The Page is Turning...

The wait is over and my anxiety is lessened somewhat. My decision made, and the result being announced - I can focus on the rest of this season and work to achieve a fitting end to my time here. Not for me but for the players that have put in the effort and dedication to this dream.

Although there are still some things that need to be taken care of and a season to complete, it feels like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders and I am better able to concentrate.

The biggest worry I have right now is the fate of the girls on the current roster and the potential for a disruption of this team. I would hate to think that all the work they put in would be for nothing and they may have to start over somewhere else.

This time of year brings people out of the woodwork and some pretty tall tales are passed around. I know in a previous blog I mentioned about expectations exceeding reality but, at this time of year a true B-level player suddenly becomes an A-level star ready to break out. I am sure there are times that this is true and the player can exhibit the talent and skill to make the jump to the next level or higher but, sadly more often than not it is the proverbial star burning bright and the pressure of the increased competition leads to break downs.

I am not saying that players have actual nervous break downs but their confidence can be eroded to a point they second guess themselves and their ability. The cracks start to show and unless the player is actually of the caliber expected, the result can be almost tragic to watch.

I hate to see any player exposed to that harsh light if they are not prepared for the backlash or even insulated from the criticism. We as coaches can only protect them so much and then they are going to have to get by on their own merit.

Some succeed, some just plain suck. Cruel but true.

Leaving player aspirations aside, more often they are lead down the improper path by adults or even coaches. Some are well-meaning, however more than we care to admit are self-serving and only care about the trophy, not the individual.

When the stars no longer appear in their eyes and are actually out of reach, the player can often be directly blamed for the failure. I find it unacceptable to single out any one player but even worse, if the coach is ill-prepared or not experienced enough to be able to help the player through these hard times, it can be devastating to all parties involved.

If they are successful together, a bond can be strengthened. If they are not, it can easily be shattered - left unrepairable.

Decisions made on impulse at this time of year can be catastrophic.

Painting a rosy picture in your mind is one thing, being able to back up the promises and achieve success is another. Think of the colours used on a canvas as being of a permanent nature - it will last a lifetime and can be displayed proudly. If on the other hand, they are water-based or not applied properly and then exposed to the elements, they run, fade and eventually disappear.

I have seen and even experienced a few ruined canvases in my time. That brings us back to the analogy of expectation outweighing the reality.

I would ask coaches to realistically assess their talents, weigh them against their goals. Answer the questions you need to truthfully: Are you ready for the next level? Do you have the player talent to make the transition or are you placing unrealistic expectations on something that hasn't been tried or tested yet? Are the commitments real or perceived?

Too many times a commitment is given, while in one's mind the search for a better deal is still at the forefront. The same can be said of coaches trying to hoard talent or players when they know full well they would drop said player the very instant a better one comes along.

See the section above about shattering the confidence of a young person for your own personal gains. It is abuse of power and station and a despicable practice. I would hope that coaches would know better and be honest to a player thereby giving them the opportunity to play elsewhere. Quite possibly somewhere they are wanted and respected for their effort and spirit.

I would ask that the coach put themselves in the other's shoes. See things through the eyes of the player. There is much more at stake here then just your dreams of glory or the almighty Championship.

Alas, that is a rosy picture in a perfect world and I am not certain what materials were used in the creative process. We are after all only human - perhaps we should strive to be to known as "humane".

Time to get down off my soapbox and get my own house in order. Keeping the panes clean in this glass house is getting harder and harder - replacing them even more difficult.