Every year, at every Pre Draft Combine event, I give a presentation to players and parents that’s followed by a question and answer session. I really enjoy these moments and the interaction, its one of my favorite parts of each event because they are always different.
One thing that is not different though is one of the many subjects I touch on during this interaction.
I always make it a point to give people a key word for the weekend and the remainder of their careers. While making that point and giving them that key word I always say the following;
“You never know who is watching you at these events or any other event. You never know where the person you meet today may be tomorrow. Like all players, team and scouting staff are also trying to climb to the next level. The staff member you may not respect now, or the one you may not want to talk to today, may be in a position to make or break your career tomorrow.”
Some players and parents roll their eyes when I say it. Some take it to heart.
I follow that up with words of advice that some people take and some do not. The advise is simple. Respect everyone in their position because they got to where they are by working for it. Just because you may not be interested in the program they work for now, does not mean you wont be interested in the program they move up to.
Respect goes a long way. Taking the few simple minutes for a person can make or break your career.
This year alone, one coach from an “outlaw” league in Canada was promoted to a “sanctioned” league in Canada. One “scout” was promoted to a position of Director of Player Personnel. One Tier III Coach was promoted to Head Coach in Tier II.
All three of these men were at Pre Draft Combine events. Some players blew them off at the time. Some took the advice and respected every person. Do you think some of these players now are kicking themselves in the ass for not listening?
You never know who is watching.
Joseph Kolodziej – Adviser
