Advice on working with coaches
Some coaches will be excited for their athlete to have an independent facilitator, someone who is available to provide holistic, consistent mentoring throughout the year, not just during campaigns or competitions. Others will be apprehensive that you have ambitions to take over parts of their role, or that there will be unhelpful conversations that they are not privy to. The coach is such an important part of the athletes’ circle of support, they are often working with the athlete every day, so it is important to build a positive relationship from the start.
We asked some of our regional leads and independent facilitators for some advice on how to engage with coaches and build trust. Watch the full video (right), or some short hilights from the interviews below.
Jason McKenzie, Southland lead says you’ve got to take the time to build trust first, then you can do the work.
Andy Ellis, Christchurch lead says the best advice he can give is to over communicate.
Belinda Colling, Dunedin lead says your job is to be the ‘prompter’ in the background, encouraging the athlete to lead communications with their circle of support.
Ann Hay, Netball Independent Facilitator says the circle of support meeting must be centered around the key question: “what is best for the athlete”.
Your Questions Answered
When should I involve the coach?
If everyone is open to it, include the coach from the first meeting, so that you can get their involvement, and start building a connection, as the athlete builds their growth plan. If this isn’t possible or will hinder the athlete’s willingness to be open and honest, the coach should attend the first circle of support meeting.
How do I start the conversation with a coach?
Give the coach an overview and some background about the programme – why are we here? What are the principles of athlete support? In particular, set the foundation that the primary goal is long term development.
What if the athlete has multiple coaches with different priorities?
Keep the focus always on what is best for the athlete’s long term development needs. This may require some discussion, and negotiation around prioritising competitions and athlete time commitments.
How do I explain my role as an IF to the coach?
The independent facilitator is a holistic support person, an adult they can rely on, a connector, and a facilitator, you are not necessarily a leader. The coach needs to know that you will stay in your lane and not step into the coaching space.
How do I handle athlete confidentiality when talking to coaches?
Simply ask the athlete how much information they are happy for you to share, and with who?
How do I encourage the athlete to lead the communication?
Following the initial growth planning meeting, make sure you confirm the next steps on communication/engagement with the circle of support – who? what? when? how? Then help prepare them for the conversations they need to have, and follow-up.
The coach is saying they feel 'out of the loop', what shall I do?
Reassure the coach that they are very welcome, be proactive in reaching out to them. Explain that it will take time for the athlete to get comfortable with leading communications with their circle of support. Encourage the coach(es) to ask questions of the athlete to help build athlete communication, don’t assume they will be forthcoming.
What should I do if my athlete isn't passing information on to the coach?
Take time to educate your athlete(s) on the value of including coaches, and follow-up to check in that they have been proactively updating their coach(es).
How do I build trust with the coach?
Start by explaining your role and the goals of the programme. At first, watch, listen, ask questions and remain curious. The coach may have been working with your athlete for some time and will have insights to share. Be proactive in inviting the coach to meetings, giving them updates via a phone call, video call or face-to-face catch up (with the athlete’s permission). See your role as a connector, not a leader. Open the door for dialogue and for them to raise any concerns.
Still Got Questions?
DONT HESITATE TO CONTACT SUZIE
0274432986
suzie.muirhead@raisemygame.co.nz
