Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test his character, give him power.” All leadership positions come with a certain degree of power, but character, is displayed through the use of that power.
Character, is the firm foundation upon which one must build to win respect. The respect that leaders must have requires that one’s ethics be without question. Therefore, no lasting reputation worthy of respect can be built on anything less. In the final analysis, how we are perceived communicates far more than what we say.
As parents, coaches and professionals, we are constantly being watched and evaluated. To provide the right example, we must stay above the line between right and wrong and stay well clear of the gray areas. By taking the higher road, and demonstrating the courage to do the right thing, people will follow. This will build others up, challenge, inspire and bring out the best in one’s athletes or employees, because no one will follow a hypocrite. So, look over your shoulder now and then to be sure someone’s following you. If they are, then you are leading in the right direction.
As Andrew Carnegie once said, “the older I get the less I listen to what people say and the more I look at what they do.”
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Pressure to Play
Playing outside the season of sport in High School athletics has become expected. So much so, that if you do not, your commitment is questioned. With the recent change in the association rule, the demand by high school programs of their athletes is now coming into conflict with healthy activities not a part of athletics. When a family has to choose between spending time together on a holiday weekend or attending some required off season activity, this is evidence that the writers of the association rule were miles ahead of their time. Add to this, Club coaches wanting a piece of the student athletes' time and making their desires known, this produces an interesting tug of war in which neither side may win and the athlete will certainly lose.
I can remember as a student athlete looking forward to opening day. The long awaited time had finally come and there was this unmistakable excitement in the air. It truly was a Big Deal. Now, with year round play and the controlled structure of 6 days a week summer, fall and winter; by the time spring gets here, opening day is just another day.
There is a line between being prepared and being over worked and that line can be the difference between your team's success or failure down the stretch.
I can remember as a student athlete looking forward to opening day. The long awaited time had finally come and there was this unmistakable excitement in the air. It truly was a Big Deal. Now, with year round play and the controlled structure of 6 days a week summer, fall and winter; by the time spring gets here, opening day is just another day.
There is a line between being prepared and being over worked and that line can be the difference between your team's success or failure down the stretch.
Monday, February 9, 2009
A-Rod Admits Using Performance-Enhancers
NEW YORK (AP)—Alex Rodriguez admitted Monday that he used performance-enhancing drugs from 2001-03, saying he did so because of the pressures of being baseball’s highest-paid player. In a recent interview with Peter Gammons Rodriquez said, "Back then, it was a different culture. It was very loose. I was young, I was stupid, I was naive. I wanted to prove to everyone that I was worth being one of the greatest players of all-time. I did take a banned substance, and for that I'm very sorry. I'm deeply regretful."
Scott Boras told Fox Sports on Saturday that even if the SI report is accurate, "It was one season, and since then, Alex has gotten the 'Good Housekeeping' seal the last five years by passing baseball's drug tests."
While I respect his honesty, (more than can be said for other players) many questions remain. Where did he get the steroids? What did he put into his body? Can he rehabilitate himself? How will this effect his legacy? How are Yankee fans going to treat him? Can he focus on Baseball? Alex Rodriguez is a great talent, one of Baseball's best in this era or any other. But now, he may be a superior talent with public doubt attached, with the asterisk of steroid use next to his name.
Scott Boras told Fox Sports on Saturday that even if the SI report is accurate, "It was one season, and since then, Alex has gotten the 'Good Housekeeping' seal the last five years by passing baseball's drug tests."
While I respect his honesty, (more than can be said for other players) many questions remain. Where did he get the steroids? What did he put into his body? Can he rehabilitate himself? How will this effect his legacy? How are Yankee fans going to treat him? Can he focus on Baseball? Alex Rodriguez is a great talent, one of Baseball's best in this era or any other. But now, he may be a superior talent with public doubt attached, with the asterisk of steroid use next to his name.
If pressure existed with the Rangers in 2001-2003, how much more will there be to preform in New York with a $275 million dollar contract for the next nine years with everyone watching?
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Player Development
Coaching involves many different aspects related to the team, its players and the game. Without a doubt the most valuable legacy any coach can give to each of his players is their development. Developing a players confidence, skill level, knowledge and performance, is the trade mark of a good coach.
