollars) with a bad call. But even in those games, I bet the coaching staff could easily point out several opportunities for their team to score aside from the situation where the errant call was made.
Parents and Coaches: Isn’t part of your job as a parent or a coach is to teach your players to be responsible for their actions; their improvement; their game? Then don’t minimize the effort you put in teaching these values by blaming the umpires, the weather, or the man from mars for your loss.
And lastly but not leastly…er least; to all governing bodies of the various sports. If you are not going to have your officials enforce rules then change the rules. Crow Hopping by pitchers in softball is one example. The other is batters hitting the ball out of the batters box; especially slappers.
During pool play on Saturday, we were up against the team that eventually won the tournament. They were a very disciplined team from Thousand Oaks. They had three or four batters who were lefty slappers. In slapping, it is not uncommon for the slapper to actually have one foot partially or all the way out of the box when making contact with the ball. By the rules, the batter should be called out.
I remember reading an article several years ago where the University of Arizona had conducted a study of left handed slappers and found that out of almost 500 at bats, only about 10 slappers got called out for being out of the box. In recent years it seems that the umpires are calling this rule a little more tightly. Now I don’t expect the umps to call every girl whose foot is half way over the line “out”. The ump’s first job is calling balls and strikes. But we had an at bat on Saturday where the batter got fooled on a change up and was at least three feet out of the box when she hit the ball. The umpire refused to call the rule. He even walked over and scratched out the line himself. Rules were put in place a year or so ago forbidding the batters to rub out the line as many slappers would do.
If you’re not going to enforce the rule, then throw the rule out. In this case the umpire was way off base not calling the girl out. In the case of crow hopping, there is a lot more “judgment” in what the umpire may see. Plus, there is the added confusion for some umps because it is legal in men’s fastpitch to crow hop. When you consider you have a pitcher like Jennie Finch, who upon finishing her delivery is releasing the ball (legally) about 37 feet from home plate, I don’t know that crow hopping gives a pitcher any more advantage than what Finch accomplishes legally. Enforce the rule or get rid of it. It creates a battle for coaches and umpires. It takes the umpire’s mind off more important aspects of the game. Plus it is just unprofessional.
Let’s make it easy. Make the rules, make the rules make sense, and enforce the rules. Let’s get back to enjoying the game.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Why do they do it?
I have been coaching with a travel softball team, So Cal Mirage. This weekend, for the big Halloween Showcase Exposure tournament in Southern California, another team merged in with our girls because they did not get a berth in time. More correctly our two girls merged in with their team.
Saturday went well. Our games for Saturday and Sunday were at Tewinkle Park in Costa Mesa. Or at least they were supposed to be. Not receiving a message from the other coach, I drove down to Tewinkle for a 4:30 game. When I got there, the fields were empty. There was one groundskeeper with his Costa Mesa truck. He told me he had canceled the games at 9:00 AM that morning.
I asked him why you would cancel a 4:30 game at 9:00 AM. He said that it was raining then and he didn’t want anything to happen to the fields. Then he quickly added, “well, the two fields on the other side had some mud on them up against the dugouts.” Give me a break.
I used to have the same problem with the city of Garden Grove when I first started coaching at Brethren. They would cancel games scheduled for 3:15 PM because the fields were wet at 10 AM.
HELLO….this is Southern CALIFORNIA.
These fields soak up a whole lot of water. Artesia Park got a lot more rain the Tewinkle Park did and they were playing games. The difference is that when Artesia is wet, Bobby Medina gets his coaches and his crews out there and they do everything they can to make the field playable.
This guy was worried about his fields. How about worrying about the people that drove hundreds of miles from Las Vegas, Washington, Arizona, etc. so their girls could be seen by the college coaches.
Two years ago my daughter’s travel team went to ASA Western Nationals in Las Cruces, NM. In the 24 hours before the tournament started Las Cruces received around 7 inches of rain. They got more when we were there. Our afternoon game was interrupted by a downpour. The Las Cruces grounds crews stayed up all night, scraped the infields down 2 inches, and brought in new, dry dirt. How’s that for customer service.
City Halls, don’t just let your regular landscaping crews take care of your softball fields. Make sure you have someone who is very knowledgeable about field upkeep, and how to make a field playable after a little sprinkle. Please care more about the teams and players that play on your fields. It doesn’t do any good to have a great field if you shut it down to easily. Costa Mesa, you’ve done a great job remodeling Tewinkle Park. That used to be my home field. Saturday was the first I’ve been there since the remodel. Now go a step further and do everything you can to make sure games play. Maybe you have to delay them. Maybe you have to cancel a few games. But put the time and effort into serving the teams that use your fields (and pay you for that use.)
Saturday went well. Our games for Saturday and Sunday were at Tewinkle Park in Costa Mesa. Or at least they were supposed to be. Not receiving a message from the other coach, I drove down to Tewinkle for a 4:30 game. When I got there, the fields were empty. There was one groundskeeper with his Costa Mesa truck. He told me he had canceled the games at 9:00 AM that morning.
I asked him why you would cancel a 4:30 game at 9:00 AM. He said that it was raining then and he didn’t want anything to happen to the fields. Then he quickly added, “well, the two fields on the other side had some mud on them up against the dugouts.” Give me a break.
I used to have the same problem with the city of Garden Grove when I first started coaching at Brethren. They would cancel games scheduled for 3:15 PM because the fields were wet at 10 AM.
HELLO….this is Southern CALIFORNIA.
These fields soak up a whole lot of water. Artesia Park got a lot more rain the Tewinkle Park did and they were playing games. The difference is that when Artesia is wet, Bobby Medina gets his coaches and his crews out there and they do everything they can to make the field playable.
This guy was worried about his fields. How about worrying about the people that drove hundreds of miles from Las Vegas, Washington, Arizona, etc. so their girls could be seen by the college coaches.
Two years ago my daughter’s travel team went to ASA Western Nationals in Las Cruces, NM. In the 24 hours before the tournament started Las Cruces received around 7 inches of rain. They got more when we were there. Our afternoon game was interrupted by a downpour. The Las Cruces grounds crews stayed up all night, scraped the infields down 2 inches, and brought in new, dry dirt. How’s that for customer service.
City Halls, don’t just let your regular landscaping crews take care of your softball fields. Make sure you have someone who is very knowledgeable about field upkeep, and how to make a field playable after a little sprinkle. Please care more about the teams and players that play on your fields. It doesn’t do any good to have a great field if you shut it down to easily. Costa Mesa, you’ve done a great job remodeling Tewinkle Park. That used to be my home field. Saturday was the first I’ve been there since the remodel. Now go a step further and do everything you can to make sure games play. Maybe you have to delay them. Maybe you have to cancel a few games. But put the time and effort into serving the teams that use your fields (and pay you for that use.)
Monday, October 27, 2008
Coach’s Threshold of Anger
Every coach, (actually everybody) has a threshold of holding back their anger in tough situations. I believe that most coaches actually have a higher threshold than most people. They have to. Otherwise, just like an umpire, we’d be blowing up and raising our blood pressure sky high on a weekly if not daily basis. This weekend I saw a coach cross his threshold.
We were in a friendly (softball games) at Wilmington Sports Complex. I will not mention the coach’s name or his team but if you were there Sunday morning you know who I’m talking about. It seems that just like a volcano, the lava was building a dome under the surface and all it took was one play, one call that the umpire made, and boom…ERUPTION!
