LESSON 2: NONNEGOTIABLES

Ready

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” (Colossians 3:23).

Set

Would you define yourself as a structure/discipline coach, or more flexible? How would your players define you?

There isn’t one right way to coach. For every strict disciplinarian you can point to who is a successful coach, someone else could point to a more flexible, laid-back coach who is equally successful.

If we’re honest, we must admit that whichever way we personally lean on the coaches’ spectrum of discipline and flexibility, both ends matter. Structure and discipline matter. Without them, we lack predictability and organization. Flexibility matters too. Without it, we are rigid and stagnant in our coaching methods.

If we can agree both are important aspects of coaching, how do we strike a balance between structure/discipline and flexibility?

Consider two ways.

First, if you struggle with flexibility, consider incorporating more flexible methods into coaching.

Seek to learn new ways to teach. Very few coaches in the history of sports coached the same way, all the time, with the same methods, for their entire career. We need to constantly seek new ways to reach and teach players.

Second, having a defined set of rules creates a culture of discipline while communicating that other things may be more flexible.

This operates much like sound parenting, as there are reasons for the rules that matter, while we allow room for our kids to grow into themselves.

Make your own list, but a top-five (we call ours “Marks of Excellence”) could include:

1. If you’re on time, you’re late. This is based on 1 Corinthians 9:24–26.
2. We’re better together. This is based on Ecclesiastes 4:12.
3. Have fun; don’t take yourself too seriously. This seems like a silly non-negotiable. But enjoyment leads to passion. I don’t have specific biblical support for this one, but I will quote Duck Dynasty’s Jase Robertson: “When life gives you mud, don’t be a stick in it.”
4. Do everything on and off the field as if someone is watching. This is an integrity non-negotiable, based on 2 Corinthians 8:21.
5. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Comparing ourselves to other players is not productive. Doing it as a coach generally isn’t helpful for a player. The Bible says those who compare themselves with others are without understanding (2 Corinthians 10:12). Comparison also leads to misplaced priorities and unhealthy pursuits, contrary to our identity in Christ. Jesus warns about this in Matthew 16:26.

Go

1. Why is discipline important for players? Why is flexibility important?
2. Where do you fall on the spectrum of discipline/rules versus flexibility? What would your players say? What is something you could do on the other end of the spectrum where you fall that might benefit your players?
3. As a group or individually, create your own shortlist of non-negotiables, including any biblical support for them.