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Belonging
The condition of Belonging means that an athlete is a valued member of the team, while still maintaining his or her uniqueness. It is a relationship between two or more persons characterized by a sense of connection and support. A sense of Belonging is a necessary condition for an athlete’s feeling of wellbeing, social engagement, and competence. The condition of Belonging increases intrinsic motivation, for it fosters selfconfidence and investment in the team. As a coach, you have the opportunity to establish a culture of Belonging on your team, one that promotes your athletes’ sense of wellbeing, connection, and selfbelief.
Heroes
Heroes are the everyday people coaches, teammates, friends, family in an athlete’s life who inspire them to excel and to make positive changes in attitudes and lifestyles. Heroes are those an athlete can connect with, those who have a positive influence on them, and who listen to and value their ideas. Heroes build trust in others and belief in oneself. As a coach, you can be a hero to your athletes. They can look up to you as someone to learn from and communicate with about many things. Building relationships with your athletes through support, guidance, and encouragement enables them to become more confident in their lives and sports.
Sense of Accomplishment
The condition of Sense of Accomplishment recognizes effort, perseverance, and citizenship as signs of an athlete’s success. Coaches have traditionally used a narrow view of accomplishment that refers to athletic achievement, innate ability, or who is “best on the team.” Sense of Accomplishment, however, is viewed in terms of personal growth and effort, not just through measurable outcomes and countable successes. As a coach, you have the opportunity to celebrate your athletes’ accomplishments in visible ways. Taking time to recognize and support your athletes’ efforts will result in teams who are motivated to persevere through difficult tasks and to create a healthy team culture through hard work and dedication.
Fun & Excitement
The condition of Fun & Excitement is characterized by athletes being inspired. They are actively engaged and emotionally involved in their sports. Athletes who exhibit Fun & Excitement are usually selfconfident, curious, and prepared; they are willing to meet the challenges of the day. Coaches who foster Fun & Excitement provide new opportunities, initiate challenges, and respect individual interests. After the first three conditions Belonging, Heroes, and Sense of Accomplishment are established, you can motivate your athletes through a fun and exciting practice and play environment.
Curiosity & Creativity
The condition of Curiosity & Creativity is characterized by inquisitiveness, eagerness, a strong desire to learn new or interesting things, and a desire to satisfy the mind with new discoveries. Curiosity triggers athletes to ask “Why?” while creativity gives them the initiative to ask “Why not?” The intensity of Curiosity & Creativity tends to diminish over time due to the habituating effects of the environment. Therefore, as a coach you must pay careful attention to creating an athletic environment that promotes questioning and creative exploration in order to maintain your athletes’ motivation.
Spirit of Adventure
The Spirit of Adventure is characterized by an athlete’s ability to take on positive, healthy challenges at sporting events and at home, with family and friends. Athletes experience the Spirit of Adventure when they tackle something new without the fear of failure or success. As a coach you can encourage and support your athletes’ Spirit of Adventure by urging them to explore new things. By creating an atmosphere that allows for healthy decision making and healthy risk taking, athletes become more confident and resilient. Athletes with the Spirit of Adventure see life as full of opportunities worth exploring for their own sake.
Leadership & Responsibility
The condition of Leadership & Responsibility means athletes are able to express their ideas and are willing to accept consequences for their actions. It cultivates accountability for the sporting environment and school community. When athletes speak their opinions, they need to accept the consequences of doing so. Fostering leadership empowers athletes to make just and appropriate decisions and to take pride in their actions. Coaches who promote this condition teach and expect their athletes to be good decision makers. They provide legitimate decisionmaking opportunities, seek athletes’ input, and expect athletes to be accountable for their actions and words. Athletes are trusted to make the right decisions and are recognized for doing so.
Confidence to Take Action
Confidence to Take Action is the extent to which athletes believe in themselves. It encourages them to dream about their future while being motivated to set goals in the present. This condition is what we strive for; all other conditions must be established and supported for an athlete to attain this level of aspiration. Confidence to Take Action is characterized by a positive and healthy outlook on life and by looking inward rather than outward for approval. Coaches have the ability and potential to help build their athletes’ Confidence to Take Action by providing support, celebrating diversity, and encouraging independent thinking. By enhancing the quality of athletic and personal growth, coaches empower their athletes to become active and involved members of their teams and communities. |