Moral Compass

For all the coaches that are in the profession today, please be advised that YOU HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES THAT GO WAY BEYOND YOURSELF. In today’s world of coaching, there are far too many incidents happening where a coach’s moral compass goes astray and embarrasses a profession that many take pride in and have given their lives to. The dictionary defines a coach as “a person who trains an athlete or group of athletes.” But as we all know, the actual scope of coaching goes way beyond that. A coach is an individual that is in a position to change lives. To make a difference in a young person that could potentially save them from themselves or the environment they are in. A coach has no choice in this matter; a coach has the responsibility to change lives.

There are many stories in the news, whether it be national or a small town paper, that depicts a coach involved in disgraceful acts that do not in any way benefit the young person involved. The most common instance is “inappropriate communication” with a student of the opposite sex. Just last month I learned of one of my former coaches “resigning” because of this type of inappropriate communication. A head coach for over 20 years, a husband with a wife and two kids, a man that I have looked up to as a role model and previously thought of as a great individual to model my coaching style after, my mentor made an egregious mistake; he failed to follow his moral compass.  Inappropriate communication, whether face-to-face or through the use of technology (texting or social media), is an absolute wrong regardless of intention.

Coaching is a tough yet noble profession. There is no room for any type of acts that will embarrass and crucify this sacred family that many of us have chosen to join. Get back to true definition of the word coach --- to be a role model and help kids become the best they can be on and off the field of play. As coaches, we must always follow our moral compass so that we can lead in the right direction.