An Informal Survey

[Rich1]

I deal with mission statements, core values, etc. as part of my day job and what I have learned from years of experience is that what really matters is "organizational culture". Simply defined, core values are what you SAY but culture is what you DO or ALLOW.

Take a look at what your group does or allows and that will tell you what the true core values are. If they need changing, then start by getting those who set the examples you want emulated to take a more active role in the organization and create systems that reinforce the culture you want.

We don't have an official statement or policy, but like all organizations, we have a culture and professionalism is a good word for it.

We talk a lot in our chapter meetings about doing what it takes to be the best chapter around -- consistent & proper mechanics, fair & wise judgement, study & enforce the rules, communicate with & stand behind your partners, and always be calm & respectful when dealing with fans, players, coaches & each other.

I believe establishing a culture that embodies the above ideals is more important than any set of stated core values. The hard part is doing the work it takes to maintain this culture but its worth it.

[johnny d]

Originally Posted by Freddy

Admittedly.
Yet any good association has a trainer or a training staff who works with a set of aims, sometimes lofty ones.
Or else by default they unwittingly target mediocrity and get even less.
Aimin' high here.

Nothing wrong with any of this. However, to expand on my previous point, we have guys on this site that post plays in super-slow motion and draw multi-colored lines on still shots from those plays among other things, and on many of those plays, the group cannot agree upon the proper call. Thus, I think your mission statement or whatever you were calling it to help sell your association is going to be more detrimental than beneficial in the long run because you will be over-promising on something that no amount of training will allow you to deliver. It might be something for your group to strive for internally, but not something you promise others you can deliver.

[JRutledge]

For basketball I belong to 3 associations and really the focus is simply training for all of them. That is pretty much it. That is our focus and something we try to get better at all the time.

Peace