Some Advice for Young Coaches
Some advice for young coaches by Allistair McCaw
1. Never go to a job interview and ask how much you are going to get paid or if you get weekends or public holidays off.
2. Never complain about long hours and working the early mornings or late evenings.
3. Look presentable at all times.
4. If you don’t know the answer to something, go and find out the answer.
5. Earn your stripes. You don’t start in the army as the sergeant major. You start in the trenches and work your way up the ranks.
6. Check your ego at the door.
7. All the qualifications in the world don’t make you a great coach. There’s a difference between being ‘knowledgeable’ and being able to bring that knowledge across to those you train in the most effective and most understood way.
8. Write everything down. Don’t think you’ll remember it all.
9. Say hello and be nice to people – Yes, it’s that simple.
10. Look, listen, learn and ask questions.
11. The world owes you nothing, so don’t walk around thinking it does.
12. You will have to work for free, volunteer and do internships. Don’t complain, instead be grateful for the opportunities you are given.
13. Always bring a great attitude and dress professionally.
14. Respect those who have gone before you. Even if you think you know more than them.
15. Keep educating yourself. Read, listen to podcasts, enroll for courses etc…
Thank you. I will follow your advice.