| Author |
Message |
Clare Thomas (Cxt6480)
Junior Member
Username: Cxt6480
Post Number: 4
Registered: 10-2008
| | Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 10:39 am: |       |
I am currently a "volunteer" coach for my school's swim team. In past years, the current head coach has gotten a serious bad reputation from parents, swimmers, and outsiders as well. In fact, the parents submitted a 4 page document to the school board in hopes to remove him from the position. At this point, he is still the active coach, so my hands are tied. This will be my first year helping out with the team, but I am anxious in terms of what to expect. Of course the coach claims to be completely innocent of any accusations; however, there are so many different issues and complaints that I wonder what the real story is. I have tried to get a feel from the swimmers by casually asking about last season, and so far I have had unanimous complaints. At this point, I am willing to volunteer because these swimmers deserve to have a positive experience in varsity swimming, with a coach that shows some interest. My biggest concern is that I am going to wind up doing most of the work, yet I'm just a "volunteer". I don't want to get tangled in the web of drama either. I know that these kids deserve to have an effective coach, I just hope that the negatives don't outweigh the positives. Does anyone have any input? At this point - anything would be appreciated! |
steve acree (Stephenpe)
Senior Member
Username: Stephenpe
Post Number: 107
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 5:15 am: | |
Do your best and consider it one of those altuistic things we all need to do once in awhile to feel good about ourselves. If you really cannot afford to donate all that time and might resent it the kids will know. |
Karl B. Justus IV (Xxkbj10xx)
Junior Member
Username: Xxkbj10xx
Post Number: 3
Registered: 2-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 07, 2009 - 6:17 am: | |
I think that you should just be honest with the parents and let them know how good of a job he is doing. It doesn't matter if you are a volunteer or not. I think that it would be a good thing to do. |
Christopher J. Koutsavlis (Ckouts20)
Junior Member
Username: Ckouts20
Post Number: 3
Registered: 2-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 07, 2009 - 7:16 am: | |
I think that you should just gut it out and develop a good report with both your athletes and their parents. It is the duty of assistant coaches to be a bit closer to the players anyways. Position yourself as the coach the athletes can come to for advice or if they have concerns/questions.
This way you can prevent the negative actions of the head coach from affecting the team and at the same time show that you are a good personnel manager. |
Heather Battaglia (Btagg23)
New member
Username: Btagg23
Post Number: 1
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 08, 2009 - 7:24 am: | |
As a volunteer the students, parents, and faculty should understand your position as a volunteer compared to a paid position in coaching. If they seem to not understand make it a point to express to them that you sometimes may not have the time or the means to be there on all occasions, but will do your best. As for the students, they do deserve to have a positive coach help them along, related to both swimming and life. Any sport or activity can build confidence within a person. By succeeding and overcoming obstacles that is what helps build confidence levels and self-esteem issues. Try it out for a season and if things don’t work out after the seasons over at least you know you made an attempt to make a difference. |
