Computer-Mediated-Communication

Instant messaging programs such as Skype, text-messaging, Facebook, email, and MSN messenger, just to name a few, are some of the media which has entered our lives to facilitate communication between people. Our lives get more connected everyday and CMC (Computer-Mediated-Communication) is not something that will be leaving our society any time soon.

What does this mean for the coach-athlete relationship? CMC media brings obvious improvements to coach-athlete communication, as they are able to interact more efficiently, more effectively and more closely than ever before. But it can also bring on challenges, especially in the area of ethics.

Some of the questions that may come up are: Should my athlete and I be friends on Facebook? What do I do if my athlete adds me to MSN? What if I see a picture of my athlete engaging in illegal behavior? These are all situations which might blur the lines of coach-athlete interactions. If your sport organization doesn’t have a policy on coach-athlete interactions, it is recommended that every coach set his or her own personal standards for managing these new methods of communication. One example that the author gives us is; if you reject a Facebook friend request from one player, then you need to reject the friend requests from all your players. Each coach and each situation will be approached differently, but being aware is the first step.

Keeping an open communication platform with your athletes is important, but keeping the lines from becoming blurry is up to you. Ensure to make your standards clear to avoid any confusion and if the situation becomes too difficult to handle on your own, there is help. The most important thing is to guide discussions in a setting that fosters mutual respect and that will allow you to maintain a positive coaching environment.

Reference from the SIRC collection:
Lawrie, K. (2010). Computer-Mediated Communication - A Caution for Coaches. Coaches Plan/Plan du Coach, 17(1), 10-55.

I'm Sorry ... What Did You Say?

How well do you communicate with others? Yes - you are talking to someone, but are they really hearing and understanding what you are saying? And are you really listening to what they are saying? HOW you deliver your message is just as important as WHAT you are trying to say.

SIRC recently attended an insightful interactive workshop hosted by Sport 4 Ontario in Toronto called “Communicate and Connect in 90 Seconds or Less” with guest facilitator Corey McCusker from “Your Mind Matters.”

The objective of the one hour workshop was to identify communication preferences in each of us and to remind people why it is important to ‘connect’ when building strong relationships. Connecting is really established in the first 90 seconds or less, while much of how others listen to you is done at the sub-conscious level. The major elements of rapport between individuals can be broken down surprisingly enough into the following categories: 55% representing physiological responses, 38% representing tonality and, actual words only representing 7%.

A ‘Preference Test’ was administered to each participant at the beginning of the workshop to determine the “Communication Preference Characteristics” in each person, and what type of communicators and listeners they represent.

The types are:

• Visual: Memorize by seeing pictures and are less distracted by noise. APPEARANCE is important.
• Auditory: Typically are distracted by noise. Learn by repetitive listening. Like to HEAR how they are doing.
• Kinesthetic: Often talk slowly. Respond to physical rewards and touching. Memorize by doing or walking through something. FEELS right or gives them a GUT feeling.
• Auditory Digital: Spend a fair amount of time talking to themselves. Memorize by steps, procedures and sequences. Program has to MAKE SENSE.

Every one of us could have a combination of each of these communication preferences so it is important:

• to know your audience,
• to learn how people perceive communication,
• to understand their preferences and,
• to have simple techniques to build instant rapport with others!

For more information on communication in sport contact SIRC!

The Tech Savvy Coach

Many coaches have already started to incorporate smart technology into their training, and when used to its full potential, iPads or other smart technologies can significantly enhance the coaching business. To some coaches, technology can seem a little daunting, but coaches need to embrace it by making themselves aware of what is available and how it can benefit them and their athletes.

Slow Motion Video/Video Streaming

There are many benefits of having a video readily available when it comes to sport coaching.

• Athletes and coaches do not need to be in the same location to have a relationship 
• A coach can provide support from any location during competition 
• Game strategies, injury concerns and nutritional needs can all be discussed 
• A coach can quickly record their athlete in action and have it played back in slow motion which enables both parties to see what’s happening and enable the coach to point out corrections 
• Enhances fan interaction 

Web Applications

Everyday more and more applications are being created to help us navigate and interact with the world. Mobile applications for coaching are no exception and there are many you can access effortlessly and with minimal cost.

