Philosophy

Newtown Recreation Coaching Philosophy

Players respect their coaches and, as a result, will often imitate their behavior. Coaches, therefore, are expected to maintain complete composure and self-control during all games. Because a player’s performance will suffer when he/she is distracted, coaches are expected to teach and demonstrate to players’ acceptance of all referee/umpire calls regardless of their impact. Players must learn that they control their results, not the referees or other players.

• Exhibit exemplary conduct at both practices and games. Team discipline reflects the coach’s attitude.
• Coach clean, skillful, honest, and sportsmanlike behavior.
• Stress playing hard to win over winning itself.
• Work at team morale as hard as skills and tactics.
• Maximize praise and minimize criticism in all dealings with team members.
• Make corrections slowly and calmly in a manner tailored to the individual.
• Be a skills teacher, stressing individual skill development.
• Coach talented and non-talented players with equal vigor.
• Preplan all practice sessions in detail to be interesting, fast-paced, and involve all team members as much as possible.
• Minimize coaching from the sidelines during games.
• Treat all referees and umpires with respect at all times.
• Help the referee keep order on the sidelines during games.
• Welcome feedback from players and parents alike concerning potential problems and ways to improve.
• HAVE FUN!!!