“Coach Kim Kyu-bong and team captain Jang Yun-jung have been handed life bans by the Korea Triathlon Federation (KTF) after team-mate Choi Suk-hyeon took her own life.” Link
“The death of a young South Korean athlete has sparked public uproar after allegations she was abused emerged during police investigations.” Link
Reading the two articles above, not only made me feel extremely sick to learn of Choi’s tragic death and devastating to hear that this is still occurring in sport, it also reminded me of the responsibility we have as coaches to not only be accountable for our actions and behaviours, but also those of others in our industry.
RESPONSIBILITY
As coaches and key influencers it is important that we demonstrate appropriate behavior, values and set an example for not only our athletes, but humanity.
Our decisions and actions create a ripple effect that, for the majority of time, we are totally unaware of.
We hold a high level of power in our ability, whether you are aware of it or not, to influence the behaviors and actions of others.
As Spiderman famously quoted the proverb “with great power, comes great responsibility”.
More than 90% of the people we influence, remain silent! Are you aware of how your behaviours and actions influence the silent ones?
Remember, it is also our responsibility as coaches to protect the whole industry and ensure that inappropriate behaviour and actions by coaches, athletes, parents and other stakeholders in your sport, which are having a detrimental effect on athletes are called out (in an appropriate manner).
Our number one priority as a coach should always be the health and wellbeing of each individual we influence.
PERFORMANCE
In the search for greater or the ultimate performance, coaches have been known to overstep the mark.
Growth requires taking people out of their comfort zone to become faster, stronger, more powerful and perform longer.
At what price does the search for performance become too much?
Coaches can end up wearing many hats, but it is important to know when you are stepping out of your scope of practice where emotion rather than evidence controls our decision making and the actions we take.
The mindset and psychology of a person or athlete dictates how effective they are utilising their natural talent and gifts.
Is your approach to enhancing the mindset of your athletes healthy, not only from a sport point of view, but a long term human being mental health perspective?
I would encourage all of you to consider the way you help (or may even hinder) athletes build resilience, mental toughness, winning mentality and grit.
What are the side-effects and long-term consequences of our approach?
MORE THAN SPORT
At present we are facing a global pandemic, that is not going away anytime soon, which is impacting all our lives whether it be financially, mentally, socially, relationships, mortality and/or liveability.
As coaches it is important that we lead by example, respect all COVID-19 restrictions that apply to our physical and legal jurisdictions, and portray a life that is focused on the global human race rather than our own individual desires.
We all want to be able attend sporting events, embrace the people we interact with and crave the freedom we are missing so much.
Human connection plays a huge part in our lives.
I would like to encourage all of you to ensure that you are displaying a global humanity approach, leading with responsibility and setting the standard high when interacting publicly and when posting on social media.
This is not a moment in time for testing the boundaries and challenging the status quo, when it comes to society.
We are all in this together. Are you playing the responsible part?
LEARN MORE
4 Ways To Overcome Coach Loneliness Link
Beyond The Comfort Zone Link
High Performers Cultivate More Powerful Traits Link
Are Leaders Born? Link
A Step Ahead Of The Game Link
I Make No Apologies This Is Me! Link
Get involved
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Founder CRAIG JOHNS
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