Earlier in the game, our pitcher hit one of his slappers with a pitch. Or more correctly, his slapper kicked the pitch. She was out of the clearly out in front of the batter’s box, the pitch was in the dirt, and she managed to get hit by the pitch. She started running to first but the umpire called her back claiming that she “ran into the pitch.” The rules clearly state that the batter must make some attempt to avoid an errant pitch to be awarded first base. In the case of a slapper who is moving forward towards the pitcher, it is not always so clear cut. Bottom line is that it comes down to the umpire’s judgment and the catcher and umpire both have the best view of the situation. So that was strike one on the coach’s anger threshold.
Later, while our team was batting, we had a runner on first. Our leadoff hitter came up and drove a ball by the first baseman and down the right field line. Being a left handed batter, her hit was slicing towards the right side. It landed right on the foul line about 10 feet past where the chalk ended (about 20 feet past first base,) and continued to slice into foul territory. But it was a fair ball. The umpire called it fair. And again, standing on home plate, he had the best view right down the foul line. This was strike two and three for this coach’s threshold. Eruption time.
The coach absolutely came unglued. He started yelling at the umpire, not only challenging the call but calling the umpire an “idiot” and “the worse umpire he’s ever seen.” He was behind the foul fence since that’s where he was calling pitches from. The umpire threw him out and stopped the game until he left the area. It was a very embarrassing to do this in front of his team. I know. I’ve been there. (Although I didn’t call the ump an idiot.) But to make it worse, in the process of his argument, he said that “in “x” number of games he’s coached, he’s only been thrown out twice, and both by this umpire.” What does that tell you?
So here’s my take on the results of the situation.
1. It sounds to me like the coach went into the game expecting a battle with this umpire.
2. I would have questioned the call on the drive to right. It was very close. But I surely would not have gotten into such a heated argument over a call that was so close.
3. This coach allowed his girls to blame the umpire for their loss. This is something every coach should make every effort NOT to do.
4. Such an incident can hurt a team’s recruiting abilities. We heard one or two parents (one was one of ours) who commented that their daughters would never play for a coach like that. This is unfortunate because everything else aside, I believe this coach is a pretty good coach that knows his game. But this is a friendly. (Not that it would be ok at a tournament.)
The lesson here is for parents and coaches. The umpire is in charge of the game. I’ve seen good umpires and I’ve seen bad umpires. I’ve seen good umpires that have had a bad day. Bite your tongues, walk away, and give your anger a chance to cool down. Then you can think the situation through and avoid making it worse.
Gee, that sounds like pretty good advice for off the field too.
We were in a friendly (softball games) at Wilmington Sports Complex. I will not mention the coach’s name or his team but if you were there Sunday morning you know who I’m talking about. It seems that just like a volcano, the lava was building a dome under the surface and all it took was one play, one call that the umpire made, and boom…ERUPTION!
Earlier in the game, our pitcher hit one of his slappers with a pitch. Or more correctly, his slapper kicked the pitch. She was out of the clearly out in front of the batter’s box, the pitch was in the dirt, and she managed to get hit by the pitch. She started running to first but the umpire called her back claiming that she “ran into the pitch.” The rules clearly state that the batter must make some attempt to avoid an errant pitch to be awarded first base. In the case of a slapper who is moving forward towards the pitcher, it is not always so clear cut. Bottom line is that it comes down to the umpire’s judgment and the catcher and umpire both have the best view of the situation. So that was strike one on the coach’s anger threshold.
Later, while our team was batting, we had a runner on first. Our leadoff hitter came up and drove a ball by the first baseman and down the right field line. Being a left handed batter, her hit was slicing towards the right side. It landed right on the foul line about 10 feet past where the chalk ended (about 20 feet past first base,) and continued to slice into foul territory. But it was a fair ball. The umpire called it fair. And again, standing on home plate, he had the best view right down the foul line. This was strike two and three for this coach’s threshold. Eruption time.
The coach absolutely came unglued. He started yelling at the umpire, not only challenging the call but calling the umpire an “idiot” and “the worse umpire he’s ever seen.” He was behind the foul fence since that’s where he was calling pitches from. The umpire threw him out and stopped the game until he left the area. It was a very embarrassing to do this in front of his team. I know. I’ve been there. (Although I didn’t call the ump an idiot.) But to make it worse, in the process of his argument, he said that “in “x” number of games he’s coached, he’s only been thrown out twice, and both by this umpire.” What does that tell you?
So here’s my take on the results of the situation.
1. It sounds to me like the coach went into the game expecting a battle with this umpire.
2. I would have questioned the call on the drive to right. It was very close. But I surely would not have gotten into such a heated argument over a call that was so close.
3. This coach allowed his girls to blame the umpire for their loss. This is something every coach should make every effort NOT to do.
4. Such an incident can hurt a team’s recruiting abilities. We heard one or two parents (one was one of ours) who commented that their daughters would never play for a coach like that. This is unfortunate because everything else aside, I believe this coach is a pretty good coach that knows his game. But this is a friendly. (Not that it would be ok at a tournament.)
The lesson here is for parents and coaches. The umpire is in charge of the game. I’ve seen good umpires and I’ve seen bad umpires. I’ve seen good umpires that have had a bad day. Bite your tongues, walk away, and give your anger a chance to cool down. Then you can think the situation through and avoid making it worse.
Gee, that sounds like pretty good advice for off the field too.
Monday, August 25, 2008
The Difference Between Success and Failure:
TEAM USA Men's Basketball – The Redeemed Team – Gold Medal
Success or Failure? Success of course. The goal was set and achieved. The NBA players showed that they still know how to play “REAL” basketball.
TEAM USA Women's Softball – Silver Medal
Success or Failure? I guess it depends upon how you choose to look at the results.
Goal achieved? Not quite...but goals are never absolutes. Goals are a guideline to help us along the way. Goals are also not usually a “one event” thing. They are set to cover a specific period of time with a certain desired result to achieve.
If you want to look at one game, the final game, you could say we failed to win that game. But if this is how you look at your goals and your life, I think you would be robbing yourself of many blessings and the joy of many successes. Let's take a look at the bigger picture.
4 Olympics. 22 wins in a row. 32 wins, 4 losses. 3 Gold Medals, 1 Silver Medal. 51-1 margin of victory in the Athens games. 58 – 5 margin in all games including the final in Beijing. And what happened in the final game? Did we embarrass ourselves, did we play so terribly we shouldn't be allowed on a softball field ever again? Heck no!
Japan rose up to the challenge. Especially Ukiko Ueno. Tell me you wouldn't be proud of her if she was your daughter. 21 innings. Three games back to back to back. Her arm had to be ready to fall off. Did we let down...no..Ueno climbed up. Twice Team USA had the bases loaded. Ueno battled out. She only struck out 4 batters. We were hitting the ball. But sometimes the ball just doesn't go where you want it.
Laura Berg said it best when I interviewed her in Irvine on Team USA's final exhibition stop; “we have a target on our backs.” Everyone wants to go out on top she said.
Team USA Softball has probably achieved a far bigger goal than winning one Olympics. They have done more to advance the sport of softball worldwide than any other single group or event. They have opened new doors for thousands, maybe millions of young girls with the advancement of softball, and even more importantly, with the class and character that has been exhibited by Team USA.
There is a quote the “success breeds contempt.” The original quote by Aesop was “Familiarity breeds contempt.” Unfortunately, in youth sports today we often see the first practiced. Some kids get on the winning team at an early age. They become successful. And often, even though they may not be one of the top players on the team, they (many times following the words of parents) look down on the less successful or lesser known teams. They sometimes feel invincible and only see losing as ultimate failure. Parents have split friendships because of an error, or because one's son or daughter was not on “that” team.
