Coaches Day

This comes from a soccer site, but applies to all sports coaches

I know I've written about this in past years, but when I work in sports, coach sports, and the fact that my life revolves around sports, I think this is important to write about. 

October 6 is National Coaches Day. 

It's a day to recognize the great work coaches do for athletes. 

According to NationalDayCalendar.com National Coaches Day on October 6 honors the men and women who inspire us to work harder and do our best.

I am, of course, going to take this from a local (primarily high school) perspective. This can, however, be taken from a professional perspective as well.  

Personally, I have been coached by many playing youth sports, worked with coaches when I was a student manager, worked with coaches in my job, and am a coach for baseball. 

I think this gives me a great perspective on what coaches really do. 

It's not just about the game plan and teaching the sport. 

A coach should inspire, motivate and be a role model for their athletes. 

It's about being there for the men and women. Both on the field and off. 

If the athletes are down, talk to them. Find out what is wrong. Is it just their sport struggles, or is there something more going on? 

Be there to support them through whatever issues. Sport, school, or personal life. 

Help out however you can. Even if that's just talking or being there for them. 

I feel as a coach and huge supporter of the student-athletes, that is a strength of mine. I care about the student-athletes. Sometimes too much (this could be another blog post entirely, and it might be). 

Support them and cheer them on during good times as well. 

In terms of actually coaching, it is a coach's job to put the team they feel gives them the best chance to win out there. That doesn't mean they ignore those who aren't starting or playing. Everyone has a role. If fact, sometimes, it's more important to pay attention to those who aren't in the game. Make sure they stay focused on the game and support their team. 

Every member of a coaching staff needs to know their role. The head coach is in charge. It's his or her job to delegate or not delegate duties. The head coach should make sure their assistants know what they should be doing during practices and games. It's also the job of the assistant not to overstep the head coach. 

Every coach, if they are doing it for the correct reason, is in coaching for the student-athletes. The best coaches are the ones who you don't hear from and don't make it about themselves. 

Thank you to all the coaches who do so much for their students-athletes. The appreciation isn't often show, but it is there.