In this section I will be talking about how important a good relationship is between coaches and athletes and how I have built a relationship with my students when coaching.
Relationships are the foundation of coaching. In the article of James Gels (2017) it states that coaches are often seen as a figure who are given the utmost respect and authority. Most athletes feel as though they can open up to their coach about their problems, so they need to maintain a healthy relationship as they often look up to their coach as a mentor and role model. A strong relationship between a coach and athlete is vital for the growth of the athlete in to a more positive and ethical individual as well as for the good performance of the team.
Coaches who value and focus primarily on the relationship with their athletes are most likely to benefit, regardless of wins and scores because they will have focused on establishing more effective and moral behaviours in their athletes rather than making it only about wins. The benefits of having positive relationships whilst maintaining a strong approach to coaching will help the athletes develop not only as an individual but as an upstanding player too.
If coaches are struggling to create a relationship with their athlete, they can try a few methods to help enhance a better relationship among themselves. They could try to organise events outside of their athletic environment, like a meal or any activities for them to bond as individuals. This helps both the athlete and coach to build a structure for their relationship outside of their normal structure.
An effective coach will base its morals upon honesty and positivity. As well as being available whenever needed as a tutor or just as someone to speak to. During school hours or even after to help promote an open-door policy so athletes feel comfortable and more encouraged to promote a positive relationship among themselves.
The coach and athlete relationship is important due to the impact it has on the athlete. So if a coach is only concerned about winning and has no other goal, he may possibly be able to achieve this however there is a strong chance they will go through many ethical and moral dilemmas. Athletes who are successful but haven’t maintained positive relationships through the process will have the ability to achieve things, but they won’t have grown as an individual. As a coach it is their role to teach the athlete moral and skills that they will benefit from and use throughout their life. A lack of interest and deceit are key attributes to not have as a successful coach. Also, a lack of enthusiasm and encouragement as a coach can lead to poor relationships and communication between athletes and coaches.
Having these particular attributes can lead to not having healthy relationships between athletes and coaches which can lead to having a negative mindset. When an athlete has won a game, it has been done by initiating teamwork and personal connections.
In my experience as a coach I developed a good relationship by listening to what athletes have had to say, being there as a tutor and role model after hours and being there as support so they can approach me at any time and not feel that I am unapproachable. This has helped them succeed as I have been supportive, and I have also made sure that I am clear that it is not always about winning, it’s about your personal growth. I have also promoted a open door policy which made them feel conformable and encouraged them to build a more positive relationship. A good relationship with an athlete leads to success (Crisfield 1999).
Bibliography
James Gels (2017) [online] Available at: https://www.nfhs.org/articles/the-importance-of-a-strong-coach-athlete-relationship/
Ohio University. (2019). The Importance of a Strong Coach-Athlete Relationship | Ohio University. [online] Available at: https://onlinemasters.ohio.edu/blog/the-importance-of-a-strong-coach-athlete-relationship/ [Accessed 6 May 2019].
CRISFIELD, P. et al. (1999) The Successful Coach. 2nd ed. UK; The National Coach Foundation
Syeds coaching experience 