Team USA Softball is still the best team in the world. As one friend of mine said “how is it that you beat a team two out of three and they get the gold medal?” This Olympics only served to remind us of the oldest and probably truest axiom in sports; “On any given day.....”
Congratulations Team USA Softball. You had one heck of a run. I believe softball will be back in the Olympics and when it is, Team USA will still be the team to beat. You have shown character, class, and professionalism on the world's biggest stage. You have shown what the Olympics are supposed to be about.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
The Frog in the Water
There was once a story about how if you would put a 12 year old athlete in a pot of boiling water that he or she would immediately jump out. But if you put that same 12 year old in a pot of cold water, turned the heat on so that the water warmed up gradually, that the athlete would boil to death. Ok, so maybe it was a frog. I always get that mixed up.
Those of us already there….we’ve gotten used to it. Some of us have probably even become a bit numbed by it all.
I’ve seen families who used to be on the same team and were good friends, are now opponents and can hardly talk to each other. I mean, we’re talking to the point of rudeness here…not your friendly competitive teasing.
We have parents of opposing teams getting angry with each other because of a call the umpire made. And of course, the ump takes it from both sides too. (And we wonder why we have a shortage of umpires.)
There are people on various message boards that will insult one another, call each other names, and just be downright childish because they disagree on a coaching technique.
I’ve seen organization board members complain season after season about how they do all the work and that nobody helps. Yet when they get some new people on the board the first thing they do is demand that the newbies do things the same way they did it and if they don’t an argument develops there. Then the old board members wonder why nobody wants to join in and help out.
I’ve seen parents take their daughters from team to team because they weren’t getting enough playing time. Sometimes it because they were not one of the best players and other times the player ended up in the doghouse or leaving the team because her parents tried to dictate to the coach how he or she should run the team.
Adults hating and fighting with each other; kids embarrassed by their parent’s behavior; parents (adults - allegedly) calling opposing players (12 year olds even) names; coaches teaching players to cheat until the player gets caught; I could go on and on and on.
In the Old Testament book of Judges, there is a verse that says “There was no king in
Parents, let’s change youth sports for the better. Let’s learn to accept what we are given, as we want out children to accept what we are able to give them. Let’s learn to accept the call of the officials, so that our sons and daughters will also learn to accept their rulings. Let’s learn to accept the position the coach puts our kids in, and if it is not the position we wanted, let’s teach our kids to work harder to earn the place they would like to achieve.
Let’s teach our kids that reward is earned by accomplishment, not something to be handed to everyone.
If your son or daughter is older than 16, take a look at how many trophies they have from teams in rec ball where everyone got a trophy. Ask your son or daughter how important those trophies are to them now. Compare how much more valuable is the trophy that they had to earn; the award that their teammates voted for them to receive; or the Coach’s award or the Most Improved Player award.
Parents – let’s learn to be civil with each other, on the field or off. And while we spend a lot of our lives trying to teach our children the ways of life, let’s try not to get carried away at times…sometimes we can learn a lesson or two from our children.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
There Oughta Be A Law
This weekend my daughter’s travel softball team participated in the 18A ASA So Cal State Tournament. As a first year travel ball team they did very well and we were proud of their overall play. But the most interesting topic of the weekend was the calling of illegal pitches.
I have had an interesting journey with illegal pitches, especially the crow hop. My first year coaching high school softball, one of the rival pitchers in our league had a major crow hop. This girl flew off the rubber. After a series of discussions with the base ump, his final answer was “I’m the President of the Association and I’m not going to call it.”
Wow.
The girl happened to be the coach’s daughter and he told me that she was pitching 18 under travel ball and that she had not been called. I had my parents wanting to bring out the rule book. It got pretty crazy. But off and on over the years, I have run into instances in both high school and travel ball where pitchers were crow hopping, stepping off the rubber, etc. and couldn’t get a call. At ASA State in Palm Springs a few years ago (16u) a girl was hopping and our first base coach was trying to get the ump to see it but she wouldn’t call the hop. When our pitcher came out, and again when the other team put in another pitcher, the ump would say now she’s dragging properly. We agreed. But still couldn’t get her to call the illegal pitch on the first pitcher.
Now I have read about and been told that there are a few reasons that umps tend to ignore crop hopping. But the biggest reason seems to be the lamest, unless of course you are the umpire and you have to bear the brunt of your calls. That is, it has been said that most blues will not call illegal pitches because of the fallout from parents and coaches. Once you call one girl, then that team wants you to call the opposing pitcher. Sort of like speeding, where do the cops start writing tickets…5 mph over, 10? Other reasons for not calling illegal pitches are a new ump not recognizing or understanding what the offense is; poor field conditions, etc. Another confusing thing for those umpires that do multiple levels is that it is legal in men’s fastpitch to crow hop. And of course, one of the issues that came up this weekend, with some pitchers if the umps called every illegal pitch a two hour game could become a four hour game.
The sad part of all this is that illegal pitches are called in college ball and quite strictly. I once saw Amanda Freed called for illegal at a UCLA game once. I couldn’t even notice her off the ground. Here again, depending on your angle, you may not even notice it. My daughter almost never hops but once, upon returning home from a 12u tournament in
Anyway, this weekend at
My issue with this is fairness. Remember, I’m one that has been trying to get blue to call pitches for several years, and I’m not alone. But at the same time, it really isn’t fair to the players when the umps ignore the illegal pitches all year in friendlies and smaller tournaments to suddenly decide they are going to enforce the rule. It’s sort of like telling your kids, don’t put your shoes on the sofa, then ignore them putting their shoes on the sofa for six months, then suddenly WHAM giving them a swat for putting their shoes on the sofa today.
ASA…let’s make this simple. Either instruct the blue to enforce the rule ALL THE TIME or take the rule out of the books.
While I know some advantage can be gained by replanting in front of the rubber, but how much of an advantage is it really? When you have kids throwing 60+ mpg from 43 feet, or even 40 feet, what’s another six inches. It usually is the stronger pitchers that get called for hopping because they have so much leg drive off the rubber. Maybe we draw a chalk line six inches in front of the rubber and a pitcher is only called for illegal if they go over the line. It may simplify the rule making it easier to understand. It may save a lot of arguments and grief. And it may take a little heat off our kids.
Oh, and by the way…pitching instructors…this is on you too. (I know some of you actually teach kids to crow hop, although you may be in the minority.)
Either way, let’s come up with a solution to this issue. A lot of time and energy is wasted yearly on this. Let’s get back to playing softball.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Association Can Be A Good Thing
April 24th, 2008 - CIF Southern Section Eliminates Blue Book Rule 313, better known as the Association Rule.
The Association Rule prevented high school coaches in Southern California from coaching their players in their given sport during the school year, with the exception of a regularly scheduled P.E. class. Basically, it hindered club or travel ball coaches from coaching high school sports and vice versa.
I noticed on the CIF-SS web site, that a poll they are conducting is evenly split for and against this decision. 27 votes that this is a good thing and 27 votes against. I voted for. However, the proof remains to be seen whether will be good for high school sports in Southern CA.
There are a few reasons that I am in favor of the ruling. For one, I believe it will open the doors for high school athletes to have better coaching overall. Yes, there are some very good coaches in CIF-SS schools. I coached at two different schools over an eight year period and I can tell you there are some quality teams and quality coaches there. But there are also a lot of schools who are not so fortunate and who's players don't have the best coaching they can have.
