Critical Reflection - Our 'Belief' system development process

Beginning and ending of seasons are an excellent time for Critical Reflection. Without the pressure from practices creation and implementation, game planning, traveling to tournaments, meeting, etc. space exists for us as coaches to critically examine important professional development questions - Who am I as a Coach? What do I believe? What are my values? How are my attitudes and behaviors aligning with my professed values and beliefs? How does it feel to be coached by me?

During critical reflection, we have to check three things out, first, what do I believe about myself as a coach; second, what do I believe about my players; and third, what do I believe about the game of (insert your sport here)? All of the decisions made on the practice field and on the playing field are based on your beliefs and values. It’s kind of a three-legged stool; all of the legs have to be of equal length.

Intentionally and thoughtfully, examine your personal philosophy of coaching. Actively reflect on your coaching philosophy. Dive into carefully considering how your beliefs and values are aligning with your attitude and actions. Vulnerability is critical. Authentic examination into your actual lived behavior permits you to coach more authentically.

Our previous blog - Beliefs about Coaching outlined this process and provided some beliefs about coaching to serve as a starting point for your Critical Reflection.

The second leg of the stool is the beliefs about the young athletes that we support and lead.. Young people love to play games. Maria Montessori, a world-famous educational pioneer, said that play is the serious work of young people. They like to test their physical limits; to see what they can do. They love to be associated with other young people in the enjoyment of the thrill of the game. They enjoy having caring adults share their joy of playing. The very young people will say, “Watch me, Dad, watch me, Mom, look what I can do!” The older ones want Mom and Dad in the stands rooting for them.

Youngsters are seekers; they want to know more about themselves and their chosen game. Each of us has great potential; our players are in the midst of developing and realizing their potential and we can assist them in their endeavor. Each of us is a unique human being; we look different, we act differently, and to the point, we each bring different skills and abilities to the game.

Young people are dreamers and goal setters. They want to accomplish great things. They have great natural determination that we can squelch, or we can help expand. And finally, youngsters are people with all of the rights and privileges that all people are entitled to.

The third and last leg of the stool is simple and quick. What do you believe about youth sports? What is the purpose of the game? An activity. A serious activity to prepare youngsters for the next level? A competition? A life-long journey of participation? Understanding this fundamental question can lead us to discovering and determining our purpose.

With your Critical Reflection stool complete, you are prepared to update your beliefs, values, behaviors. This evolution permits us as coaches to remain fully engaged on the learning journey with our athletes and teams.