From Steve Voellmecke and Woody Franklin
The majority of individuals enter the coaching profession because of the love of the sport and do not look at the occupation primarily as a money making venture. These two aspects though, can work together for a win-win situation. What is the goal: produce successful divers in a safe and positive environment, while at the same time running a successful and growing business. To get started in that direction use these ideas as a cornerstone, and build a successful diving program!
1. Treat Each Diver As a Client
Treat each diver, no matter how good a diver they are, as a client. The job of a diving coach is to make sure the client, which includes both divers and parents, is happy with services that they are receiving and will want to keep coming back month after month. If the diver returns month after month, then they will progress within the sport and become a better diver. Success as a coach and the individual success of a diver come hand in hand!
2. Act and Dress Professionally
Parents want their children to be involved in programs from which they will receive positive benefits: a program and environment where their children will learn, have fun, and be safe. As a diving coach, you are the director of this program and how you dress, act and behave reflects directly on the program. Present the proper attitude and image, and you will be rewarded with a successful and growing diving program.3. Get to Know the Family
It is important not only develop a relationship with the diver but also the parents and siblings. Many times, parents can be an invaluable resource to the success of a diving team. Many parents will bend over backwards to help or support a program in which their children are involved – especially if their children are having fun! And if that parent has a particular skill that can benefit the program, they may be willing to offer their time in a volunteer capacity.4. Explain the Benefits of Diving
Coaches should sit down with parents and explain what diving can do for their children. Diving teaches many lessons about long-term commitment and delayed gratification. The sport of diving instills confidence and builds self-esteem. Sell the sport to the children and parents as a “Life Sport.” Diving is an activity in which children can participate for life, not just while they are young. If you are a coach and you are reading this, you can attest to that fact.5. Safety is An Issue
Keep safety at the forefront of all you conversations with parents and divers. Always talk about diving safety and how you plan to teach a diver new skills and dives by instructing them in the correct technique, progressions and lead-up skills. Parents want their children involved in safe and constructive activities. Do not just talk about this aspect of your program, make sure that both you and your staff know and can teach these skill progressions, etc., and follow these procedures when coaching.6. Scope of Your Diving Program
Always offer a complete information packet about your diving program to all prospective divers – one that includes all necessary information (practice times, coaches, fees, policies, makeups, holiday cancellations, etc.). Develop a website that will deliver this information in a friendly, cost-effective manner. Once this information is in place, stick to your guns! Only under exceptional circumstances should you change the way you operate. Operating procedures are meant to create an organized structure that makes it easier for you to run your business, and creates an atmosphere of discipline that all athletes and athletic programs need to be successful.
