Canoeing on Christmas 2015

Canoeing on Christmas 2015

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Why They Play

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, as a leader or coach, why are these kids/young adults playing for my team or being led by me?  I haven't included teachers in this article because often the kids are in your class simply because they have to be.  Sometimes a kid is forced to play your sport, join your band or be part of your club.  But the majority of the kids are there willingly because they want to be.

WHY?  Why would they give up close to 20 hours per week to play the sport you are coaching (apply this to whatever it is you lead, I am just using sports terminology)?  Why would they go through the pain and physical hardships to be in shape to compete for your team?  Why do they come to practice when many of their friends are heading to the pool during the summer?  Why are they lifting weights, buying training DVD's, going to camps, etc?  Remember, they could always be doing something else.

I have heard all the macho coaches echo "they play for my team because they love to compete and they love to win."  Baloney.  If they really have such a love of competition why aren't there hundreds of entrants into the local fair's tomato growing contest and pie bake-offs.  I know that kids do enjoy competition, but not for the reasons you think.  Kids want competition because it forces them to get better themselves.  Beating someone isn't the reason they are playing for you.

Kids will sign-up for your team, join your club or band/choir for two reasons.  FUN and BENEFITS!  Studies have shown that the number one reason kids are involved in extracurricular activities is because they are fun and provide them benefits.  Some reasons they are fun include:  Time with friends, chance to improve their skills, something to do after school, they are already good at it and sports gives them a chance to shine.  Benefits include:  Fitness and overall health, a chance to leave school early on occasion, a chance at a scholarship (I think this is one of the worst reasons for a kid to play sports), recognition in the community/school/etc, clothing/team gear.

Kids will have a desire to win to a certain extent, but typically that is about the 8th out of 10 reasons why they join a sport or club.  It is typically number 1 only among the coaches and adults.

Young people want to do things that are fun and provide them benefits.  Don't get too caught up in your own ego.  They like you as a leader in relation to how much fun you provide and the access you provide to the benefits.

Keep Fun at the forefront of the group you lead.  Provide safe and exciting opportunities for your young people.  And let's be clear:  By fun I don't mean the roll the ball, fool around and then go for ice cream kind of fun.  By fun, I mean a well structured, organized group time that is upbeat and challenging.  An opportunity to grow and reap the benefits of being part of your organization.

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