It Does Matter Whether You Win Or Lose
October 14, 2008
It Does Matter Whether You Win or Lose!
Written by guest contributor Chris Mack Assistant Head Coach of the Quite Fire Track Club Los Angeles,California
Our society is passionately engaged in a tremendous love affair with sports. A major focus is directed toward winning and winners. Whether good or bad, the reality of winning is a central feature of the sporting experience.
I believe winning should not be the only focus of the youth sport experience. It is important that the youth sports coach has a clear understanding of just where this whole issue of winning fits into their personal values and approaches to coaching young athletes.
If given the choice, and all other factors being equal, most if not all athletes would prefer to win. It is normal for coaches to have a desire for their athletes or team to win, rather than lose. Winning often determines or defines whether a coach is really good.
What is the price of winning? What values, priorities are sacrificed as a part of the coach of winning? Nobody wins all the time, and all of those other factors are not always equal. Where does winning fit for the coach?
The answer lies in the focus of youth sports. I believe the primary mission of youth sport and of the youth sports coach is not to win races, titles or championships. I truly believe the reason for youth sports and the mission of the youth sport coach is to WIN KIDS!
Youth sport athletes, are not mini major leaguers. They are not pint-sized pro athletes. Youth athletes are kids!
Being a child- a kid is a very specific stage in one’s life. Youth sport is a very important activity of millions of kids, and for some is their most important activity. It is critical that youth sport activities provide experiences that match the developmental needs of children at this stage in their lives. It is very important for the coach to remember they are foundation builders. The coach should provide fundamental nurturing experiences that build a strong foundation for future successes in sports and in life.
Coaches have to consider at least four critical areas in their foundation building: physical, psychological, social and moral. When these four cornerstones of youth sport experience are in place, the body of the foundation is building on principles of the process of being a success. True success in sport or in life, does not come quickly or easily. There is processes an individual must invest to achieve true success.
The process includes:
- Realistic goal setting.
- Proper Planning.
- Purposeful practice and preparation
- Dedication and commitment.
- Patience and persistence.
- Experiencing personal pride and fulfillment when the goal is attained.
Understanding theses processes is one of the most important parts of a youngster’s sport experience.
So, where does winning fits? Is it important? Is it proper for youth sport coaches or young athletes to want to win? The answer, of course, is OK to have a desire to win.
If a coach win championships but fail to promote and protect each child’s development and future, they have missed the point and purpose of being a youth sport coach!
Not only will a coach win in the athlete’s lives, but they will also probably have placed themselves and their athletes in the best position to win.
It really does matter whether you win or lose because it really matters that youth sports coaches win in the life of each and every kid they touch through sports!
WINNERS
Winners are positive thinkers
Winner take chances
Winners don’t give up
Winners are flexible
Winners are not perfect
Winners will fall but they refuse to stay down
Winners don’t blame
Winners accept responsibility
Winners are patient
Winners are people like you
Effort+ Will + Motivation+Determination = A Successful Athlete
Chris Mack
Quiet Fire TrackTeam
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I started running track in the street of Philly., at the young age of 6 - post college. I ran for the Philadelphia Express and the Gazelle Striders, Under the umbrella of the UAGTCA of Philly. I competed in AAU and TAC meets.
I have numerous of awards and athletic achievements during my track life in Philly. I was ranked all public and state in the 800M and I have a indoor record in the 1,000 meter run. My best events were the 400M & 800M and relays: 4X400, 4X800 and the distance medley. I was member of my high school distance medley who holds high school record. I ran the 800M leg.
The most exciting meet I participated in as a youth, High school and College runner was the Penn Relays.
Related posts:
- How To Win Gold
- Something New At TrackMom.com
- Pre-Mentality
- One To Watch….Kaleigh Winner
- Planning For Success
I’m rather involved in youth athletics both from a coaching and officiating standpoint. I’m glad Coach Mack emphasized the point that Youth sports participants are not mini major leaguers, but kids.
Too often we adults lose sight of that. We have a tendacy to make sports a major issue in terms of winning/losing that, in some cases, it can cause children who participate not to have fun.
Sports involvement often involves various life lessons in terms of winning/losing/sportsmanship, but those lessons should also include the concept of “having fun” which has its own rewards.
This, in turn, can help those who participate as athletes, coaches, and parents to realize the “big picture.”
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I have an 8.5 yr old boy who loves running. I want to start him on track. We live in Sherman Oaks. Can you please recommend tyouth rack clubs closeby?
Thank you