• Coaches Eye - Web app for the iPhone has many features including: video, slow motion review, audio commenting and video drawing to highlight problems
• Sports Game Timer App – Many recreational leagues require equal playing time or that each player plays at least half of the game. Keep track of players with a simple timer/tracker for sports teams. Great if you need proof for the parents! 
• G.A.P.S. Sports Coaching App - Gain access to over 1750 activities, practices and skills, perfect for creating enjoyable and interesting coaching sessions and PE lessons on the move.

The use of technology allows coaches to organize themselves and gain efficiency by having simple to operate equipment that produces maximum results. Up until this point, coaches might have been able to get away with older methods of running a program, but not anymore. Today’s technology can make you a better instructor, manager and leader and coaches need to grab a hold or be left behind. Replace the old way of thinking and you’ll be amazed at what technology can offer!

References from the SIRC Collection

1. A Bertram C, Marteniuk R, Guadagnoli M. On the Use and Misuse of Video Analysis. International Journal Of Sports Science & Coaching [serial online]. June 2, 2007;2(0):37-46.
2. Lachance A. Long distance coaching using today's technology. Coaches Plan/Plan Du Coach [serial online]. Summer2009 2009;16(2):56-57.
3. O'Donoghue P. The use of feedback videos in sport. International Journal Of Performance Analysis In Sport [serial online]. November 2006;6(2):1-14 The techno coaching revolution. Cycling Weekly [serial online]. July 14, 2011;:70-72.

Coaching Young Athletes

As a coach, there is always a chance that you will spot exceptional talent in a young athlete.  When this happens, it can be easy to forget that that talent is wrapped inside the body and mind of a child.  Kids think differently than adults, especially when they are younger.  Abstract thinking doesn't really start developing until adolescence, so it can be quite a challenge as a coach to effectively communicate with your young athletes.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Use plain language - Remember to coach the intelligence not the age; just because a child has an amazing talent doesn't mean they have a superior intellect. Analogies are okay as long as they stay within a topic that the athlete is familiar with. Learn to gauge where the child is mentally and work from there.

Be aware of a child's comfort level - When you are a coach, children will already recognize you as being in a position of authority.  We may not feel that the height and size of a person matters to youngsters but some kids have trouble getting over the intimidation they feel when someone is larger than them.  Fortunately, this is easy to overcome by lowering your height to be on a similar eye level. Once a child gain's a little more confidence, they will focus more on the coaching and not the big intimidating person telling them what to do.

Watch your body language - Body language is the most basic form of communication and our facial expressions can be the most telling.  Obviously a smile is a positive message, but eyes and eyebrows confirm the positive expression.  We all know people who talk with their hands, so we know that it is also a form of expression.  Hands on hips or having your arms crossed sends negative messages to others, whereas the more animated the coach, the more engaged they appear to their team.  Becoming aware of how we present these messages to kids can go a long way to improving a child's coaching experience. 

To be an effective coach for youngsters takes practice, so with some time and patience you should be able to have fun and be a great leader. 

References from the SIRC Collection:

1. Faigenbaum A, Meadors L. A Coaches Dozen: 12 FUNdamental Principles for Building Young and Healthy Athletes. Strength & Conditioning Journal (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins). April 2010;32(2):99-101.
2. Gould D, Carson S. Young Athletes Perceptions of the Relationship between Coaching Behaviors and Developmental Experiences.
3. Nyitray M. Comfort is the Key to Coaching Young Athletes. Olympic Coach. Winter2012 2012;23(1):29-32.
4. Shepherd J. Starting Young: Coaching young athletes. Ultra-Fit Magazine. February 2011;21(2):104-107.
5. Smith R, Smoll F, Cumming S. Effects of a Motivational Climate Intervention for Coaches on Young Athletes' Sport Performance Anxiety. Journal Of Sport & Exercise Psychology. February 2007;29(1):39-59.
6. Watson II J, Connole I, Kadushin P. Developing Young Athletes: A Sport Psychology Based Approach to Coaching Youth Sports.