Moral Role Model - The Coach

During our last class, we discussed humility and communication in coaching. We discussed the "power of your words" and how one comment from a coach can be etched in your mind forever. We also viewed two short videos from ESPN Outside the Lines: Point Missed - Point Made and 100-0 Coach Speaks. To view the videos (click here).

What type of impact will the coaches actions and words have on their student-athletes when they are done playing. Were each of the coaches profiled moral role-models? Why or why not. Share your thoughts. From previous class discussion and your personal experience, what type of characteristics distinguish a coach as a positive moral role model?

Class 4/6 with Coach Brunner -- Commitment

Coach Wooden's Pyramid Discussion with Coach Brunner

Follow this link to discuss Coach John Wooden's Pyramid with Coach Brunner

Leadership with Coach Brunner

Following this post to link with Coach Brunner's discussion on Leadership and reading material.

Winning 100-0!

Winning 100-0!

Good chance, you have heard the story of the girl’s basketball team in Dallas, TX. The Covenant School (private Christian school) defeated Dallas Academy 100-0. Click on the link to read the complete story: http://cbs11tv.com/sports/micah.grimes.the.2.917557.html

The Covenant School publicly apologized by posting a statement on their web site. Their head coach, Micah Grimes, responded to the school online statement by saying, “I do not agree with the apology or the notion that the Covenant School girl’s basketball team should feel embarrassed or ashamed.” “We played the game as it was meant to be played. My values and beliefs would not allow me to run up the score on any opponent, and it will not allow me to apologize for a wide-range margin victory when my girls played with honesty and integrity. “He was subsequently relieved of his duties. What do you think of Coach Grimes’ view on his lopsided victory? How might you describe Coach Grimes's coaching philosophy?

If you were in this situation and your team was obviously more talented than your opponent, how would you handle the situation? How would having a coaching philosophy help you in this scenario? Hint: Think back to the questions we discussed in class, in how to develop your own coaching philosophy.

What is Competition?

During the last class period we discussed and defined competition. Various definitions of competition were explained. For example: 1) Competition can be defined as an activity in which one gains at the expense of another (Keating, 1964), 2) Competition can be seen as a process through which excellence is sought (Gibson, 1993), or 3) Competition may be seen as a mutual quest for excellence (Simon, 1985). In addition, Coach Brunner explained the connection between competition, winning, excellence, and virtue.

Review your notes and watch the video on Pete Carroll (click here) again.

How would you define competition? Provide an example of your experience in sport involving a competitive situation. How does your definition and example relate to winning, excellence, and virtue?

Welcome: What is Coaching?

One of the requirements for this course is to participate in this blog. Start by becoming a follower. If you need assistance please contact me at pvanmullem@vandals.uidaho.edu

What is coaching? Legendary basketball coach, Pete Newell stated the following regarding coaching.

Basketball develops initiative in the individual and at the same time fosters a spirit of cooperation with a group, integrity to a team and to oneself, qualities of leadership, honesty, and responsibility, moral obligations, the ability to sacrifice, moral and physical courage, and a defined sense of values. Certainly each of these qualities are composite traits of personal integrity or character…There must, therefore, be more than the mere physical development of the individual in the game of basketball. Consequently, the benefits derived from participation must include more than a favorable outcome of the game” (Newell & Benington , 1962, p.10).

Click here for an article on Pete Newell:

During the first class we discussed what the profession of coaching is. Think about coaches you have had. What did they do? Provide a short response to the following question, by posting a comment to this blog. What does it mean to be a coach?