I was just put in charge of the rowdiest group of boys I have ever seen. They were so bad I barely got them to do 300 yards in the first practice. I wasn't even able to get their names or any times.
They're middle school level, and while I'd love to keep them, I'm not going to put up with 40 boys who are like that. I want to cut that number to about 30.
I could do a 50 and cut by time, but I was thinking of having them swim a 500, and anyone who touched the floor, stopped to talk, or doesn't finish would be out, especially during the first part of the drill. Do you think that is fair?
I think respect is a key here. And it needs to be earned. Kids won't respect you if they think you are just trying to control them and don't really care about them. I've found that treating kids with respect and practicing what I preach has gone a long way. I LOVE your post, Cream Puff. One of the best I've ever read.
Well we just disagree. I think the major difference between a parent and a role model is that a parent is expected to love their children unconditionally, and in that respect, a coach is different from a parent. Coaches don't have to love you at all, and pretty much all the love they have to give is tough love. I do shower them with as much positive attention when they do something right so that they know to do it again, but I also make nothing easy for them.
We're all expected to guide these kids into the people they will become, and I'm certainly pleased to have that opportunity, but I simply feel a role model is different and inspires kids differently than a parent, teacher or coach.
You are right...we do disagree. I am so glad my coaches had a different attitude about how a coach is supposed to coach, lead, set-examples, teach life lessons, be a positive influence, discipline, etc....all the things a role model can do.
I have the same kind of situation in my swim team. My coach puts them each individually in lanes with the guys and girls they don't like and can't mess around with. And if any of them touch the bottom during practice, the have to swim a timed 200 fly.
Make sure the consequent is something they won't like!
