A reminder to all coaches

This is a simple concept in coaching, but I see it being forgotten too often. Here it goes:

As a coach, part of your job is to be ON THE ATHLETE'S SIDE!

Many coaches are great at accepting accolades when things go well, but quickly try to shed their responsibility when things go wrong. They blame the athlete for the options they make. Guess what Mr, when an athlete decides something, it's your decision too!

If you're not comfortable with the decision, you only have two options. Either convince the athlete of his mistake or go with it and assume full responsibility for the consequences. Shrugging your shoulders is not acceptable. There is no in-between, no sitting on the fence. An athlete makes a mistake, you make a mistake.

This is also a personal reminder. It's very easy to try to blame others, and hard to assume responsibility for failure. But when in doubt, always remember to do your job.