Posted on July 9, 2010: How do I pass the reigns to another coach?
A Responsible Sports Fan suggested the following Scenario Question:
You have a child who you have coached for years, but you feel that as they get older it's time to let another coach take the reigns. At practices and games you notice there is little or no instruction on fundamentals. As you cheer for your child you give some advice, the coach feels threatened and tells you to be quiet and not talk to your child during the game. How do you handle the situation?
Dear Jack,
Your email mentions that it is time to hand over the coaching reigns. Is that definitely the case? Coaches are often looking for help, and perhaps this team has room for one more assistant coach?
If you do not join the coaching staff, then you need to honor the request of the coach and stick to cheering (and not coaching) from the stands. I realize this can be very hard, especially when you’re used to coaching (and especially when you feel the coaching around fundamentals is not happening).
You can also reach out to the coach and ask for a private meeting (even by phone). In a private (non-public) setting you can ask the coach how much time he/she is spending on fundamentals. Allow him/her to answer this question before offering your opinion. If his/her explanation does not alleviate your concern, you might say something like, “I think the players could really benefit from more work on fundamentals. When I was coaching last year I had a bunch of drills the players loved that I’d be happy to share with you, if you’re willing to consider them.” Hopefully the coach will at least be open to looking at these drills, as most coaches are always looking for fun and productive ways to spend valuable practice time.
For more, please visit the Responsible Coaching Guide.
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