"Why?" you might ask. Largely because of money. A walk-on coach (of which many schools now have) in softball for example, will make between $1500 and $5000 for a SEASON. This may include the above mentioned P.E. class for which most schools do not pay extra for. With the Association Rule in effect, coaches could not make additional money by giving their players private lessons, something that many travel ball coaches can do. The booster club can pay the coach more, but it has to go through and be approved by the school. There are a lot of school that do not even have booster clubs for some of their sports. A coach may make some money for hosting a summer camp. Simply put, many coaches, given a choice, would rather coach a travel or club team instead of a high school team. I of course, think walk-on coaches should be paid more by the school, especially since they are still saving a lot of money as opposed to hiring a full time employee. (Of course, I'm biased too.) I am looking for coaching opportunities for this next year now that my daughter is graduating. But with gas at over $4 per gallon, I can't afford to drive 25-30 miles to a school like a did before.
One other argument that was very valid, was the since Southern Section was the only section in CIF with this rule, if put Southern Section players at a disadvantage in those sports whose playoffs went all the way to the State level. Southern Section players had to compete against players who may have had their club or travel coach as their high school coach.
Since many players are looking for athletic scholarship opportunities, the chances again may be improved by having one coach for a given sport year round. But there are concerns, some of which may be well founded. The success or failure of this change will depend almost entirely on the coaches, especially those travel or club coached who can now coach year round.
Two words that coaches will have to be extra careful to avoid with this new ruling are "undue influence." Generally this term applies to recruiting regulations. But one of the reasons for the association rule was to keep coaches from exerting pressure on players to 1)Play only on their travel or club team, and 2) to only play one sport.
I have had players play softball for me that also played other sports. Some of these players were among my best. Sometimes another sport may be a welcome cross training for the player's primary sport. Yes, sometimes a player would get injured and not be available for all or part of the season. One of my best players at Brethren sustained a sprained MCL and missed almost half of the softball season. But she was also able to play both sports at a junior college and was almost equally successful at both, although definitely, softball was her primary sport. Why would a coach want to deprive the player of that experience?
Coaches, regardless of what your coaching style or philosophy is, we need to remember that this is about the players, the student athletes. Most coaches I know are good at winning with the resources they have available to them, not manipulating the system to fit their needs. For many players, winning a CIF title is emotionally on the same level as winning a national title for a club or travel team; not equal perhaps but on the same level. The NCAA is running a significant number of commercials pointing out that most college athletes go pro in something other than sports. There are other things at stake here.
I believe the elimination of the Association Rule can be a good thing and greatly improve the level of play in Southern Section athletics. But it can only remain that way if coaches respect the high school programs and put their players first.
Coach Mike
I will be discussing the elimination of the Association Rule along with some other topics with CIF-SS Director of Communications Thom Simmons today on Kidz n Sports. The show airs at 3:00 PM CA time on the internet at www.AdrenalineRadio.com.
The Association Rule prevented high school coaches in Southern California from coaching their players in their given sport during the school year, with the exception of a regularly scheduled P.E. class. Basically, it hindered club or travel ball coaches from coaching high school sports and vice versa.
I noticed on the CIF-SS web site, that a poll they are conducting is evenly split for and against this decision. 27 votes that this is a good thing and 27 votes against. I voted for. However, the proof remains to be seen whether will be good for high school sports in Southern CA.
There are a few reasons that I am in favor of the ruling. For one, I believe it will open the doors for high school athletes to have better coaching overall. Yes, there are some very good coaches in CIF-SS schools. I coached at two different schools over an eight year period and I can tell you there are some quality teams and quality coaches there. But there are also a lot of schools who are not so fortunate and who's players don't have the best coaching they can have.
"Why?" you might ask. Largely because of money. A walk-on coach (of which many schools now have) in softball for example, will make between $1500 and $5000 for a SEASON. This may include the above mentioned P.E. class for which most schools do not pay extra for. With the Association Rule in effect, coaches could not make additional money by giving their players private lessons, something that many travel ball coaches can do. The booster club can pay the coach more, but it has to go through and be approved by the school. There are a lot of school that do not even have booster clubs for some of their sports. A coach may make some money for hosting a summer camp. Simply put, many coaches, given a choice, would rather coach a travel or club team instead of a high school team. I of course, think walk-on coaches should be paid more by the school, especially since they are still saving a lot of money as opposed to hiring a full time employee. (Of course, I'm biased too.) I am looking for coaching opportunities for this next year now that my daughter is graduating. But with gas at over $4 per gallon, I can't afford to drive 25-30 miles to a school like a did before.
One other argument that was very valid, was the since Southern Section was the only section in CIF with this rule, if put Southern Section players at a disadvantage in those sports whose playoffs went all the way to the State level. Southern Section players had to compete against players who may have had their club or travel coach as their high school coach.
Since many players are looking for athletic scholarship opportunities, the chances again may be improved by having one coach for a given sport year round. But there are concerns, some of which may be well founded. The success or failure of this change will depend almost entirely on the coaches, especially those travel or club coached who can now coach year round.
Two words that coaches will have to be extra careful to avoid with this new ruling are "undue influence." Generally this term applies to recruiting regulations. But one of the reasons for the association rule was to keep coaches from exerting pressure on players to 1)Play only on their travel or club team, and 2) to only play one sport.
I have had players play softball for me that also played other sports. Some of these players were among my best. Sometimes another sport may be a welcome cross training for the player's primary sport. Yes, sometimes a player would get injured and not be available for all or part of the season. One of my best players at Brethren sustained a sprained MCL and missed almost half of the softball season. But she was also able to play both sports at a junior college and was almost equally successful at both, although definitely, softball was her primary sport. Why would a coach want to deprive the player of that experience?
Coaches, regardless of what your coaching style or philosophy is, we need to remember that this is about the players, the student athletes. Most coaches I know are good at winning with the resources they have available to them, not manipulating the system to fit their needs. For many players, winning a CIF title is emotionally on the same level as winning a national title for a club or travel team; not equal perhaps but on the same level. The NCAA is running a significant number of commercials pointing out that most college athletes go pro in something other than sports. There are other things at stake here.
I believe the elimination of the Association Rule can be a good thing and greatly improve the level of play in Southern Section athletics. But it can only remain that way if coaches respect the high school programs and put their players first.
Coach Mike
I will be discussing the elimination of the Association Rule along with some other topics with CIF-SS Director of Communications Thom Simmons today on Kidz n Sports. The show airs at 3:00 PM CA time on the internet at www.AdrenalineRadio.com.
Monday, May 26, 2008
The Freedom To Exercise
It seems like we are constantly bombarded by people wanting to "exercise their freedoms." Right now I'd love to have the FREEDOM to EXERCISE!
I believe the toughest situation for most athletes to deal with is being injured. I speak here from first hand experience. Even for a "weekend warrior" like myself, being laid up with an injury is one of the most mentally challenging situations to deal with. This is simply because there's nothing you can do about it.
My most recent challenge, as shown in the photo, is recent surgery to repair my Achilles tendon. I thought I got off lucky when it first tore because it didn't hurt that bad. I'm in more pain after the surgery than before. But even though I'm an absolute baby when it comes to pain, the inability to do anything that requires use of my feet is driving me up the wall. I'm in a splint this week, then a cast for a couple of weeks, then hopefully rehab. I can't walk, can't drive, and can't even put my pants on without help. It's like a total loss of freedom here.
