Respect. It is a simple word yes? Everyone know the definition, and everyone expect to receive it. Yet not everyone deserve it, and not everyone know how to give it.
Years ago, the game and life were much different. People worked hard, other people saw them work, and respect was earned. Simple way of life no?
Today though, thing are much different. People think respect should be given to them before they earn it, and that they do not have to give respect until the other person gives it to them. It is a crazy way to think!
How do the 16 year old player think he should automatically get respect from the 50 year old coach? Now I am not talking about simple human decency and courtesy that everyone deserves, I am talking about respect.
Respect is earned over time, by marking accomplishment in the game. It is not earned in a season.
Player and parent of today need to realize coaches deserve the respect they have earned. They would not be in the position they are in without earning it. In most cases anyway.
Coaches need to respect the parent who pay his bills, and provide decency and courtesy to the player. But player should not expect to have his “game respected” until he earn that respect.
Lately I hear and see so much disrespect going in all different direction that it make no sense to me. Coach disrespect parent, parent disrespect coach, player disrespect parent or coach and so on. It is crazy to watch, and even crazier when it happen in public.
Do anyone really believe that when a person get a reputation as being disrespectful, that it simply disappears when you change teams? No, it will follow you and stick with you.
Whether you a parent, player or coach, no one want to deal with someone who think they deserve something they have not earned. It is time to put away the “self entitled” state of mind so many have today, and return to a simpler way of thinking that brought a sense of accomplishment when something is earned.
Coach