The elite coaches take pride in player development which is often reveled by their preparation for obstacles before they happen. Therefore, when they do occur, the work has already been done and the players are ready to perform. These coaches understand the importance of developing each member of a team for the long run. As, "Iron sharpens iron," so player development improves the team and keeps each member sharp.
Joe Paterno stated, "The desire to win is important but the will to prepare is vital." The difference between winning and losing is not about good players, teams lose with good players. What it takes to win are interested players, committed to work for coaches who are committed to their development.
The final testament of player development is in the conviction and will of the team to carry on as changes occur. How well any team improves speaks volumes about player development.A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are. - Ara Parasheghian,
The elite coaches take pride in player development which is often reveled by their preparation for obstacles before they happen. Therefore, when they do occur, the work has already been done and the players are ready to perform. These coaches understand the importance of developing each member of a team for the long run. As, "Iron sharpens iron," so player development improves the team and keeps each member sharp.
Joe Paterno stated, "The desire to win is important but the will to prepare is vital." The difference between winning and losing is not about good players, teams lose with good players. What it takes to win are interested players, committed to work for coaches who are committed to their development.
The final testament of player development is in the conviction and will of the team to carry on as changes occur. How well any team improves speaks volumes about player development.A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are. - Ara Parasheghian,
Friday, January 23, 2009
Conditioning
Football players know this as "gassers", Basketball players as "lines", Baseball players as, "Circuts". It all translates to sprints up and down a field, court or gymnasium to build stamina. However when it is done in 94 degree weather until someone collapses it's negligence.
Sophomore Max Gilpin and his Pleasure Ridge Park teammates spent the tail end of a three-hour practice on a sweltering August day in Louisville running the drill that is a coaching staple across the country, hoping to impress enough to earn varsity playing time that fall. They sprinted 12 times in what felt like 94-degree heat, sometimes with helmets and pads, as the coaches pushed them to go harder and harder. It was a drill like those on many high school football fields, until Gilpin, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound offensive lineman, collapsed to the turf just 15 minutes after a teammate went down.
Three days later, the 15-year-old Gilpin was dead from heat stroke, with authorities saying his body temperature was 107 degrees when he reached the hospital. Five months later, his first-year head coach David Jason Stinson is facing a reckless homicide charge, with a prosecutor saying the coach should have realized a player could get heat stroke in such broiling weather.
Gilpin was one of six heat-related deaths in high school and college athletics in 2008, said Dr. Frederick Mueller with the National Center for Catastrophic Injury Research at the University of North Carolina. More than 120 athletes have died under similar circumstances since 1931. Conditioning is, an important part of athletics that needs to be done.....with common sense.
Sophomore Max Gilpin and his Pleasure Ridge Park teammates spent the tail end of a three-hour practice on a sweltering August day in Louisville running the drill that is a coaching staple across the country, hoping to impress enough to earn varsity playing time that fall. They sprinted 12 times in what felt like 94-degree heat, sometimes with helmets and pads, as the coaches pushed them to go harder and harder. It was a drill like those on many high school football fields, until Gilpin, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound offensive lineman, collapsed to the turf just 15 minutes after a teammate went down.
Three days later, the 15-year-old Gilpin was dead from heat stroke, with authorities saying his body temperature was 107 degrees when he reached the hospital. Five months later, his first-year head coach David Jason Stinson is facing a reckless homicide charge, with a prosecutor saying the coach should have realized a player could get heat stroke in such broiling weather.
Gilpin was one of six heat-related deaths in high school and college athletics in 2008, said Dr. Frederick Mueller with the National Center for Catastrophic Injury Research at the University of North Carolina. More than 120 athletes have died under similar circumstances since 1931. Conditioning is, an important part of athletics that needs to be done.....with common sense.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Club Baseball
Club is a relatively young option to Youth Baseball compared to Little League, Pony League or Colt League. It was developed as an elite program to provide a higher level of play, but has now taken on a life of its own. While the more traditional Baseball programs charge minimal fees to each player, most Clubs charge dues to support : Tournament Entry Fees, Uniforms, Equipment, Travel, Field Time and Coaching Salaries. (This is similar to some High School programs which have high fee requirements of their athletes.) Club Baseball offers: Year round play, Multiple age levels, Local, State and National Tournaments and even National Rankings.
