PARENTS: Guidelines For Evaluating Your Coach

By Paul Lubanski

Recently, I was interviewed for a nationally syndicated radio program with an audience that stretches into the millions. On that show,I was asked what I thought parents across-the-globe should be expecting and seeking as it relates to both the effort and abilities of their respective child's coach. In other words, how to assess said coach--REGARDLESS of whether he/she is in a paid or volunteer situation--and, REGARDLESS of age or skill level of the participant.

Great question! And,the topic of which I will address in today's blog post.

In my opinion, there are three UNIVERSALLY basic questions that need to be answered by your child each and every time he/she returns home post a game, practice or skill improvement session or activity.

It should be noted that the queries I am about to pose--literally transcend sport and culture around-the-world. So, here they are:

1. Is and does your young athlete appear psychologically healthier?
2. Is and does your youngster appear and feel physically stronger?
3. Does he/she feel as if they have potentially improved is/her play/skills in some discernible fashion?

I contend and am confident that what I put forth above is inarguably accurate. Again, doesn't matter if we are speaking of soccer in Brazil, lacrosse in Green Bay or ice hockey in Trenton. You see, the fundamental responsibilities of a coach/staff are neatly wrapped within the afore-proposed questions. Furthermore, these are MINIMUM guidelines!

So let's take a second to dig a bit deeper into each:

Psychologically healthier in the affirmative post a workout illustrates that a child has likely been inspired and supported by his/her coach in an engagingly positive fashion.

A "yes' answer to the "is the player now physically stronger" question would support evidence that the head coach has fostered and tailored and on or off-surface environment that keeps the children competing vigorously--yet SAFELY. For example, he/she is smart, caring and aware enough to not allow a 100 pound weight advantage/difference between two teammates within drills that may require some physical confrontation.

Finally, if the two mandates above are fulfilled--psychological and physical improvement--then the child stand a much greater chance to have discernibly improved their play in some small way.

In closing, I need to emphasize that it is incumbent upon ALL parents to carefully and constantly assess their child's experience via the questions asked above. And within, IF the consistent replies are not "YES, YES and YES"--it may be and is 100 percent appropriate to remove your youngster from that team/program. There is no such thing at the youth level as a "binding" full-season participation contract devoid of mitigating circumstances. In other words, if the club/association is not living-up to reasonable expectations because of a head coach that is ill caring or ill-prepared--YOU CAN LEGALLY move on. AND SHOULD.

Best of luck.

Coach Lubanski

BONUS TIPS:

-You've heard the following from me on several occasions as well--but it always bares repeating--especially in-light of today's subject matter: As a youth coach--you must unequivocally be willing to ACCEPT all the responsibility for a teams' perceived negative performance! And, conversely--you must be 1,000 per cent amenable to the notion that when a team is recognized as having delivered a positive performance--THE CHILDREN ARE HANDED ALL Of THE credit! I submit that if you are NOT prepared and willing to do as I describe above--YOU SHOULD NOT BE COACHING children or young adults for that matter.

-Also; it imperative that once you assume the role of coach-- (again, regardless of whether it's a a paid or volunteer situation)--that you strive each day of the season to enhance your existing knowledge/coaching base. You owe to both yourself especially to the YOUNGSTERS/PLAYERS to do so. If not willing--resign and make room for someone that IS.

Paul T. Lubanski-
PRESIDENT
Wilderness Xtreme Sports
(248) 762-6998