Now there are thousands of handicapped people in this country who cannot walk, drive, etc....permanently. So yes, I think God let's us experience being handicapped on a temporary basis sometimes, just to remind us how good we have it. But while I would not wish to trade places with a paraplegic, I sometimes think life is a little easier for them than for a healthy person, especially an athlete, who is suddenly handicapped temporarily. The paraplegic, even though they struggle on a daily basis, has at some point made a mental adjustment to their situation. But I'm sure it's one of the toughest adjustments to make in life.
To go from being the starting shortstop to sitting on the bench rooting for your team; from a starter on the basketball team to watching someone else do your job; from being a part of the action to watching the action. This is a tough adjustment. So what can we take from this situation that will help us get through it and to help our team.
1. Remember that you are a part of the team. You can be a "coach" that can not only help encourage the team, but also see things from a different viewpoint to help point out something to your replacement.
2. The fact that you are there, rooting for the team, trying to heal to be with the team, instead of quitting and giving up can be an inspiration to your teammates and an example for them should they be injured.
Injuries are a part of the game. They are a part of life. While some injuries may end an athletic career, they are not the end of life. They might change life as you know it. You may have to make some adjustments...perhaps permanently, but it is your choice to carry on and find your role and your value to YOUR team, wherever that may be.
And don't forget that while you are injured, you can still tune in and listen to Kidz n Sports with Coach Mike on the internet at www.AdrenalineRadio.com every Monday at 3:00 PM. Don't forget to check out the Kidz n Sports web site at www.KidznSports.com.
Monday, May 12, 2008
It's Your Responsiblity!
Today's subject on Kidz n Sports is Childhood Obesity. The reason we are discussing this subject on the show is because Kidz n Sports is one correct answer to this problem. I firmly believe that a lack of recreational activity such as sports is a much bigger culprit than than too many fast food hamburgers.
While every person has a different metabolism, it is widely held that children burn off calories at a much higher rate than adults. I grew up in Arizona. As a kid, I played outside when I was bored. We didn't have computers, Atari hadn't come out yet, it was stick ball and skateboarding. In high school, I lived with my aunt and uncle in Phoenix. My uncle would tell you I would eat them out of house and home. He made great Mexican food and I'm sure I got more than my share of calories. But I was never overweight.
Later, I worked in the soda business. Throwing 70 lb. cases of returnable bottles in 110 degree heat kept me in pretty good shape. I played softball and basketball in a couple of church leagues. I would jog occasionally. I never weighed over 180 pounds until I moved to California and got a soft job. As you get older, you discover that it is not so easy to get to the gym or go out and run a few miles. I quit playing slow pitch softball about 10 years ago as my hip was degenerating. Since then I've had a hip replacement.
Right now I'm sitting here with a torn Achilles, the result of demonstra....er trying to demonstrate a drill to my daughter's travel team. (on dirt, no cleats) Even with reduced calories the weight doesn't come off so easy.
So what does my story have to do with everyone else?
Simple! I'm the one responsible for my weight. Not McDonalds, not Taco Bell, not the State of California......ME! Parents are responsible for their children's welfare up until 18 legally. But they should be sending the message to the kids by the age of 14 if not sooner that they need to take charge of their lives, and their health. Just like we teach our young players that they, not their parents, need to talk to the coaches about their position on the team. They also need to learn to be responsible for other parts of their lives, including their weight.
I'm am quite sure that most of would agree, whether for work or play, we spend more time than we should staring at our computers. We spend more time and money than we need to for a better TV so we can see the latest movies in high definition. But what are we doing about the definition of our bodies. One of the biggest problems I see in today's society is that everybody wants to blame everybody else for what's wrong with their lives. I remember as a kid when you would point a finger at someone our parents would remind us that we have three pointing back at us. We need to remember that today.
Laziness is a disease that grows exponentially. The more lazy you are to more lazy you become. Day by day it gets harder and harder to get your butt up off the couch and get outdoors.
I can testify to this first hand. Parents take this blog to heart. Print it out and have your kids read it. Post it on the wall. It may add a few more years to your lives, or theirs. Better than any diet, surgery, or fitness guru. I'm going to give you the four most important steps to improve your lives you've ever read.
Get up; Get out; and Get moving!
Oh yes, the fourth. Take responsibility for your own success and failures.
While every person has a different metabolism, it is widely held that children burn off calories at a much higher rate than adults. I grew up in Arizona. As a kid, I played outside when I was bored. We didn't have computers, Atari hadn't come out yet, it was stick ball and skateboarding. In high school, I lived with my aunt and uncle in Phoenix. My uncle would tell you I would eat them out of house and home. He made great Mexican food and I'm sure I got more than my share of calories. But I was never overweight.
Later, I worked in the soda business. Throwing 70 lb. cases of returnable bottles in 110 degree heat kept me in pretty good shape. I played softball and basketball in a couple of church leagues. I would jog occasionally. I never weighed over 180 pounds until I moved to California and got a soft job. As you get older, you discover that it is not so easy to get to the gym or go out and run a few miles. I quit playing slow pitch softball about 10 years ago as my hip was degenerating. Since then I've had a hip replacement.
Right now I'm sitting here with a torn Achilles, the result of demonstra....er trying to demonstrate a drill to my daughter's travel team. (on dirt, no cleats) Even with reduced calories the weight doesn't come off so easy.
So what does my story have to do with everyone else?
Simple! I'm the one responsible for my weight. Not McDonalds, not Taco Bell, not the State of California......ME! Parents are responsible for their children's welfare up until 18 legally. But they should be sending the message to the kids by the age of 14 if not sooner that they need to take charge of their lives, and their health. Just like we teach our young players that they, not their parents, need to talk to the coaches about their position on the team. They also need to learn to be responsible for other parts of their lives, including their weight.
I'm am quite sure that most of would agree, whether for work or play, we spend more time than we should staring at our computers. We spend more time and money than we need to for a better TV so we can see the latest movies in high definition. But what are we doing about the definition of our bodies. One of the biggest problems I see in today's society is that everybody wants to blame everybody else for what's wrong with their lives. I remember as a kid when you would point a finger at someone our parents would remind us that we have three pointing back at us. We need to remember that today.
Laziness is a disease that grows exponentially. The more lazy you are to more lazy you become. Day by day it gets harder and harder to get your butt up off the couch and get outdoors.
I can testify to this first hand. Parents take this blog to heart. Print it out and have your kids read it. Post it on the wall. It may add a few more years to your lives, or theirs. Better than any diet, surgery, or fitness guru. I'm going to give you the four most important steps to improve your lives you've ever read.
Get up; Get out; and Get moving!
Oh yes, the fourth. Take responsibility for your own success and failures.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Time Waits for No One!
#26 takes her last lap around the bases.
Thursday, May 1st: Santa Fe High School hosts Cal High in the Chiefs' final regular season home game. This also means Senior Day, a day to honor the seniors in their final home game. Before the game, parents get to throw the first pitch out to their daughters. After the game, each senior gets to take their final hit of a Coach Harvey Berg changeup (soft toss), and run a lap around the bases as the underclassmen form a tunnel down the third base line to congratulate their teammates.
The biggest Lesson from the Field to learn is that time waits for no one. The picture above says it all. My baby, my tato, my daughter Jessica who began playing softball in Downey at seven years old, is now a senior. As every parent has, my wife and I are now experiencing more than ever the fact that time waits for no one. I can write a book (and maybe I will) of our personal journey with Jessica. Her first days in rec ball, her entrance into travel ball at 12, the failed tryouts, the successful tryouts, realizing we forgot our cleats after driving 20 miles to a field, her first triple, the list goes on.
