I’m sorry if you saw most post a little different than what I meant. I meant the core values of the program that focuses on the programs success (ie. Winning state, maintaining legacy,etc). Those are unrealistic and are always up and down with the athletes that you have from year to year.No, not really. There are things I won't budge on. We do have "core values". I will put as much time and effort into a kid as that kid will put in. There are kids I can't waste time on if it's to the detriment of others. As a coaching staff, we tend to be very laid back fun loving. We are also highly competitive people by nature and expect the kids to care about the sport and do things a certain way with respect for the sport. We have had to get into kids faces before. Just like I get on my own children at times. I won't lie to you, there are kids and parents that I do not like. I think I do a good job of never letting personal feelings get in the way. We have kids and parents that do not think they need to follow our rules. They are wrong.
We took 2nd in the state in the girls 4x800 one year when coach had to kick a girl off the team a day or so before the District. Our subs were about 12 seconds slower. Second at the state with a girl who had not run the 800 all season. Ran a different girl at the District and Regional. Not one of the other 3 girls complained a bit. They understood. Kids know what is right and wrong and respect when the right thing is done.
There are things I see done at other programs that I would never tolerate. Things a lot of you would not think are that big a deal. I don't care what other programs do, I care what we do.
90% of issues are parent related. Can't even begin to tell you the garbage some parents have pulled.
As coaches, we are experts in what we do. I take it seriously. I put a ton of time into it. I read, go to clinics and study to make myself better every day. I almost do something every day. It's not as much about winning for me anymore, but helping each kid be the best they can be. I work as hard with an 8' pole vaulter as I will a 13' kid. Effort matters more than talent.
I totally agree with setting limits and enforcing rules. Our program has sat numerous athletes and even kicked kids off the team due to infractions and has cost us the trophies, but it was on the athlete who stepped over the line, not the coach.
Also you stole my coaching philosophy; I stole it from someone else so it’s all good.