September 2, 2023 6:13pm by Alwyn Poole

On The Platform … mainly about school sport.

From beginning in teaching I have coached sport – both within that job and for clubs. I have coached rugby (U15, U16, 1st XV, club U21, Premier Club with University of Auckland), soccer (school 1st XI), athletics, cross country, cycling, triathlon.

I have enjoyed success as a coach but that is not the base reason for doing it. People of all ages should be as fit and healthy as they can. Winning and losing are both teachable moments. Like academics – if you do not have significant purposeful practice and thorough preparation – your goals will not be met. Role-models are important. Friendships are formed.

Sometimes schools get their approach out of kilter with “it is just a game”. I discuss some of that here – and other education matters with Michael Law’s on The Platform. Not everything will be as you expect.

Below I list 10 things that are believe are imperative to school sports.

Ten Sporting Principles

1. Cheating, in all forms, should never be tolerated.

2. The word “talent” should be treated with contempt. “Developed ability” is a much better term and reflects the effort required by every person to become good/great at what they do.

3. The value of the individual far exceeds the reputation of the school. A school’s job is to propel young people into successful adult – not to give Principal’s bragging rights.

4. All young people should be encouraged into sports and physical activity.

5. The most basic principles of coaching are:

…….. this is what good looks like.

…….. I think being good at this is worthwhile.

…….. If you agree – this is how you get there – and I will help.

6. These are the greats in your sport – and sport in general. They have created a pathway for you to follow along. There is no road to that “happy hunting ground” without an incredibly amount of hard work.

7. Injuries, losses, non-selections are deeply challenging. How you deal with them gives you great opportunity to become a better human being.

8. A great deal of ability is hidden because a young person has never tried something (think of Mahe Drysdale only starting to row when at University).

9. A great school/coach does not set out to discover “talent”. Their job is to develop ability in every person they have the privilege of working with.

10. Parents are important but one of their clearest statements has to be “you don’t have to do this for anyone but yourself.” Vicarious achievement is no achievement at all.