PROBLEMS WITH AGGRESSIVE COACHING IN SPORTS

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An aggressive coach can spoil the sporting experience for the players and fans alike. Though the aggressiveness of a coach may justifiably increase at the upper levels of the sport, it's important for youth coaches to keep control of their emotions and temper. Though sports are full of ebbs and flows of intensity, a quality coach should encourage, not threaten, his players.

Self-Esteem

Young athletes are highly impressionable and are taught to listen to the words of authority figures such as coaches. If a coach routinely acts aggressive around her players, engaging in activities such as shouting, threatening and criticizing, the young athlete may be afraid and begin to suffer from lower self-esteem. The latter is especially true if a player is constantly berated by the coach for poor play.

Officials

An overly aggressive coach can take the fun out of the game for the sport's officials. At the youth levels, referees and umpires are often youths themselves, sometimes only a few years older than the players. At this age, the youth officials are also susceptible to a coach's aggression, which may consist of taunts, threats and derogatory language. If an official is being constantly berated for his calls on the playing field, he may be compelled to quit.

Parents

For parents, having your child play for an aggressive coach is an awkward situation. Because you may have put your child in the sport to help her meet friends, improve his self-confidence and get exercise, you likely want your child to stick with it. But if she's not having any fun because of the coach, she'll probably want to quit. This puts you in the uncomfortable position of perhaps having to stand up to the coach to protect your child.

Player Development

In any sport, a player develops best when he's taught correctly, encouraged when he succeeds and gently reminded of how to improve. With an aggressive coach in the picture, however, the player may begin to desire success only because it results in avoiding the coach's wrath. This isn't an ideal scenario for learning and player development, as athletes should be free to play sports in a supportive and nonaggressive environment.

REFERENCE

http://www.ehow.com/info_10073159_problems-aggressive-coaching-sports.html