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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
