Cheerleading coaches and moral development
Yep, that’s right. Coaches can play a big role in fostering moral development in their cheerleaders. How? Well, it may be easier than you think and you’re probably doing it already!
Performance excellence in cheerleading requires the consistent control of body, mind, and spirit. This means developing good habits such as attending practices on time, listening attentively to the coach, attending to the rules, practicing diligently, and being a team player.
Each time you encourage your team to do any of the above, you are nurturing their moral development; you are enhancing their character. Sure it’s important to offer praise for good athletic performance, but it is equally important to do so for displays of honorable, upright behavior.
When you encourage your athletes to sacrifice individual glory for the good of the squad or when you insist that they congratulate the team that beat them out at Nationals, or you help them to control their emotions (think before you act), you are helping them become better citizens.
Of course, the way you behave has a powerful influence on your cheerleaders, too. You are a highly visible role model. If you want a team you can be proud of, be proud of yourself first!
September 2nd, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Moral development of my team is at the core of my coaching responsibility. It’s not always easy, because to be a good role model and teacher, I must lead by example. That means always being mindful of my responsibility and being willing at times to share my weaknesses. I’ve said it before, “Nobody grows up to be a cheerleader. It’s about so much more.” And I’d like to add, we can lose. Things go wrong. What we own is our respect for ourselves and others and most importantly, our integrity.
September 3rd, 2010 at 2:53 pm
I love your comments – they are so thoughtful and wise. Thanks for reading and commenting!