Working With Coaches

[JMN]

Now that the offseason is officially here, I thought that I would review some of my notes and see if some of you seasoned veterans can share some of your experience with me.

One area that I really worked on this year was communicating with coaches. This included pregame conferences when I wore the white hat, as well as "sideline management" with coaches and players when on the flanks. I would like to continue to improve in this area.

I am interested in all suggestions, but particularly real life examples of situations and what words/actions you used to be effective. Also, those of you who's only solution is to intimidate or abuse coaches can save your opinions. I know how to be tough when needed. I am more interested in being fair, firm, and objective, but with a "let's work together approach". After all, both the coaches and I are out there for the benefit of the players.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[ABoselli]

Please, thank you, I understand - all phrases that get you where you want to go. Don't yell, if the coach yells, talk softer. After a while, if he's screaming still and can't hear you, he'll calm down. Try not to face the coach, but rather stand beside him. A legitimate question deserves a legitimate response. Make sure the wings are getting numbers and explanations to their respective sidelines. A good pregame chat with the coaches outside of getting captain's numbers and asking if all players are equipped correctly. Tell him exactly how you plan on doing things - if there is a beef, let him know that you will not ignore him but you must administrate the game and it may take a minute.

Even terse directions to the coach should come with a please and a thank you (if complied with). I like most coaches. I understand they are emotionally invested. The fact that you are not gives you the power to control potentially volitale situations.

[HighSchoolWhiteHat]

Abosselli,
I agree 100%

Thats how our association wants it handled.