Are you a teacher or a coach?

FRIDAY, JUNE 8: First of all, before I get into the topic for this week, it is only right to update you on what is going on in my life here in Baltimore.

After spending a lot of time focusing on community efforts with Hope4life in Bermuda, I have been working on building the Hope4life global foundation in the US.

I feel that this will be an important venture and will allow me to help support Hope4life Bermuda in a big way.

The Hope4life foundation in Bermuda will be supported with a stronger network and we will see the initiatives in Bermuda move quicker with greater success.

Also, I have been focusing very hard on understanding the importance of education, sports and entertainment and developing a global structure that would help develop social community groups and empower them with the knowledge in building young leaders.

This week I want to focus on the importance of getting sports clubs in Bermuda to understand that when they are looking at picking coaches, they really need to focus on ones with teacher qualities.

They will need coaches that can not only relate to the athletes, but have the ability to transfer information in a manner where the athletes are able to learn.

They have to make sure their coaches are able to break down athletes’ abilities and provide the right format that benefits the athletes on and off the field.

They have to select coaches that are also willing to learn and understand how education affects the growth of the athletes so they could lead them in the right direction.

To be a good sports coach, you have to be committed, dedicated and passionate.

This will show in their words and actions and will help them have an in-depth understanding and comprehension of their sport.

They are always seeking out and learning new information and ways to improve themselves.

These coaches must have discipline; be able to communicate; be attentive  and approachable.

In order to be a good teacher, you must have great enthusiasm and interest.

You must be willing to assist students out of class as an added way to help them understand better.

A good teacher must prepare, organize, and strive to produce a very clear and coherent lecture to their students.

They must always be on time and show patience during question sessions by students.

Most of all, they must maintain a calm behaviour, professionalism and a good smile as well as being able to share a laugh.

You may have noticed that teacher and coach qualities are similar but what is missing from the both is their understanding of each other’s values and the importance on why they both need to collaborate in bringing good balance to the student/athlete.

No longer should the coach be just asking how the grades of the athletes are but asking more in depth questions about their education and really letting the athlete know they have great concern for their future outside the sport.

Coaches need to make sure that they are empowering the athlete not only with their skills but their knowledge for the classroom.

Coaches have to understand they also have power and the ability to help prepare the athlete for the 21st century business and the sporting world, which would be a great value to teachers, community and parents.

The reality on why this connection needs to be made is because sports has been a way out for young people for many years, but some of our young people think that they could take a short cut in getting scholarships or being a professional in their sport.

My greatest concern is when some come up short and then find themselves unprepared for the work place and end up lost.

This has to change so please let’s focus on not just building the best athlete but the best “student athlete”.  

Until next time!