Athletics Coach
Callling Time Written by Tim Crosbie
C
family, other times there is detachment and it is
“People change and forget to tell each other”
more clinical or business like. But underlying all
Lillian Hellman
oach-athlete relationships are a curious thing. Sometimes the coach is like a member of the
good coach-athlete combinations are three key elements – mutual trust, respect and communication.
Those ‘gut feel’ instincts may be the start of the coach We often hear of athletes ‘dumping’ a coach and moving on
questioning where things are headed in terms of sticking to the
to someone who they believe will better service their needs
inviolable tenets of mutual trust, respect and communication.
and aspirations. But it is less common to hear the reverse.
If the answer is NO then something has to change.
Obviously it does happen, but tends to be less prevalent and usually plays out in a more low key manner. Most coaches have great intuition. I suppose it’s part of the humanistic approach many have and their ability to read peoples thoughts and emotions. So when certain dynamics within the coach-athlete relationship start to change, intuition will then play it’s part in determining whether they may have a lasting or significant impact on the relationship. Or… might this just be a repositioning of how the relationship will continue into the future?
Page 30/90
The tell-tale signs things are changing •
Your goals are no longer aligned
•
Discussions lead to disputes more easily
•
Sharing of information declines or ceases
•
Timeliness or the level of commitment slips
•
Losing clarity around your role