Time is a commodity, a gift from God. You get to use it once. That's it. One time. You don't know how much you have. When it runs out, you're done. Once used, it cannot be rewritten like a CD. What's done is done. We will all make mistakes. I have always tried to teach Jessica that the biggest mistake is not learning from your mistakes. If you make a mistake don't hang your head like you just struck out. Realize what the pitcher did to strike you out and start planning for your next at bat. But most of all, we need to realize that time, life, is a journey. It is meant to be enjoyed. I don't mean enjoyed like a 24 hour party. I mean enjoyed like taking it in, experiencing the details. Realizing that what you have just seen you may never see again. Cherishing each moment for what it really is.
It took me a while to write this blog. I too have gotten a little emotional at realizing the photo above represents Jessica's final season in the black and yellow. The successes and shortcomings of her years at Santa Fe will remain in black and yellow. Four years ago Mom or Dad had to drive her to school or to various functions. Now she can drive herself. Four years ago, it was hard to get her to feel confidence to take charge of a situation. Now she knows she must take charge of her life. She is the one to talk to the coach. She is the one responsible for her actions. She is the one who gets the W or the L next to her name in the paper.
Jessica got to take her final lap with a smile on her face. She had just successfully pitched her team to a win over probably their biggest rival in league. She did the job her coaches and her team asked her to do. With two more wins, games in which Jessica will surely have a major part, Santa Fe will assure themselves a playoff berth. But I know that the smile is not just because they won a game. The smile came from one of the biggest hearts I have ever known. It came from a girl who felt like she was part of a team. And from a girl who knows it was she that stepped up and completed what she set out to do four years ago.....Graduate.
Jessica hopes to play ball in college. Yeah, Dad was a little late in getting that ball rolling. But wherever Jessica is next year, whatever she is doing, that moment of her jogging her last stroll around the bases, will always be in my mind.
What are you doing with your time?
Monday, April 21, 2008
Two Years and Counting - It's All For The Kids
Happy Anniversary Kidz n Sports!
This week marks the second anniversary of Kidz n Sports on Adrenaline Radio. April 24th, 2006 was the beginning of a new adventure in my life. I had never been on radio before and I had no idea how well my idea of discussing youth sports would be received.
Now I know.
With an average of almost 10,000 listeners on the internet, and more on 1680 AM and on their cell phones, and another 700 or more who download the podcast I would say we've done ok.
Now it is time to practice another sports axiom - Keep on keepin' on.
I love youth sports. With my daughter graduating from high school this year I am already sowing the seeds to return to coaching next year. Even though I have helped out with my daughter's travel team, I still miss being on the field regularly, planning the schedule, setting lineups, etc. But the thing I miss most is seeing a player succeed at reaching their own personal goals. And it is even more joyful when you know you had at least a small part in helping that player in their quest.
This is what youth sports is all about. Helping our young people learn life's lessons through sports. Helping the kids develop their skills and teaching them how to be good losers and gracious winners. The lessons they learn are not taught by yelling louder, calling names, or quitting. You don't grow as a person by blaming someone else when you come up short. The road to success is paved with potholes, wrecked bodies, and steep climbs. The only way to reach the end is to maneuver around the obstacles, work harder up the steep grades, until you finally can coast down the other side to the finish line. This is youth sports.
I like to refer to a quote I found when coaching the Newport Harbor "Sailors."
"A calm sea never a skillful sailor made."
Life is not easy. When we were little it was easy. It was t-ball. We got to experience life anew. People doted over how cute we were and our special quirks in the way we did things. Then we reached 8 and under through 12 and under and life gradually got tougher. Now the parent who thought we were so cute in t-ball is yelling at us about hitting the ball or at the coach because we're on the bench. Did I do something wrong? Now I got through that and into high school. Slowly but surely my skills have developed and I have a role on the team. Why didn't someone teach me that before? Now I'm starting to learn what this is about; sports and life. Now people are asking me what I want to do with my life. Some are still telling me. Some are suggesting ideas. But some are listening to my ideas, and some are actually hearing my questions. What do I want to do in college? Do I want to go to college? Why do I want college? Do I want to play sports in college? Life is going faster and faster. I have suddenly realized I have three choices: I can try to stop the roller coaster from going so fast; I can get in the way and get run over by the roller coaster; or I can get on and enjoy the ride. But this roller coaster is really neat. Every so often it comes by the beginning, and the man at the controls asks me if I want to stay on the same course, or change courses. I can switch to the blue roller coaster or stay on the red one. And he'll even give me some ideas as to which one is better.
Life is a roller coaster. Kidz n Sports is here to help the kids enjoy their roller coaster ride. Thank you all for helping the coach always be right.......and for still supporting them when they might be wrong. Teach first, win later.
It's all about the kids.
This week marks the second anniversary of Kidz n Sports on Adrenaline Radio. April 24th, 2006 was the beginning of a new adventure in my life. I had never been on radio before and I had no idea how well my idea of discussing youth sports would be received.
Now I know.
With an average of almost 10,000 listeners on the internet, and more on 1680 AM and on their cell phones, and another 700 or more who download the podcast I would say we've done ok.
Now it is time to practice another sports axiom - Keep on keepin' on.
I love youth sports. With my daughter graduating from high school this year I am already sowing the seeds to return to coaching next year. Even though I have helped out with my daughter's travel team, I still miss being on the field regularly, planning the schedule, setting lineups, etc. But the thing I miss most is seeing a player succeed at reaching their own personal goals. And it is even more joyful when you know you had at least a small part in helping that player in their quest.
This is what youth sports is all about. Helping our young people learn life's lessons through sports. Helping the kids develop their skills and teaching them how to be good losers and gracious winners. The lessons they learn are not taught by yelling louder, calling names, or quitting. You don't grow as a person by blaming someone else when you come up short. The road to success is paved with potholes, wrecked bodies, and steep climbs. The only way to reach the end is to maneuver around the obstacles, work harder up the steep grades, until you finally can coast down the other side to the finish line. This is youth sports.
I like to refer to a quote I found when coaching the Newport Harbor "Sailors."
"A calm sea never a skillful sailor made."
Life is not easy. When we were little it was easy. It was t-ball. We got to experience life anew. People doted over how cute we were and our special quirks in the way we did things. Then we reached 8 and under through 12 and under and life gradually got tougher. Now the parent who thought we were so cute in t-ball is yelling at us about hitting the ball or at the coach because we're on the bench. Did I do something wrong? Now I got through that and into high school. Slowly but surely my skills have developed and I have a role on the team. Why didn't someone teach me that before? Now I'm starting to learn what this is about; sports and life. Now people are asking me what I want to do with my life. Some are still telling me. Some are suggesting ideas. But some are listening to my ideas, and some are actually hearing my questions. What do I want to do in college? Do I want to go to college? Why do I want college? Do I want to play sports in college? Life is going faster and faster. I have suddenly realized I have three choices: I can try to stop the roller coaster from going so fast; I can get in the way and get run over by the roller coaster; or I can get on and enjoy the ride. But this roller coaster is really neat. Every so often it comes by the beginning, and the man at the controls asks me if I want to stay on the same course, or change courses. I can switch to the blue roller coaster or stay on the red one. And he'll even give me some ideas as to which one is better.
