For too long, anyone who had a passing knowledge of a game was eligible to coach. Teaching game skills was the only end to work towards. But today, LEADERSHIP is even more important. A leader sees skills and games as important tools, as a means to a more lasting end. The coach is concerned with imparting wholesome attitudes and practices which will influence and direct girls and boys after they no longer play a particular sport.
Young people with whom you come in contact are in the most formative period of their lives. Attitudes formed and habits molded now will be lasting. Whether these attitudes and habits will be good or bad, rests to a large extent, upon you as a leader.

Sports is a rich medium for influencing character, and its effect on young people will be in direct proportion to the quality of leadership you provide.
There unfortunately are situations when sportsmanship is at a low ebb among players, coaches and spectators alike. A "win-at-any-cost" attitude prevails. We have all heard of incidents when visiting players have been threatened, and officials booed and even attacked as they step off the field. How often have you seen the "smart" coach take advantage of a weak rule, or jump screaming from the bench to protect every close decision? You as a coach and leader, more than any other individual, have the responsibility and authority to discourage such conduct. Your good example will do much to assist player and spectator appreciation for sporting ethics.

Of equal concern is the attention given to few athletes with exceptional ability to neglect of the many who are not as skilled. If we agree to the basis assumption that sports are good for people, then we must make it possible for everyone to participate, irrespective of their skill level. The real leader is just as interested in the average player as in "star" athletics. And certainly, a major objective for the coach should be to enable every person to play a game from which enjoyment and a feeling of satisfaction can be derived.

In the heat of a close, hard-fought game, a player's true self is going to show through. Life situations and game situations can be very similar. A leader who is really interested in helping the players will watch for these innumerable incidents and take time out to teach a lesson in a subtle manner. These "teachable" moments can be utilized to impart healthy character traits which will stick as indelible memories with each team member.

These added responsibilities may seem to be far removed from the old idea of coaching, but they are not. Rapidly it's being realized and accepted that leadership and coaching cannot be separated. They must go hand in hand.

You, the coach, exert a tremendous influence. Players experience a natural feeling of "hero worship" toward you. They look to you for inspiration and guidance, and will inevitably follow your example. It's your job to ensure that the example you set is a good one.
How do you measure up as a leader?