What Should a Coach Not Do? - A Guide for Coaches and Athletes

Learn what behaviors coaches should avoid in order to create a safe and productive learning environment for athletes. Understand how life coaching differs from therapy and how parents can vet coaches.

What Should a Coach Not Do? - A Guide for Coaches and Athletes

Coaching is an important part of any athlete's journey. It is the coach's responsibility to provide guidance, support, and direction to help athletes reach their goals. However, there are certain behaviors that coaches should avoid in order to create a safe and productive learning environment. Fear, humiliation, and disrespectful behavior should never be used as “teaching tools”.

Coaches should also avoid being emotionally or physically abusive, pressuring athletes to play when injured, and taking away the joy of sports. It is essential for coaches to understand that life coaching is not the same as therapy. Life coaches are not meant to provide mental health treatment, but many managers lack the training skills to be effective coaches. Stress and pressure can cause negative temperaments to surface and override the coach's positive temperament.

Therefore, it is important for coaches to remain professional and avoid showing any kind of anger. Parents should also take an active role in vetting coaches and consulting with each other about their experiences with these coaches. A coach must also stay up-to-date with the game and make adjustments to their training style. A good life coach will help the client discover their potential and solve their problems with guidance and support.

Life coaching is a powerful tool that can have a lasting impact on an athlete's view of sport, life, and training. It is important for coaches to remember that the client is in charge of the session and there is no reward for the coach who asks the most questions in the least amount of time. Coaches should strive to create a safe learning environment where athletes can reach their full potential.

Kent Gardiner
Kent Gardiner

Hipster-friendly bacon fan. Professional travel advocate. Wannabe social media aficionado. Infuriatingly humble music guru. General twitter fan.