Every year, at this time, we tend to make personal New Year’s resolutions in areas of personal growth, professional growth, and in areas that we may feel that we can improve upon in the coming year.
Recently, a good friend and I were talking how we could make our professional lives ‘easier or better’, we came to the conclusion that if our clients took ‘5 minutes’ to read what they had agreed upon, there would be no confusion or frustration between our clients and our services. In that same spirit, I would like to ask everyone (coaches, parents, and players) to consider doing the same thing for 2019 and commit to taking ‘5 minutes’ more to fully consider the situation they are in. Let me explain….
Coaches… there are new rules, information, and methodology towards developing players to reaching their potential and their ‘goals’. If you are organized as a coach (write your session plans down before training); take a few ‘extra’ minutes before and/or after the session to review how your players developed from that session. Matches can be done this way too… take notes during matches rather than yelling at your players or referees.
Next; take the time (extra if necessary) to read and understand the rules of the playing opportunity your team is about to participate in. It will help immensely when you want to make decision during a match and you don’t lose your cool because you were ‘not’ aware of a specific rule or guideline that could your team or moreover…yourself as a coach.
Parents may seem easier said than done, but if they know their ‘team role’ in the beginning of the season; they will enjoy watching their child have fun and develop. Take the time to ask your child what they learned during practice or during a match rather than telling them how they played. Encourage the communication and confidence in your child. It will pay dividends in their future (on and off the pitch).
Kids…most important… ask questions and be not afraid to make mistakes. However, take the time to learn from those mistakes and build that confidence through improved communication with your coaches and teammates.
In summary, starting in 2019, everybody take the ‘extra time’ necessary to better decisions rather than create emotional situations that could be averted if everyone took that ‘extra time’.
Have a fun and Happy New Year in 2019!!!!