Life is a roller coaster. Kidz n Sports is here to help the kids enjoy their roller coaster ride. Thank you all for helping the coach always be right.......and for still supporting them when they might be wrong. Teach first, win later.
It's all about the kids.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Power of Words
How a coach talks to his or her team can have a huge impact on how that team develops. How a coach treats their team can have a long range affect on the team's performance.
I recently heard of a coach who told their team after a frustrating loss that the coach was confused. That there were times when they (the coach) didn't want to be there (coaching the team) anymore. Now having heard this second hand, if I were a parent of a player on that team I would first want to ask the coach exactly what they said. With that being said, if the coach did make that statement I would suggest that the coach needs a lesson in psychology, motivation, or just plain Coaching 101. It seems absurd to me that a coach would make such a declaration.
Having spent many years coaching I don't recall ever telling my team that I wasn't sure I wanted to be there coaching them. Imagine the President of the United States saying "I don't know if I want to be President anymore." Or can you imagine a parent telling their son or daughter that they didn't want to be their Mom or Dad anymore? Perhaps you think that may be a stretch, but trust me, it's not as far of a stretch as might first be imagined. Coaches have a powerful impact on the young people in their charge. Sometimes the coach is the most influential adult in a young person's life.
Nobody likes losing. But some losses are obviously more frustrating than others. Every team needs a "scolding" from time to time, just like correcting a child. Every coach has their unique way of getting a message across to the team. Sometimes we can go too far. Once in a while you may be forgiven. Doing so on a regular basis may make it difficult to field a team.
For example, I have occasionally substituted for a player in the middle of an inning. I don't like to do this but it seems like about once per season there comes a situation where a player makes such a huge mental error that I feel I have to do "something." A friend and colleague of mine, who has a very successful travel team once told me that he never replaces or disciplines a player in the middle of an inning. He waits until the inning is over, then he talks to the player and at that time may or may not make a substitution. He said that his players are willing "to run through walls" for him and he wants to treat them with the utmost respect.
Contrast that to another very well known coach who I once saw replace a batter in the middle of her at bat because she fouled off a bunt attempt, and this was at the state championship tournament. "Give me another batter he said; Is there anyone on this bench that can get a bunt down?" Now which coach's players do you think are more motivated to perform for their coach?
Since we are all human, and therefore prone to making a mistake now and then, I thought I might put together a few guidelines for addressing your team in a negative situation.
1. Never cuss at, belittle, or insult your players. While this might seem quite obvious, there are some coaches that cannot seem to control their anger, or they think that such verbal abuse will suddenly make the players improve. And while there are some players that do respond to "fear" coaching, most will not.
2. Don't single out players for their mistakes. Your players know when they've made mistakes. Some may still be kicking themselves for letting down the team. They don't need you to kick them again. If you must mention the errors, do so as a learning situation. Try not to personalize the error but describe the situation and then offer a solution or the correct action to avoid the error the next time.
3. There is a difference between errors and mental mistakes. Even the best players make errors. If a player makes mental mistakes or has a derogatory attitude, then take that player aside privately, not in front of the team, to discuss the situation. Nobody likes to be embarrassed in front of their peers. Young players tend to be even more sensitive in this area.
4. The coach is a part of the team. This means that you also need to take responsibility when the team loses. Often a team's poor play might mean that there is more coaching to be done. Perhaps you need to hit more grounders. Maybe you are not positioning players correctly in the field. Don't be afraid to admit when you made a mistake. Your team is more likely to back you up when they know you are treating them fairly. Remember, they don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.
5. One game is just one game. Lastly, remind your players if they played a rare terrible game that it was that, one game. It doesn't make them the worse team on earth. It doesn't mean an end to their careers. Help your team get rid of the negativity of the loss and focus on improving for the next game.
There are many situations that occur in sports. These guidelines are just that, a guide to help you have better chemistry on your team. Each situation requires that you be the best coach you can be. Teach first, win later.
I recently heard of a coach who told their team after a frustrating loss that the coach was confused. That there were times when they (the coach) didn't want to be there (coaching the team) anymore. Now having heard this second hand, if I were a parent of a player on that team I would first want to ask the coach exactly what they said. With that being said, if the coach did make that statement I would suggest that the coach needs a lesson in psychology, motivation, or just plain Coaching 101. It seems absurd to me that a coach would make such a declaration.
Having spent many years coaching I don't recall ever telling my team that I wasn't sure I wanted to be there coaching them. Imagine the President of the United States saying "I don't know if I want to be President anymore." Or can you imagine a parent telling their son or daughter that they didn't want to be their Mom or Dad anymore? Perhaps you think that may be a stretch, but trust me, it's not as far of a stretch as might first be imagined. Coaches have a powerful impact on the young people in their charge. Sometimes the coach is the most influential adult in a young person's life.
Nobody likes losing. But some losses are obviously more frustrating than others. Every team needs a "scolding" from time to time, just like correcting a child. Every coach has their unique way of getting a message across to the team. Sometimes we can go too far. Once in a while you may be forgiven. Doing so on a regular basis may make it difficult to field a team.
For example, I have occasionally substituted for a player in the middle of an inning. I don't like to do this but it seems like about once per season there comes a situation where a player makes such a huge mental error that I feel I have to do "something." A friend and colleague of mine, who has a very successful travel team once told me that he never replaces or disciplines a player in the middle of an inning. He waits until the inning is over, then he talks to the player and at that time may or may not make a substitution. He said that his players are willing "to run through walls" for him and he wants to treat them with the utmost respect.
Contrast that to another very well known coach who I once saw replace a batter in the middle of her at bat because she fouled off a bunt attempt, and this was at the state championship tournament. "Give me another batter he said; Is there anyone on this bench that can get a bunt down?" Now which coach's players do you think are more motivated to perform for their coach?
Since we are all human, and therefore prone to making a mistake now and then, I thought I might put together a few guidelines for addressing your team in a negative situation.
1. Never cuss at, belittle, or insult your players. While this might seem quite obvious, there are some coaches that cannot seem to control their anger, or they think that such verbal abuse will suddenly make the players improve. And while there are some players that do respond to "fear" coaching, most will not.
2. Don't single out players for their mistakes. Your players know when they've made mistakes. Some may still be kicking themselves for letting down the team. They don't need you to kick them again. If you must mention the errors, do so as a learning situation. Try not to personalize the error but describe the situation and then offer a solution or the correct action to avoid the error the next time.
3. There is a difference between errors and mental mistakes. Even the best players make errors. If a player makes mental mistakes or has a derogatory attitude, then take that player aside privately, not in front of the team, to discuss the situation. Nobody likes to be embarrassed in front of their peers. Young players tend to be even more sensitive in this area.
4. The coach is a part of the team. This means that you also need to take responsibility when the team loses. Often a team's poor play might mean that there is more coaching to be done. Perhaps you need to hit more grounders. Maybe you are not positioning players correctly in the field. Don't be afraid to admit when you made a mistake. Your team is more likely to back you up when they know you are treating them fairly. Remember, they don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.
5. One game is just one game. Lastly, remind your players if they played a rare terrible game that it was that, one game. It doesn't make them the worse team on earth. It doesn't mean an end to their careers. Help your team get rid of the negativity of the loss and focus on improving for the next game.
There are many situations that occur in sports. These guidelines are just that, a guide to help you have better chemistry on your team. Each situation requires that you be the best coach you can be. Teach first, win later.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
What if the coach is wrong?
