Human Resources

Replacing staff members:

If you have to add or subtract or replace coaches in the program, I hope it is well before practice starts in the fall. How much influence you have in determine, who will or will not be part of the program, differs from school to school. I was in programs where I had almost no input in who would be on the staff, while in other programs, I was afforded a great deal of influence as to whom would be part of the coaching staff. Needless to say, I preferred programs where I was given a great deal of responsibility in determining the make up of the staff.

This cannot be over stated. If you are constructing a staff, it is critical not only to the success of the program, but also to your own success (and possible longevity) who you hire. Now if you are reading this, and you are

considering becoming a member of the staff. In other words, you are not

doing the hiring but rather are being hired. You also have things to consider. Is it clear what your responsibilities will be? How much time commitment is required? If possible, you want a fairly detailed job description to review prior to your taking the job. YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING YOURSELF INTO!

Be careful. If there is a light at the end of the tunnel, it may be an on coming train!

Things I tried to take into consideration:

1) Were they classroom teachers? I preferred people who were trained to

work with young people. That's not to say I never had non teachers on

the coaching staff. I did, and some were excellent.

2) Did they have any experience? Who was the experience with?

3) If they expressed an interest, before I approached them, why did they

want to coach? I always was a bit skeptical of people who wanted to

coach because their child was going to be part of the team. It seemed

that parents sometimes only wanted to be part of the staff while their

child was in the program. Also, it is very difficult for most parents to

coach their own child and be totally objective.

4) Are they coachable. Yes, are the people you want on the staff willing to

be taught? (In my opinion, a KEY consideration!) Unfortunately, some

people who want to coach do NOT want to be taught!!

5) Can they teach and are they going to be patient enough? Just because

someone knows the game does not mean they can "teach" the game.

6) Is this position viewed as a stepping stone? Is this person going to be one

(season) and done?

7) Will this person view winning to be more important than player

development?

8) Will this person be loyal? VERY IMPORTANT! Will they exhibit ethical

behavior?

9) Can they control their emotions? Will they be good role models?

10) Is it about them or about the team? Some people like the idea of being

a coach more than actually BEING a coach!

11) Will you be evaluated and by whom? Do you know what you will be

evaluated on?

Sometimes its easier and less stressful if the AD determines who is on your staff, because if it doesn't work out, you can always blame the AD. Now, I am only kidding, but if you are involved in the hiring process you also will

be held responsible if the person hired does not work out.

Things you need to consider if you are offered a coaching position:

1) How long is the season?

2) When and where will I be practicing?

3) What are my responsibilities before the season starts?

4) Will I be expected to scout?

5) What offensive and defensive aspects of the game do you want me to

teach?

6) What is the playing time philosophy at the level I am going to be

coaching at?

6) Will I be evaluated and on what criteria will I be judged?

7) Who will evaluate me?

8) What procedures am I to follow if and when conflicts occur?

9) Do I have any off-season expectations?

10) Is their a self improvement plan or suggestions I can benefit from?