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Encouragement to Get Involved in Coaching By Steve Burns, Capital News contributor I thought I would take the time to write a little word of encouragement to all of the coaches out there. No, I am not talking about business coaching. What I am referring to is all of those coaches that volunteer their time to coach a sports team of some kind. What started me thinking of this was the issue of balance of life. It is not easy to balance your life in the Okanagan but yet it is the #1 reason that we all chose to life here. Yet, we get busy with our businesses and often miss opportunities to get engaged. I was in the grocery store late one evening this week, which is both a rare and dangerous money spending spree, and I bumped into Debra Cross. If you don't know Debra, let me tell you about her. Debra has been involved in coaching teams in schools and leagues in this city for years. For all of you parents that have had the privilege of having Debra coach one of your children, you will know that she is an awesome coach. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Debra, both as a coach and as an inspiration to the teams that she coaches. Our teams "competed" against each other in the city-wide Grade 7/8 Girls Legends Basketball League ( www.kelownamba.com ) last year. Her diligence in drawing out the skills and abilities of each of her players and the team was admirable. As a result, they won their division! As we talked, I asked her if she was coaching Legends basketball this year. "I am going to make the commitment again this year." I appreciated her enthusiasm and diligence as I was really sitting on the fence this time. Things are busy at work and often soccer and basketball schedules conflict with work hours. However, after talking to Debra, I was even more convinced about coaching again this year. I was having second thoughts about the commitment required as I had coached four basketball teams and two soccer teams last year and found it rather challenging with my schedule. Also, given my hectic schedule this fall I wasn't able to help in coaching my daughter Brittany's Grade 8 KLO basketball team or my daughter Brianne's Grade 6 Casorso basketball team, both of which I was really disappointed about. It kills me to be on the sidelines as I love getting involved. Being a basketball fanatic also helps! So there I was, standing in the grocery store with my list of items to purchase really needing some encouragement to get involved again and keep coaching. And, there was Debra, always positive about the coaching experience and always willing to step up and coach anytime, anywhere. "I view coaching the Legends League and any sports team as great experience for both myself and my youngest daughter, Kelsey. Not only will she only be this age once but since I have coached all seven of our children, I want to keep my commitment to do the same for Kelsey. After all, what else can any of us get involved with that can make such a positive difference in the lives of a few young girls?" Debra's statement stopped me in my tracks. I thought to myself "Forget about your schedule and your list of excuses - just get involved again". What Debra said was just what I needed to hear. So perhaps you, like me, are sitting on the fence about coaching a sports team and need a little encouragement to get involved or become reengaged. Yes, you don't have time but let's face the facts - none of us do! Forget your busy schedule and treat this like a limited time offer that may be lost forever if you don't act now. I just know that there is a soccer team, a basketball team, a volleyball team or some other sports team that could really use your help right now. Take a risk and take the coaching plunge! It may be the only investment of your time that pays dividends that simply cannot be adequately measured - a chance to make a real lasting difference in the life of each child you coach. |
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