Coach and Athlete Relationship

The most crucial aspect to an athlete’s success isn’t the relationships built in a team. While that is important the number one relationship is with the coach. Coach is someone you need to be able to trust, and rely on. They need to be tough some days, and on others provide uplifting motivation. They need to be able to guide you. The athlete needs to be able to trust that the coach knows, understands, and respects the athlete’s goals. The coach needs to be able to trust the athlete will always to try and can come to the coach when things get difficult.

A good coach can teach you skills. A great coach can teach you how to love the game. - Bobby Orr

It is sad to say that not every athlete gets the ideal coaching experience. Some coaches take advantage of the trust between athlete and coach and turn the experience into a negative one. To exploit and manipulate athletes is completely unethical and unprofessional.

So how can we make sure that our athletes develop safe and productive relationships with a team dynamic with the coach?

Clear boundaries and communication

Make sure each party is comfortable with the boundaries

The coach needs to set expectations for tryouts or season

No inappropriate behaviour that is uncomfortable for either party

Be as specific as possible with roles and duties

Respect - goes both ways respect your coach, respect the athletes.

Calm tones

Clear benchmarks, goals and check-ins to measure success

Detailed plan to achieve goals set for the season

And there are so many more...but let's end with these.