Deal Breakers

Part of your apprenticeship as players and coaches informs "this is how we do it here." Often many ways exist to handle a problem, but everyone must be on the same page.

There are deal breakers for BOTH coaches and players.

COACHES

1. When coaches don't define players' roles, disappointment inevitably follows. 
2. When coaches are perceived as unfair, players tune out. 
3. When coaches don't emphasize philosophy and details, players become confused. 
4. When coaches don't teach, players can't learn. 
5. When coaches don't bring energy, players can't take energy. 
6. When coaches don't prepare, teams demonstrate disorganization. 
7. When coaches coach to "pick up a check", players don't care. 
8. When coaches don't demand smart situational play, players get sloppy. 
9. When coaches don't know the game, players get short-changed. 
10. When coaches disrespect players, players quit. 

PLAYERS

1. When players don't show up on time, they disrupt team activities. 
2. When players don't show up ready to go, they devalue practice. 
3. When players don't commit academically, they hurt themselves and the team. 
4. When players are selfish, teammates stop working. 
5. When players criticize teammates, they bring the team down. 
6. When players don't concentrate, they don't anticipate and then react slowly. 
7. When players don't work hard in practice, they cheat themselves. 
8. When players don't take care of themselves, they can't contribute. 
9. When players abuse tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, they must go. 
10. When minutes mean more than success, it's time to find a new sport.