Though structurally different, every one of those teams has something in common: They’re all looking for ways to improve teamwork by improving the mindset of their teammates.
I do my best to share content that is ambiguous enough to apply to all teams. Today’s topic is directed specifically at scholastic sports coaches, but the message should resonate with every team because the issue impacts everyone.
Last week, a California high school football team defeated its opponent 106-0. The team scored 56 points in the first quarter and was up 83-0 at half time. Their quarterback threw for 13 touchdowns during the game.
In what was perhaps the game’s most contentious play, the coach elected to go for a two-point conversion despite already leading 104-0.
As would be expected, the lopsided victory drew plenty of disapproval. Legendary sportscaster Dick Vitale tweeted: “How can the Coaching staff…feel good about themselves?…U SHOULD BE FIRED!”
Whenever I hear stories like this, I can’t help but think of the famous Winston Churchill quote: Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
Not that long ago, the world was outraged by the Texas girls basketball team who beat their opponent 100-0. The coach of that team was fired shortly thereafter for refusing to apologize for running up the score, telling the Dallas Morning News, “my girls played with honor and integrity.”
Maybe they did. But their coaches did not. Running up the score is an egregious, indefensible act for a coach.
The principal of the California high school football team responsible for last week’s egregiousness subsequently released an apology for the team’s lack of sportsmanship.
Condemning the lack of sportsmanship is reasonable. However, some would argue that players lowering their standards and not competing to their highest level is disrespectful to their competition and equally unsportsmanlike.
For the record, I happen to agree that the coach should be fired in this situation but not necessarily for his lack of sportsmanship. The coach should be fired for his dereliction of duties.
Scholastic sports should first and foremost be used as a vehicle to teach life lessons. The coach failed miserably in this regard because he missed out on an ideal opportunity to teach empathy—a core component of being a good teammate.
Players who are taught that running up the score is acceptable grow up to be uncompassionate landlords who won’t give down-on-their-luck tenets some lead way with overdue rent, uncompassionate bosses who won’t cut grieving employees some slack with their workload, and uncompassionate voters who won’t consider issues that may not directly affect them.
When society condones running up the score in scholastic sports, we condemn our future. Society needs more empathy and compassion. We mustn’t squander opportunities to teach these important skills to our youngest members.
Empathy prevents offenses that happen to someone today from happening to someone else tomorrow. Empathy leads to understanding and improved relationships.
As always…Good teammates care. Good teammates share. Good teammates listen. Go be a good teammate.
Did You See This?
I recently appeared on the Educational AD’s Podcast (A great resource for coaches and athletic administrators!). I got to talk about some things I don’t normally get the opportunity to discuss. Check out the video replay. You can also download and listen to the audio only version on Apple Podcasts.
