OUR CLUB PHILOSOPHY & VALUES
Coaching philosophy and club programs, at the developmental level (9-15 years of age) and the high school level (ages 16 – 18) reflect the following:
(2) fun & enjoyable
(3) development of self-esteem and a positive self-image
(4) development of a positive attitude towards health and fitness
(5) development and acquisition of skills
(6) development of a strong work ethic
At the developmental level, emphasis is on personal development, personal achievement and on process rather than on performance. Athletes are encouraged to focus on personal improvements in performance over time, and to measure success in terms of their improvement over time in a particular event or in the development of skill. “Success is measured in personal improvement, and NOT on performance results or winning at the developmental level.” – Andrew Lenton , Head Coach
At the high school level, the emphasis on personal development remains; however, at this stage, athletes begin to specialize and the intensity of training increases. Athletes are still encouraged to focus on personal improvements in performance over time, and to measure success in terms of these improvements. However, setting goals and reasonable performance targets for the season is introduced and emphasized. Training programs and the volume and intensity of workouts is then developed to help athletes achieve these goals with success measured in personal improvement and the attainment of these performance targets. Athletes are encouraged to train and compete at a level consistent with their abilities and interests at all times. Pushing athletes beyond these limits is always discouraged.
Developmental Program Events Focus
Developmental athletes (9-15 years of age) are strongly encouraged to attempt all event area disciplines and are provided opportunities for skill development in all areas. Athletes are encouraged to develop basic skills in all event areas. Early event area specialization begins to occur when the athlete is 13-15 years old.
In track and field an athlete will reach their athletic peak in approximately their late twenties or early thirties. The majority of track and field Olympians usually have approximately 14-20 years of training years behind them. From 9-15 years of age the athlete is primarily “training to train” where the focus of training is on skill development. At approximately 16 years of age the athlete makes a transition into the “learning to compete” phase. During this phase the athlete is learning to compete at the provincial / national / international levels. Usually when an athlete is in their early twenties, they will enter the “training to compete” phase where an athlete is training to compete at the highest possible levels.
Participation in other Sports
Children involved in sports should be encouraged to participate in a variety of different activities and develop a wide range of skills. Young athletes who specialize in just one sport may be denied the benefits of varied activity while facing additional physical, physiologic, and psychologic demands from intense training and competition.
In particular, athletes in the 9-15 year old age group are strongly encouraged to participate in other sports during the off-season. Participation in other sports during the off-season benefits the athlete in several ways: (1) psychological and physiological break from training & competing in one sport; (2) allow development of other sport-specific skills; (3) exposure to other sports and fitness activities; (4) maintain fitness levels; (5) development and maintenance of a healthy and active lifestyle; (6) variety
Sport can be a powerful vehicle for the development of human well-being. To realize this potential, we must live by and promote a set of noble principles both on and off the track. Golden Ears Athletics believes in the following:
Human Development: We believe that participation in sport will make us better people. We also believe that the arts, in combination with sport, contribute to a well-rounded life. Fun: We believe that everyone should enjoy taking part in sports.
Excellence: We believe that everyone has the right to work towards their personal best in everything they do.
Fairness: We believe in honesty and fair play, and that everyone should have an equal chance to participate.
Respect: We believe in considering the feelings and views of others and appreciating everyone’s contribution to sport.
Leadership: We believe those who participate in sport should set a good example and have a responsibility to teach others.
Harmony: We believe that sport should promote understanding and positive relations among people.
Athlete’s Code of Conduct
Participate and compete for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach. Participate because you want to, not just because your parents or coaches want you to.
Compete by the rules.
Respect your clubmates, opponents, officials, coaches, and parents.
Never argue with an official’s decisions. Let a club coach ask any necessary questions.
Be a good sport. Cheer all good efforts (not just performances), whether a clubmates or your opponents. Acknowledge all good efforts – those of my clubmates and of my opponents.
Treat all fellow club members and other competitors as you yourself would like to be treated. Do not verbally or physically bully fellow clubmates or other competitors. Do not interfere with or take advantage of any other clubmate or competitor.
Co-operate with your coaches, clubmates, and opponents, for without them you don’t have an opportunity to participate in the sport.
Remember that coaches and officials are there to help you. Accept their decisions and show them respect.
Remember that winning isn’t everything – that having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing your best are as important.
Parent’s Code of Conduct
Remember that your child participates for his/her enjoyment, not for yours.
Encourage your child to compete by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
Teach your child that doing one’s best is as important as winning so that your child will never feel defeated by the outcome of an event and that the result of each performance is accepted without undue disappointment.
Make your child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and trying hard.
Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition. Turn defeat to victory by helping your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship.
Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good efforts by both your child and their competitors.
Do not force your child to participate in sports.
Never question the officials judgment or honesty in public.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities.
Show respect and show appreciation for coaches who give their time to help provide recreational sporting activities for your child, understanding that I have a responsibility to be a part of your child’s development.