A volunteer perspective...
This started as a way for me to put up or shut up. I’ve challenged some guys in my men’s group to show our discipleship in practice.
We’ve supported LGM in picnics and Christmas events, but the next step is in RELATIONSHIPS.
So, I decided to help the 6th-grade basketball team. I was asked about being the head coach. Not being shy of my basketball knowledge (nor my ability to learn on the “job”); and being blessed to not carry too much angst when in over my head, I said, “Sure, why not…”
Some of the realities of coaching in Price Hill: Turnover. During the season, I lost 6 kids who started with the team or were added and then left the team. I had 8 to start and ended with 9.
Devotionals. I tried very hard to make these as relevant as I could. At various times, we discussed: Fruits of the Spirit and related it to people we knew who exhibited these Christ-like characteristics and how it made us feel. We talked friendships, like Jonathan and David’s and how it felt to know someone has your back. EGO – “Edging God Out” and the dangers of being self-centered were discussed. The Lord’s Prayer was recited often.
Other things encountered: Attention span and expectations. I prepared a practice plan with primary themes and drills. In retrospect, I’d create more games
to reinforce drills and things I wanted them to accomplish. Practice never went as planned. Practices were about 1.5 hours each and it was a challenge to keep their attention. Skuffles. At least three times, a fight could have broken out. These could have escalated into an outright brawl involving parents and kids. We were lucky and should think this through more with prayer. I should have been better prepared and as I said, I/we were fortunate. Turnout. Rarely did we get everyone to practice. Sometimes we barely had 5-6. One practice we had one player.
What I hope “my kids” received or learned during the season: Unconditional love. While there were times I felt I had to keep them accountable for their actions by enforcing consequences or repercussions, I made sure that any kids called out were also encouraged/loved afterwards. Expressions like, “I/we need you to be a leader and you’re great at…” While it’s a team sport, I tried to individually address every single player each week with some words of encouragement.
Attitude and Effort. I was and
always will be happy to see kids win and make shots. I did the Griddy (aka victory dance) more than once when someone made a 3-pointer in practice. I was careful to make sure nobody was watching. I chastised them when scrimmaging the 4th- graders (which they always wanted to do), “Don’t crush the spirit of the 4th-graders.” They played hard and competed. Sometimes their attitudes were difficult to rein in and I had to look skyward (to the Lord) for help to not just grab kids by the collar at times to let them know what I thought of their attitude.
For the Coach – What it meant: God loves team sports. The Apostles were sent out in pairs. I will gladly coach by myself again. But, it’d be fun to have another person to help and offer ideas.
I love sports and I think I’ll get better at coaching the important aspects beyond winning. Loving your teammate, respecting all involved (other team, coaches, referees, parents). I’ll do my best to be available to help. It’s far easier to serve in a capacity where there is some passion. While not gifted, I am passionate about sports and I feel the good Lord nudging me.
I was blessed beyond belief. At no point was it a struggle to show.
Kids are kids. I hope they felt love; I definitely felt their love. It’s what we’re called to do and kids are so vulnerable, especially with most not having both parents living under one roof. We are all God’s children.