Currently, some organizations (Clubs) are offering a Spring League beginning March 1, 2009. It is being presented as an option to parents and players which means, you have to make a choice between Club and High School Baseball. There are any number of reasons why this option has surfaced but understand this, if a student chooses to play Club Baseball in the spring, he may not play for his High School team and will bring sanctions on the team and coach, if he does.
While I can understand the feeling that a player might need another option other than his High School team, I have many concerns about the direction this could end up. However, one piece of advice I have is this: If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.
Currently, some organizations (Clubs) are offering a Spring League beginning March 1, 2009. It is being presented as an option to parents and players which means, you have to make a choice between Club and High School Baseball. There are any number of reasons why this option has surfaced but understand this, if a student chooses to play Club Baseball in the spring, he may not play for his High School team and will bring sanctions on the team and coach, if he does.
While I can understand the feeling that a player might need another option other than his High School team, I have many concerns about the direction this could end up. However, one piece of advice I have is this: If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Chemistry
"United we stand, divided we fall." "One for all, All for one!" These are age old expressions of team unity. This dynamic process, which occurs when a team sticks together in pursuit of its goals, is an extremely important variable in the quest for athletic success. Success, especially in tough situations, is directly related to the type of chemistry that exists within the team.
Just as important, when evaluating team chemistry, is the level of satisfaction and personal well-being that each member feels as a result of inclusion to his/her role on the team. Also, players need to feel that others on the team (including coaches) trust them or "have their back." This trust will cease to develop if one does not work to provide consistent feedback to each athlete.
John Wooden is without question one of the most respected and honored coaches in our nations history. Although he won many Championships, it wasn't winning games that drove him. It was ensuring that, regardless of the final score, his players always put forth their utmost effort and performed to the best of their abilities, together. He also had a personal connection to each player's value, worth and role on his teams. Wooden's famous "Pyrimad of Success" was not just a formula for winning, but for character and chemistry as well. Great team chemistry, more often than not, has been the common denominator for coaches in their championship seasons. Dean Smith stated, "I think a very underrated part of championship teams is team chemistry."
Coaches need to make an undying commitment to helping their players grow as students and as individuals, in addition to helping them improve on the field. They should coach with a vision for success for each athlete and for the team, but always keep each game in the proper perspective. With that in mind, what’s more important: team goals, individual improvement or team chemistry?The correct answer is ALL OF THE ABOVE!
Just as important, when evaluating team chemistry, is the level of satisfaction and personal well-being that each member feels as a result of inclusion to his/her role on the team. Also, players need to feel that others on the team (including coaches) trust them or "have their back." This trust will cease to develop if one does not work to provide consistent feedback to each athlete.
John Wooden is without question one of the most respected and honored coaches in our nations history. Although he won many Championships, it wasn't winning games that drove him. It was ensuring that, regardless of the final score, his players always put forth their utmost effort and performed to the best of their abilities, together. He also had a personal connection to each player's value, worth and role on his teams. Wooden's famous "Pyrimad of Success" was not just a formula for winning, but for character and chemistry as well. Great team chemistry, more often than not, has been the common denominator for coaches in their championship seasons. Dean Smith stated, "I think a very underrated part of championship teams is team chemistry."
Coaches need to make an undying commitment to helping their players grow as students and as individuals, in addition to helping them improve on the field. They should coach with a vision for success for each athlete and for the team, but always keep each game in the proper perspective. With that in mind, what’s more important: team goals, individual improvement or team chemistry?The correct answer is ALL OF THE ABOVE!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Wooden's Seven Point Creed
John Wooden's Seven Point Creed, given to him by his father Joshua upon his graduation from grammar school.
1-Be true to yourself.
2-Make each day your masterpiece.
3-Help others.
4-Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
5-Make friendship a fine art.
6-Build a shelter against a rainy day.
7-Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.
Application of these principals will lead to success in any aspect of leadership. As Wooden put it:
"Good leaders are positive.....and young people need positive models not critics"
Thanks Coach.
1-Be true to yourself.
2-Make each day your masterpiece.
3-Help others.
4-Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
5-Make friendship a fine art.
6-Build a shelter against a rainy day.
7-Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.
Application of these principals will lead to success in any aspect of leadership. As Wooden put it:
"Good leaders are positive.....and young people need positive models not critics"
Thanks Coach.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
John Wooden's Leadership Quotes
1)"Good coaching is based purely in leadership... a positive example... and instilling respect in your players."
