"The Roundtable Discussion"

 

 

"Parents, who baby their kids, are actually turning their kids into wimps..."

 

Do you agree?

 

"Is empathy important when coaching a group of athletes (any age) as opposed to one on one with a general population client?"

 

This is the question I was asked to write about. I have to admit, it’s not the easiest subject to speak concretely on. I mean there is such a fine line between being a ‘mean old drill sergeant’ to being an understanding coach. Where do you say good job kids, take a break; from is that all you go, keep moving.

 

I believe that you have to be very discernful when working with athletes. Especially in a group setting, where no one wants to be the 'first one down'. Every one is trying to compete for bragging rights of who is the most fit.

 

However a lot of times kids will push their selves waaaayyyy beyond what they can physically endure. Hence- the rise in adolescent athletic injuries.

 

As a coach and as a trainer, I am constantly evaluating the performance of my kids. They will show signs when they are truly being pushed too far. Some won't verbally admit it, but they will physically admit it.

 

So it’s my job to teach the young athlete how to listen to their bodies.

 

As far as having too much empathy, I say suck it up. You won't get stronger by playing with daisies or by twirling your thumbs. You have to challenge your self to improve each time you step on the field.  

 

I will allow some kids to end a particular drill/exercise sooner than others. Only due to the fact that some kids are novice and some are "pre-pro-bound"

 

So to answer my opening statement.... 

 

Parents don’t baby your kids; (Proverbs 13:24 He that spares his rod hates his son, but he that loves him chastened him in good season) by babying your kids you are setting them up emotionally and physiologically to be more of a wimp than champ.

 

Vince Burke:

 

I never separate having “empathy” with the type of client I have however, some may  get more than others and/or not at all if it does not apply… How can one coach, guide and teach without having EMPATHY ON CALL FOR AN EMERGENCY…..definition of empathy…the ability to imagine oneself in another's place and understand the other's feelings, desires, ideas, and actions…. …How can we not be ready to give it for everyone…? It seems it is the right human thing to do!!

If we as coaches all agree that everyone is different…no one is exactly alike, than we must agree that everyone also leads a different life with different situations having different outcomes. We as coaches will never be able to empathize if we don’t look and listen to our clients. I ask, are you really listening to your clients? Are you really paying attention and observing your clients?  I feel that many trainers/clinicians are more interested in the assessments of “performance”, how much one can lift, throw, squat etc. and fail to assess one’s state of mind. One’s state of mind can be seen from  body language, sad facial expressions, poor choice of foods, poor choice of friends, new address because of a move, youth rape, drugs, crime, sexuality issues, identity crises issues, family divorce, loosing a job, new born in the family and  death in a family to name a few… All of these issues call for some type of empathy no matter the age, gender, and/ or whether being an athlete or not.  Just as we want our clients to pay attention to us for what we want from them, we to as trainers should do the same for them

 

In the end, we are all humans and one can NEVER maximally perform whether in sports or at the work place if they are in a “poor state of mind” and/or in a “saddened situation” that needs some attention or even counseling. We as trainers need to be more cognizant of who we are training and try to look and listen to at what our clients may be going through before ever passing judgment on a "motor skill" especially with all of the  “SICKlic” horrible situations happening here on earth.

 

 

Empathy………. it is like a water break…everyone needs one……...Remember, if we as trainers give it, we may get some in return and yes we can ALL use some empathy…it’s free, refreshing and feels good....  

 

Robert Belley:

 

Whether coaching a general population client or a group of athletes, empathy plays a significant role within the realm of training.  In order to effectively train any individual, a fitness professional must be able to understand how their trainees are feeling, what pressures they may be under, how their energy levels are for a particular training session and exactly how the trainees will feel if they do/do not attain their goals. 

 

Without empathy, a group training session amongst athletes could deeply impact their outlook, not only on training itself but on the ability of the trainer, him/herself, to effectively communicate and develop a successful program, designed to enhance the trainees potential.

 

Without empathy, the optimal connection between coach/trainer and client/athlete to achieve goals is without question, lost.