DeAngelo Wiser
Have you ever been to a meeting or conference where veteran
coaches were obvious in their disdain for having to attend? How about having to listen to them as they
make harsh comments and complaints? Now,
I’m not talking about the problem coach that someone should have fired years
ago. I’m referring to successful coaches
who have soured over time.
As a younger coach, my thoughts always raced to an internal
fear: “I hope I never get that way!” I
felt the need to distance myself from all the negativity before it consumed
me. I used to wonder to myself, “How did
this happen? I remember that coach winning a championship.”
However, after talking with and listening to many coaches,
I’ve found those behaviors are a direct result of being ignored, forgotten and
left alone.
Let’s look at all three.
IGNORED- Veteran
coaches usually have offered solutions to varying challenges within the sports
department, such as field maintenance, gym cosmetics, developing coaching manuals,
rules and expectations, board policies, etc. Many times their ideas were not taken seriously even though the problems
impacted them directly. Instead, the issues were often handled by an individual
or a committee with little sports experience. Over the years, resentment builds because their opinions and solutions
weren’t considered or even acknowledged.
FORGOTTEN-
Accomplishments from the past can be forgotten by new AD’s and
Administrators. Veteran coaches have
sometimes devoted their whole careers to the school, working on fields or in
the gyms and giving freely of their time to camps.
Yet, their
records,
championships and decorated players are forgotten.
In a “what have you won for me today world,”
yesterday’s titles are lost.
Very often
they feel no one cares and wonder why they even did it, or continue to do
it.
Realizing that none of that seems to
matter can fuel a feeling of, “Why should I care?”
LEFT ALONE- A
dilemma no coach ever puts a lot of thought into is getting to a point in their
career where they are so trusted that no one checks on them, gives them
guidance or holds them accountable. While it would appear to be a coach’s dream, it can be a lonely
feeling. Players expect to be
disciplined when they step out of line. They expect someone to teach and guide
them regardless of their grade. Remember, coaches do as well, regardless of their tenure. Being left alone, while at first seems like a
badge of honor, creates a feeling of not being an integral part of the sports
department.
If you’re an Athletic Director, especially a newly hired
one, veteran coaches can potentially be one of your biggest challenges. They can be set in their ways of doing things
within the athletic department, and may either confront you or do their best to
ignore you. In either case you have to
establish a solid relationship so they have an understanding of your
expectations and guidelines of accountability for every coach within the
department.
With that in mind, what does a veteran coach offer that is
valuable, not only to their team, but to the athletic department?
Experience- Expert in dealing with
players, administrators, officials and parents.
Knowledgeable- A true tactician.
Ability to handle game situations is almost flawless.
Resources- Knows every avenue to find
answers and solutions.
Relationships- Fosters goodwill to
colleagues, officials, and business people.
Credibility- Has shown the ability to
build a successful program. Follows the rules.
Recognizable- The face of your school
in the community and beyond.
Loyalty- Heart and soul have been given
to their school, sport and players.
Dedication- Always had one main
goal: To coach and support their team.
Commitment- Rarely missed a day. Always a role model for their players.
Caring- Went over and beyond in supporting players in personal
challenges as well.
The key is to tap into these qualities. Let’s remember the
three areas contributing to veteran coaches becoming negative and cynical: Being ignored, forgotten and left alone. How can we eliminate those three terms and
use our veteran coaches’ attributes to help the department and reignite their
passion?
Accountable-
They don’t want to be treated any differently. They need guidance just like any other coach in your program. Experience is not a free ticket, but the key
is to treat them as a peer, not a subordinate. If they step out of line, call
them on it. Evaluate them just like any
other coach. Will they like it? Probably not. Do they need it? YES!
Higher
standard- Remind them you hold them to a higher standard. They need to realize their accomplishments
and experiences make them a role model and ambassador for the other coaches in
the program, the school and the community.
Recognition
for Achievements- Take the time to highlight their personal and team
achievements at a sports halftime, post something on social media every month
(blast from the past) or send an online article to the local newspaper. Their
accomplishments, while a few years ago, shed a positive light on the sports
program, and give others new insight into your program’s history.
Listen/Let
them fight- If they have a potential solution for a problem, take the time
to listen. Should they want to take it
to a higher level, such as the school board or superintendent, encourage them
to do so. Just remind them of the
risks. Nothing gives a person greater
purpose than advocating for a cause.
Bigger
Roll- Can your department, school or district, use their experience in a
supplemental role while they coach or when they retire? That could be an Assistant AD, Sports Program
Ambassador, Sports Fundraising Director, Sports Academic Advisor/Coordinator, Fields
and Facilities Coordinator, or other roles.Think of all they bring to the
table that can benefit everyone.
Insight/Intuition-
Veteran coaches are masters of insight and intuition. During a game, they are always thinking and
seeing ahead. Get them involved on
athletic committees that make decisions impacting your school’s sports. Another voice of experience can be a positive
when weighing all the factors. Giving
back is a great way to cement their legacy.
Coaching
Trainer- Every program needs a trainer for newly-hired coaches. Given their personality, demeanor and ability,
a veteran coach may be a great fit in this position. Having experienced so many of the challenges
young coaches will face makes them a great possibility.This certainly could be
a position they hold in addition to regular coaching duties, or, in some cases,
a stand-alone position.
Veteran
coaches have devoted their careers to their sports, and sometimes to one
school.
No one carries a brighter torch
for their sport than these men and women.
Ask them for ways to improve their sport at
your school.
Put them in charge of
finding solutions.
No one will work
harder or with greater purpose.
These
coaches are a valuable asset and, given the opportunity, will continue to work
tirelessly for your sports program.
Veteran coaches didn’t grow into a
cynical and negative outlook with age.
They got there feeling ignored, forgotten and left alone.
Take the steps necessary today to use these
valuable resources in a positive way to benefit not only them, but your sports
program as well.
I wish you and your program the
best!
Learn more about us at wisersportsleadership.com and listen to our podcasts, "Influence for Today's Coaches," on itunes.
