Critical Philosophy of Coaching
Coaching extends beyond teaching the mechanics of sports and involves imparting life lessons to young athletes. Through personal growth and experience, the my coaching philosophy has evolved from a focus on winning games to fostering character, leadership, and resilience in athletes. The core values of integrity, discipline, and family guide this approach, prioritizing both personal development and competitive success. My philosophy aligns with transformational leadership, emphasizing the holistic growth of my athletes on and off the field.
Integrity in football coaching involves prioritizing personal development and ethical leadership over simply winning games. A coach with integrity focuses on the holistic growth of athletes, helping them become better individuals on and off the field. As Flaws (2021) notes, "coaches act as caring adult mentors, and the lessons they teach to their athletes can lead to the development of quality assets and characteristics such as sportsmanship, resiliency, respect, teamwork, friendship, cooperation, and self-confidence" (Flaws, 2021, p. 84). By fostering these traits, coaches prepare athletes for success in both sports and life.
Discipline in football coaching is essential for creating a structured environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the field. A disciplined coach teaches athletes the value of hard work, focus, and persistence, expecting them to apply these qualities in all aspects of their lives. Discipline doesn’t just happen on Friday nights during football games or on the weekends at major track meets. Discipline starts with winning the small victories each and every day. According to Gilbert, discipline starts with me, the coach and teacher, knowing what type of coach the player needs on that day. (Gilbert, 2017, p. 27).
Family in football coaching refers to creating a supportive and nurturing environment where athletes feel valued, safe, and cared for both on and off the field. A coach who prioritizes family as a core value treats athletes with respect and fosters a sense of community and trust among team members. A coach who prioritizes family helps young men and women set goals and work to achieve those goals. That same coach has the ability to revisit those goals and help students adjust and discuss these goals leading towards a greater attention to detail (Robison, Unsworth, Brewer, 2021, p. 871).. By emphasizing family, I create a culture where athletes grow not just as players but as individuals within a close-knit community.