When coaches fail kids

 I think of this question, often.  "What happens when coaches fail kids, and how do they fail them?"

I am sure this question has come up for decades - for at least as long as sports teams have existed!

I have my opinions - and I will share them here (because I can, since it's my blog 🤪)  but think about those questions for your own children - what would that look, for your kids?  How would a coach fail your kids??

For me, as a sport coach and as a mental conditioning coach, there are many levels of potential failure.  There's the simple X's and O's.  Do they know the game?  Do they feel the game? The next question - can they TEACH the game - that's where the gift of teaching comes in.  Next - can they lead the team?  Do they develop leaders?  Do they care enough to try?  Lastly - how do they treat the individuals?   Do they rule with a heavy hand?  Do they have the capacity for empathy?  Do they have obvious favorites?  If not, is everyone treated exactly the same?  (is this good or bad? 🤷🏻‍♀️). If So, what "makes" a kid a "favorite"?  Is there respect, and is there mutual respect?  What are the standards?  And, of those standards, does the bar of standards vary depending upon which child it's attached to?  

Goodness, there are different levels, and let's face it, there are many more questions that could be inserted in this discussion.  I feel like I've touched on ones I'm always thinking about, but if I spoke to a group of parents, no doubt they would have many more great questions, depending upon what's important to them!

So, BIG question, what happens when coaches fail kids?