Having been a coach for over 30 years, I have seen coaches and athletes at their very best. I’ve also seen them at their very behavioural worst.
For the athletes, often they are young and inexperienced; they haven’t learned how to regulate emotions entirely and for some neurologically they are still developing good decision making skills. For coaches, behavioural “bad moments” are seemingly no less frequent, but perhaps more avoidable with continued reinforcement.
For the sake of full disclosure, I have had my unprofessional moments like anyone else, particularly when I was younger. Over the years, however, I have learned that our professionalism speaks louder than our win/loss record, or our ability to articulate what a clean catch looks like.
It is professional standards that maintain the boundary between an outstanding experience for the athlete, or a mediocre one. My beacon of truth, if you will, has been my professional standards, reinforced with the simple mantra, “Be Professional.”
1. Lead by Example
The most effective way to instill professionalism within your team is to lead by example. This may seem obvious, but simple things like being prompt, starting/ending training sessions at the prescribed time, and minimizing ambiguities can have a substantial impact. Demonstrate the behavior, work ethic, and respect you expect from your athletes. Your actions speak louder than words, and by embodying professionalism, you inspire your team to do the same.
On occasion, I have heard coaches say, “I am here to win races, not be a role model.” Make no mistake, like it or not, we are all role models. We are always watching each other, looking for behavioral clues. An individual in a leadership position, such as a coach, is absolutely being watched for behavioral guidance. If you are late, unorganized, and disrespectful, the athletes will be also. No exceptions.
2. Clear Communication
Effective communication is a cornerstone of professionalism. Clearly convey expectations, feedback, and any necessary information. Encourage an open dialogue with your athletes, fostering an environment where they feel comfortable discussing concerns or seeking guidance. This is controversial, but my personal belief is that using profanity can dilute your message to the athletes and the environment. Profanity is ultimately a catch-all/shortcut for the word or expression you just couldn’t take the time to consider or articulate. Take the time to consider your words and the potential sub-text. Profanity can also be interpreted as disrespectful, which leads to:
3. Respect for Athletes
Respecting your athletes as individuals goes a long way in maintaining a professional relationship. Acknowledge their strengths, address their challenges with sensitivity, and be mindful of their personal boundaries. Treating each athlete with dignity builds trust and rapport.
4. Continuous Education
Stay abreast of the latest coaching techniques, rowing trends, and sports science. A commitment to ongoing education not only enhances your coaching skills but also demonstrates a commitment to providing the best possible guidance to your athletes. If you expect your athletes to grow in their role, they should be able to expect no less from you.
5. Fair Treatment
Professionalism requires fair and unbiased treatment of all athletes. Avoid favoritism and ensure that opportunities, feedback, and resources are distributed equitably among team members. A fair coach fosters a positive and inclusive team environment. I always tell my athletes, “Sometimes you may believe, on occasion, that I don’t like you, because of the feedback or the tone. Know that if you are a part of the team, I like you and support you. Furthermore, in the extremely rare exception that I actually don’t like you, you will never know or be aware of it.”
6. Ethical Decision-Making
Coaches often face challenging decisions. Ensure that your decisions align with the values of integrity and fairness. We face ethical challenges every day, not because we’re not good people, but sometimes two ethics conflict with each other, (For example, is it cheating if everyone is breaking the same rule?). There are not always certain decisions/answers, but it is always important to be aware of the ethical considerations.
7. Confidentiality
Respect the privacy of your athletes by maintaining confidentiality. Keep personal information, medical histories, and sensitive matters confidential unless explicit consent is given. Building a culture of trust relies on the coach’s ability to handle information responsibly. This is frequently overlooked, and often manifests in seemingly harmless gossip and speculation. A simple rule is: would I share the information so openly if the person in question was present?
8. Professional Boundaries
Establish clear professional boundaries with your athletes. Avoid engaging in relationships or conversations that may compromise the coach-athlete dynamic. Maintaining a professional distance ensures a healthy and respectful coaching environment. A simple rule is: if you are being monetarily compensated in some way to spend time with an athlete or athletes, it is NOT a personal or social relationship. When the relationship is no longer compensated, and all other moral/ethical considerations are satisfied, then the boundaries can relax.
9. Positive Reinforcement
While constructive criticism is crucial for athlete development, so is positive reinforcement. A balance between constructive feedback and positive reinforcement motivates athletes and fosters a supportive team atmosphere. Sometimes, when out on the water, tone and volume can be misinterpreted. I frequently remind my athletes that, on occasion, I will raise my voice, a) to be heard, or b) to get your attention. I rarely, if ever, raise my voice in anger. Raising your voice is not unprofessional, losing control is.
10. Adherence to Policies and Regulations
Familiarize yourself with and adhere to all relevant policies and regulations governing rowing and coaching. This includes safety protocols and organizational guidelines. Compliance demonstrates your commitment to the sport’s standards and ensures the well-being of your athletes.
No one is infallible, and we all have “moments.” Over the course of your career, and for the community’s holistic enjoyment of rowing, it is optimal to keep those moments at a minimum. The goal around maintaining your professional integrity will help sustain your career over the long term, far more than your win/loss record. Even if an organization is willing to look the other way on professional lapses for the sake of competitively successful athletes, is that an organization you want to work for?
BE PROFESSIONAL.
Good luck!
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