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To all parents of athletes who have to deal with arrogant, hostile, insulting coaches:
During my 33 years as a Professional Sport Psychologist, I have been disheartened by the volume of young athletes who describe coaches that “coach” by intimidation, threats and humiliation. While I understand that many of these coaches are successful, what the coaches don’t seem to understand is that their success is a result of motivated young athletes who will tolerate these methods, rather than the method itself being the reason for the success.”
Every year, so many parents bring youngsters to me who are stellar, gifted athletes, but they want to quit their sport. Afraid to say it’s because of the coach’s methods, for fear of looking weak, they come up with mysterious injuries and a whole host of reasons to describe why they no longer have the passion for the sport.
Most coaches don’t conduct exit interviews to determine why their charges quit, or switch coaches; instead, they write them off as wimps who couldn’t take the pressure. Moreover, many parents get upset with their youngsters after all of the years of sacrifice and expense.
Now a well researched article documenting the plight of youngsters who are “forced” to tolerate such coaches and parental pressure to continue, has been published. Stay tuned for my summary of that article. As a parent, or a coach, these findings will be eye opening!”
Author and professional speaker Dr. Jack Singer is a licensed Clinical, Sports and Industrial/Organizational Psychologist, author, trainer and consultant. His expertise includes a Doctorate in Industrial / Organizational Psychology and a Post-Doctorate in Clinical / Sports Psychology.
