ADULTS – CREATING MEMORIES- SOME GOOD – SOME NOT
Last evening, I saw a newscast in which two very different stories were aired. Both stories demonstrated the ability of a coach or coaches providing memories for the youth they coached. But – wow – what a difference.
The first broadcast was of a high school game – and one of the teams had a young man on their team with Down’s Syndrome. The coaches of both teams got together before the game, and decided the boy with Down’s would go into the game on offense the final play of the game. The boy received a handoff, and ran like crazy. He demonstrated a few good moves, but the opposing team made attempts to dive on the ground near him, and he was permitted to run the entire way to the end zone – Touchdown. The team picked him up and the celebration was exceptional – and in watching the video, the people in the stands were 100% in support of this young man and his success. I cannot help but think, no matter how old the members of both of these teams ever becomes, they will always remember being part of the moment for this young man. What a lesson.
Same station, same broadcast. A video was played showing 11 year old football players competing in a game. A young man ran for a touchdown. Yes, there was a celebration, however, the video went to the near bench, where the coaching staffs entered into an all out brawl. People were punching each other, one was blindsided and hit directly on the back of his head. The announcer indicated all coaches have been suspended for the year, and one was suspended for life from coaching in that community. The teams were both removed from the potential of future playoffs for this year. The question was asked, should the kids be penalized for the actions of the adults? Regardless of the outcome of that question, I cannot help but think, no matter how that question is resolved, the kids will always remember that experience. What a lesson.
Coaches can be the source of great growth, positive development, and values for our youth – or, they can be a source of extreme negatives in both memories or the development of values.
Be a positive impact coach.
