Commitment

When I decided to coach my kids there were people who would ask me how I find the time to work, coach, and do all the normal day to day things you do when you have four children. Where does the energy come from? I have always been taught that if there is something that you have passion for, and enjoy, you will make the time. At times it seems that many children these days haven't been taught the same? I teach my kids that if you sign up for something whether it is sports, a school activity, or anything else, you have made a commitment. You have agreed to see it through and do your very best at completing or competing to the very end. This year my soccer teams have found more and more reasons to miss practice and to even miss games. Last week I had only one substitute available for both games. Is this the message we want to send to our children? Not mine!

Even though this is recreation soccer, missing practice and or games gives the impression that the team is not important. I don't blame the kids so much as the parents who allow them to shirk the obligation they made when they signed up. Well they didn't get their homework done, they were at a birthday party that was so much fun that they skipped the game, going camping, going here, going there, and on and on and on. Whether they realize it or not they are letting down their team mates who rely on them. Opposing coaches pick up on the fact that you only have one sub and try to utilize that to their advantage.

The same kids then wonder why they aren't starting the following game. I don't want to be a sub one told me at practice. I don't like to be a sub. I calmly replied that if you want to start the games then you should come to the games and practices and be on time for both. The team didn't like it when you decided to stay at a party instead of coming to a game in which you were scheduled to start. This disrupts the game line up and has a ripple effect for the duration of the game. And then there is the fact that those who do show up must play most of the game without rest! That week was our first win of the season and the first game we played well as a team. Those who missed it weren't there to enjoy that feeling you get when you win and celebrate with your team mates.

To parents of kids on my team as well as those every where, choose their activities based on their ability to participate in them. If you sign them up to be there, then be there! Don't let them be the one who lets their team mates down. They will remember, I will remember. As they get older if they choose to play competitive sports, sign up for the debate team, or any other team activities, the lessons they learn today will help to ensure they are team players in the future. Choose wisely and don't let them spread themselves too thin. Teach them that the rewards will come to them when they work as a team, for the team. Teach them Commitment!
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