Hussain Haleem, PhD
Introduction
To create a winning team we need to formulate a plan. The plan should include among others a group of athletes and a coaching team led by a head coach who has power to influence the athletes in matters relating to training and competition. Therefore, hiring the ‘right coach’ is key to creating a winning team.This article focuses ‘solely’ on a dysfunctional coach-athlete relationship and the consequences that are faced for having an irresponsible coach.
Coaching is about more than having the required technical knowledge of the sport. According to Jones (2000), successful coaching is multi-skilled, creative and adaptable. Coaching is not only a set of established coaching behaviors, but also the coach’s ability to observe, analyze, synthesize, and modify his (or her) coaching techniques to fit the situation and needs of those involved (Doug & Hastie, 1993). Further, Lyle (1999, p. 6) states that sport coaching is a process involving the ‘relationship between the athlete and coach’ and this process should include a focus on the sociological aspects of coach-athlete interactions.
Coaches have the unique opportunity to make important changes in an athlete’s life that significantly influence the athlete’s attitudes (Cote, 1999, Smoll & Smith, 1989). Hence understanding the larger issues of athlete’s value systems is central to determining the quality and effectiveness of the coaching process (Balaque, 1999). Coaching process should involve developing athletes’ personalities including attitudes, convictions, habits and behavioral patterns. Furthermore, coaches should be responsible for the development of the athlete outside of the sports arena. Hence a well rounded athlete will be better prepared for life after sport (Martens, 1990; Pyke, 1992).
Case study
The Coach is a foreigner who has had some experience in coaching national teams in the South Asian region. He was hired by the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) to coach the national team. In his capacity as the national coach, the team’s performance is satisfactory.
From among the many competitions that the national team participates, the FAM for some reason reluctantly decides to send a team to the Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG). Even at the initial stage the Coach was unsure whether the team should participate. Being non-Muslim, the Coach has little or no respect for Islam. The obvious decision of the coach was that players should not fast during the competition. At times, it is the norm for such non-Muslim coaches to react in this manner.
On arrival at the games village, the team was faced with more pressing issues. The Coach was not happy with the accommodation mainly because there were no fans or air conditioning. As the host nation was having a water problem, the lack of running water at times during the day presented another problem. The food was unimpressive as it did not meet five star standards.
A generous businessman came to the team’s rescue. He solved all the food and accommodation related issues by getting the necessary food items and fans. He even bought TV’s and a Karaoke system for the entertainment of the players.
However, the Coach’s frustration could not be contained. The management was coerced to transfer the Coach to a better hotel. He even told the team that he wished they would lose so that he can return to Male’!
The Coach’s behavior deteriorated rapidly. His lack of commitment and professionalism was unmistakable. At times, the players were made to wait hours for the Coach to show up for team meetings. He didn’t bother to check any technical details that may concern the team. He opted for an hour long ferry to the competition venue because he did not trust the airplane. He was unaware that the pitch had an artificial turf or that the competition was using Nike balls instead of the usual brand until they turned up for the match. He went a step further and even rearranged the team to exclude the 2–3 players who were fasting. This unsettled the team as they were not comfortable with their new positions.
In the first match the team’s performance was average, but manages to get a draw which is commendable given the circumstances. The team’s performance was better in the second match but managed another draw. It was crucial for the team to win the third match in order to proceed to the next stage. Unfortunately, the performance was poor by any standards and the team ended up losing the match by a huge margin. However, given the appalling attitude of the Coach, the overall performance of the players can be deemed somewhat satisfactory.
Discussion
From the above theories and the subsequent case study, it is obvious that the Coach was irresponsible and unprofessional. He did not adapt to the situation and did not have the ability to adjust his coaching techniques to fit the situation and the needs of the players (see Jones, 2000). More importantly, he could not establish a good rapport with the players and chose to abandon them and stay away (see Lyle, 1999). In the end, rather than helping motivate the team to win within the given conditions, his behavior only served to discourage and demoralize the players.
Final thoughts
The case study was developed from author observations, interviews with some football management team personnel and also from some players.
Athletes and officials stayed in the athletes’ village that had many housing units. Each unit had 2 toilets and could house 6 – 8 athletes. The rooms had no fans. Running water was a problem in the host nation and so it affected everyone.
The Maldivian contingent had a distinct advantage over the others – the financial support from a wealthy football enthusiast. He indulged the team with their choice of food and drinks and provided fans to all the room. He even got TV’s and a Karaoke system to entertain the team.
Other nations continued without these extra amenities of the Maldivian contingent. No extravagant food, no fans, no TV’s or Karaoke systems. But some of these countries had high achieving athletes, some of whom were playing for professional leagues in countries like France. There were also athletes who have qualified and represented their nations at the Olympic Games. However, they had no problems with food or accommodation. Neither was their performance hampered to the extent of our teams.
Hence, the mindset of the officials, athletes and the coach needs to change! The sooner the better! If not we will be faced with the same problems that have been holding us back for the last few decades.
If we are to succeed in the international sporting arena we need to change our ‘way of thinking’. In sports, it is not the team that gets the best facilities that wins; it is the team that is the best prepared and plays who have a burning desire to win that succeeds. Among others, the ‘Coach’ is one key person responsible to deliver this. Who wants a coach that cannot do this?
Post script
I went to the IOIG and upon returning home gave an interview. It is very interesting to note that my statements created such an array of interest and conflicts among the public and especially, the top sport officials of the country. I was bombarded with phone calls and text messages. I would say over 90% of them supported my views. But as expected, a few got personal.
I would like to share some of the text messages I received from senior sports officials of this country;
“Great interview! The best thing you have done so far besides running.” (Senior sport official who went to IOIG Games).
“You are the best. It is reality. It is time someone opened up to the public and explained what’s going on. I really support your views. Keep it up” (Senior official who was directly involved with the IOIG Football team).
“Your comments were totally unethical. Before you comment direct to the media you could have had a meeting with the respective people. We would investigate if there are any shortcomings amongst the staff. Hope you would consider this in a positive manner” (FAM Exco-member).
I was surprised to get so many text messages to a relatively minor comment that I made, regarding the lack of discipline, commitment and professionalism shown by the national football coach. Many similar coaches have come and gone. In the end, I am encouraged to offer my sincere comments and thus decided to create a blog to express my professional opinions.
Thank you all for encouraging me to start this new journey which I hope enriches sport lovers of our country.