2)"Knowledge is not enough to get desired results. You must have the more elusive ability to teach and to motivate. This defines a leader; if you can't teach and you can't motivate, you can't lead."
3)"You must have respect, which is a part of love, for those under your supervision. Then they will do what you ask and more."
4)"Motivating through fear may work in the short term to get people to do something, but over the long run I believe personal pride is a much greater motivator. It produces far better results that last for a much longer time."
5)"Young people need models, not critics."
6)"Happiness begins where selfishness ends."
7)"Ability will get you to the top, character will keep you there."
2)"Knowledge is not enough to get desired results. You must have the more elusive ability to teach and to motivate. This defines a leader; if you can't teach and you can't motivate, you can't lead."
3)"You must have respect, which is a part of love, for those under your supervision. Then they will do what you ask and more."
4)"Motivating through fear may work in the short term to get people to do something, but over the long run I believe personal pride is a much greater motivator. It produces far better results that last for a much longer time."
5)"Young people need models, not critics."
6)"Happiness begins where selfishness ends."
7)"Ability will get you to the top, character will keep you there."
Friday, November 14, 2008
2009 National Coaches Clinic
The 10th Annual Southern California All-Sports Clinic will be held January 23-25, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Irvine, 18800 Jamboree Road, Irvine, California. Over 75 exhibitors along with an outstanding collection of speakers from the Professional, College and High School ranks presenting valuable information to help improve your programs.
For more information or to register for the clinic call Bob Gaughran at 1-949-646-4241 or go on line at
http://www.NationalCoachesClinic.com
For more information or to register for the clinic call Bob Gaughran at 1-949-646-4241 or go on line at
http://www.NationalCoachesClinic.com
Friday, October 31, 2008
Chase Utley
Former standout UCLA infielder Chase Utley helped the Philadelphia Phillies win the 2008 World Series on Wednesday evening at Citizens Bank Park, as the Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 4-3, to capture their second title in franchise history and first since 1980.
Utley, who starred at UCLA from 1998-2000, played a major role in the Phillies' success during the regular season and through postseason play. The former UCLA infielder keyed Philadelphia's World Series triumph in Game 1, belting a two-run homer to hand the Phillies a 2-0 lead in an eventual 3-2 victory. Utley finished the five-game, best-of-seven series with two home runs and four RBI. Utley's defense was exceptional the entire series especially in game 5 on the play at home plate.
Utley becomes the 12th former UCLA baseball player to have led his major league ball club to the World Series title. Prior to Utley, Dave Roberts was the most recent former UCLA ball player to have led his ball club to the World Series title. In October 2004, Roberts guided the Boston Red Sox to the championship, snapping Boston's 86-year drought without a World Series title.
Only two other former UCLA ballplayers - Chris Chambliss and Jeff Conine - have been a part of multiple World Series championship teams. Chambliss led the Yankees to the 1977 and 1978 World Series titles after having appeared in the 1976 World Series. Conine helped carry the Florida Marlins to the World Series titles in the franchise's only two Fall Classic appearances (1997, 2003).
Utley, who starred at UCLA from 1998-2000, played a major role in the Phillies' success during the regular season and through postseason play. The former UCLA infielder keyed Philadelphia's World Series triumph in Game 1, belting a two-run homer to hand the Phillies a 2-0 lead in an eventual 3-2 victory. Utley finished the five-game, best-of-seven series with two home runs and four RBI. Utley's defense was exceptional the entire series especially in game 5 on the play at home plate.
Utley becomes the 12th former UCLA baseball player to have led his major league ball club to the World Series title. Prior to Utley, Dave Roberts was the most recent former UCLA ball player to have led his ball club to the World Series title. In October 2004, Roberts guided the Boston Red Sox to the championship, snapping Boston's 86-year drought without a World Series title.
Only two other former UCLA ballplayers - Chris Chambliss and Jeff Conine - have been a part of multiple World Series championship teams. Chambliss led the Yankees to the 1977 and 1978 World Series titles after having appeared in the 1976 World Series. Conine helped carry the Florida Marlins to the World Series titles in the franchise's only two Fall Classic appearances (1997, 2003).
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