Science discussion response

Running head: ASSIGNMENT-TEAM CAPTAINS AND PLAYER RECOGNITION 1

ASSIGNMENT-TEAM CAPTAINS AND PLAYER RECOGNITION 3

Davis ( no more than 125 words)

My coaching philosophy on choosing team captains has drastically changed after a major mistake I made in a previous program I coached.

This team required players to fill out applications and then selected players would be invited to a tryout camp wherein the season would last for 2 months.  I played for the program 10 years prior and was selected to manage the team.  I made selections for team captains prior to the try out based off two returning players previous years success on the field.  One of the team captains was incredible and fulfilled the role flawlessly; however, the other captain’s philosophy did not mirror mine.  This became a constant struggle trying to keep him upbeat and positive.  I believe this one player; a captain was a main reason the team did not accomplish everything that it should have.  This was not due to his play on the field but his negative attitude in the clubhouse.  From that experience I have changed the way I select team captains.

Moving forward, I will interview players for the roll providing a counseling to those selected.  This counseling or contract will be signed by the coach and the chosen team captain agreeing to their roles and responsibilities.  The team captain’s rolls[DD1]  and responsibilities will include ensuring the team is in the right uniform at the right time and prepared to practice/compete.  The team captains must adhere to the head coaches coaching philosophy and echo that philosophy in the clubhouse.  Captains must be vocal leaders when required on and off the field ensuring to quash quarrels if possible.  They must be the eyes and the ears for the coaching staff.  “The most effective captains lead by example, are patient with teammates, are effective communicators, and always place the team and teammates above themselves.” (Tinodi, 2019).

I believe in giving players awards at the end of the season to recognize their accomplishments.  I believe this is a particularly important motivational tool for players to strive for greatness.  These awards are a mix of statistical awards and spirit awards.  Statistical awards are simple in the game of baseball and softball as every competition is a statistical gold mine of numbers which are then easy to calculate and assess.  Spirit awards are more challenging because they are subjective in nature; however, just as important to recognize their contributions to the team.  Team captains can assist coaches with developing team cohesion; however, if not chosen correctly the selection can adversely affect your team as the example provided above. 

Running head: RESPONDING TO DISCUSSION POSTS 1

RESPONDING TO DISCUSSION POSTS 4

Randall (Respond no more than 150 words)

Hi Class and congratulations to you all for completing a great course.   We have had some important topics to discuss and I have learned a great deal from each of you and your thoughts.   As we look at this weeks topic of team captains and player recognition, it is important to understand that there are always negatives to positives.   Over  my years of coaching I have tried different ways of choosing captains for the team.   Sometimes it ends up well and sometimes not so well.   I think it has a lot to do with the team dynamic.   Since no two teams are ever the same, I believe that this is what will dictate how and if captains will be made.  

The typical ways that captains are made in a team are coach appointed or player elected.   I prefer player elected captains.   This allows the players to choose who they want to lead them in certain aspects of the team and who they are more likely to listen too.  One problem with this, is that it can become a popularity event instead of a leadership event.   Players can campaign for the position and this becomes an issue.   When I have older players, I like to have my older players become captains since they are more experienced and know the systems in place a little better and can assist younger players by truly leading them.   There is no perfect system for choosing captains, but a coach needs to understand the team and its needs.  I have had many teams that I do not have captains on and let the leaders naturally surface and take charge.   There is less pressure on players that naturally lead instead of leadership be pushed on them. 

Player recognition is truly important for rewarding players work and dedication.   I believe it build self-esteem and pushes players to be recognized for their efforts.   Recognition can take forms of verbal recognition to awards.   An award needs to be special and not for every player.   Verbal recognition and physical recognition should be passed out frequently.   High fives pats on the head or back, telling a player how well they performed are instant gratification and players feel that their work is noticed and praised.   When we verbally praise a player especially in front of other players, there is a greater sense of accomplishment and greater pride in the players performance.   Many coaches only talk to players about the things they did wrong or things that they could improve on.   These corrective actions are important, but players also need to hear when they perform correctly and satisfy the coach and team.   Best of luck to you all and thank you all for your contributions, I have truly learned a lot from you all. 

Mcgraw ( respond no more than 150 words)