At the beginning of each season, I would tell my players that there were two basic rules that governed my program:
1. The Coach is Always Right!
2. If you see that the coach is wrong, go back to rule number 1.
Of course, in reality many coaches may practice such a guideline but usually in a friendlier way as exemplified by the following statement:
There are three ways to do anything around here - the right way, the wrong way, and Coach's way.
So as a player what do you do when you see, er think that the coach is wrong?
First, you must absolutely make sure that you are sure and that everyone else is sure that Coach is wrong. Especially early in the season, or in your career with a certain team, there can be very detrimental effects in butting head with your coach. Consequences that can occur can range anywhere from a laugh, to the bench, to "see ya later."
Second, you must weigh the benefits vs. the potential consequences (see above) of calling out the coach. In most scenarios, the consequences usually FAR outweigh the benefits, if there are any. Most of the time the benefits are limited to a temporary boost in pride or ego. Emphasis on the word "temporary."
All joking aside, reality dictates that Coach may be w....wro.....wwwrrroonn....wrong..once in a while. After all we are human. (yeah, like that excused helped umpires too.) Usually a coach's mistake is something misspoken or calling out the wrong player for something that another player did. Mistakes on the field don't count. Which brings me to the meat of this blog.
In order to prolong your sports career, and to hopefully make it a more enjoyable and successful one, here are a few guidelines you may want to follow. By the way, these may also help you off the field in relationships with others too.
As with most things, we must make a judgment call as to the importance of the transgression. I was recently told of a coach who was released from his job because of the way he treated his team players. Verbal or physical abuse, unfair punishment (think this one out, many people seem to think any punishment is unfair,) money mismanagement, etc. are all important issues that should be brought to someone's attention. Depending upon the player's age, (and usually I would say anyone under 18) should notify a parent of the coach's action(s) before going "public" with accusations or rumors.
If the coach just misspoke, such as mentioning a wrong game date, or giving credit for something to the wrong player, it may be something that you ignore or perhaps mention to the coach PRIVATELY. Don't shout out in front of everyone "Hey Coach, you're wrong man...." or "Gee Coach, you sure screwed that one up."
But when it comes to issues such as playing time, strategy, or any other on-the-field issues, you must remember one very important thing; the Coach is the coach. He or she is in charge of the team. He or she is entitled to run the team in the manner which they see fit. Especially if it is a travel or club team, you really have no recourse other than to leave the team. Whenever possible, even if it is slightly unpleasant or maybe not so much fun, try to complete your commitment to the team. If you leave one team it may not be such a big thing. But if you develop a history of team jumping, moving from one team to another just because you don't agree with the coach's decisions, you may find it harder to get on a team. Sports communities, just like many corporate communities, are like a big family. Word travels fast. And believe me you will get a label.
Lastly, always treat your coach with respect, even if you feel they don't always treat you the same way. In the long run you will be the one who comes out ahead. Whether you believe it or not, most coaches really do want to do what THEY feel is best for their team. They really do recognize the value of the players. I try to follow a guideline I once heard that if the team does well in a game, I give credit to the girls; they won the game. If we did poorly, before I discuss what the team needs to do to improve, I look at myself first. I messed up. But that may translate to "I messed up by not making sure my team was better prepared." There still may be a butt chewing if the coach thinks there was a mental letdown in the game.
If you are a player who thinks you deserve more playing time; if you think the coach unfairly singled you out for something; or if you think there is something bugging you or other teammates, ask the coach if you can speak with him or her in private. Most coaches, especially at the high school ages and above, would rather hear from you than from your parents. You can take some responsibility for your life. Most coaches will respect you for doing so, if you do it with respect.
Just as with most other things in life, even if a coach makes a mistake or acts out of line, they probably do a whole lot more right than they do wrong. Coaches like to be appreciated too. Keep all this in mind and I'm sure you will do well and have some fun in your youth sports career.
1. The Coach is Always Right!
2. If you see that the coach is wrong, go back to rule number 1.
Of course, in reality many coaches may practice such a guideline but usually in a friendlier way as exemplified by the following statement:
There are three ways to do anything around here - the right way, the wrong way, and Coach's way.
So as a player what do you do when you see, er think that the coach is wrong?
First, you must absolutely make sure that you are sure and that everyone else is sure that Coach is wrong. Especially early in the season, or in your career with a certain team, there can be very detrimental effects in butting head with your coach. Consequences that can occur can range anywhere from a laugh, to the bench, to "see ya later."
Second, you must weigh the benefits vs. the potential consequences (see above) of calling out the coach. In most scenarios, the consequences usually FAR outweigh the benefits, if there are any. Most of the time the benefits are limited to a temporary boost in pride or ego. Emphasis on the word "temporary."
All joking aside, reality dictates that Coach may be w....wro.....wwwrrroonn....wrong..once in a while. After all we are human. (yeah, like that excused helped umpires too.) Usually a coach's mistake is something misspoken or calling out the wrong player for something that another player did. Mistakes on the field don't count. Which brings me to the meat of this blog.
In order to prolong your sports career, and to hopefully make it a more enjoyable and successful one, here are a few guidelines you may want to follow. By the way, these may also help you off the field in relationships with others too.
As with most things, we must make a judgment call as to the importance of the transgression. I was recently told of a coach who was released from his job because of the way he treated his team players. Verbal or physical abuse, unfair punishment (think this one out, many people seem to think any punishment is unfair,) money mismanagement, etc. are all important issues that should be brought to someone's attention. Depending upon the player's age, (and usually I would say anyone under 18) should notify a parent of the coach's action(s) before going "public" with accusations or rumors.
If the coach just misspoke, such as mentioning a wrong game date, or giving credit for something to the wrong player, it may be something that you ignore or perhaps mention to the coach PRIVATELY. Don't shout out in front of everyone "Hey Coach, you're wrong man...." or "Gee Coach, you sure screwed that one up."
But when it comes to issues such as playing time, strategy, or any other on-the-field issues, you must remember one very important thing; the Coach is the coach. He or she is in charge of the team. He or she is entitled to run the team in the manner which they see fit. Especially if it is a travel or club team, you really have no recourse other than to leave the team. Whenever possible, even if it is slightly unpleasant or maybe not so much fun, try to complete your commitment to the team. If you leave one team it may not be such a big thing. But if you develop a history of team jumping, moving from one team to another just because you don't agree with the coach's decisions, you may find it harder to get on a team. Sports communities, just like many corporate communities, are like a big family. Word travels fast. And believe me you will get a label.
Lastly, always treat your coach with respect, even if you feel they don't always treat you the same way. In the long run you will be the one who comes out ahead. Whether you believe it or not, most coaches really do want to do what THEY feel is best for their team. They really do recognize the value of the players. I try to follow a guideline I once heard that if the team does well in a game, I give credit to the girls; they won the game. If we did poorly, before I discuss what the team needs to do to improve, I look at myself first. I messed up. But that may translate to "I messed up by not making sure my team was better prepared." There still may be a butt chewing if the coach thinks there was a mental letdown in the game.
If you are a player who thinks you deserve more playing time; if you think the coach unfairly singled you out for something; or if you think there is something bugging you or other teammates, ask the coach if you can speak with him or her in private. Most coaches, especially at the high school ages and above, would rather hear from you than from your parents. You can take some responsibility for your life. Most coaches will respect you for doing so, if you do it with respect.
Just as with most other things in life, even if a coach makes a mistake or acts out of line, they probably do a whole lot more right than they do wrong. Coaches like to be appreciated too. Keep all this in mind and I'm sure you will do well and have some fun in your youth sports career.
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