As I sat in the coaches' training meeting on Saturday, I began to feel a little put upon. There are a lot of things to put together and expectations to meet. The coach's job at this level has a lot to do with making the practices and games fun enough to encourage the kids to want to come back next year excited about the game. There are people to coordinate, skills to master and impart, and responsibilities to be aware of. There's just a lot to do.
Then I suddenly saw it in a new way.
This is a game I get to play. It is hard work, but a lot of the games I have traditionally been drawn to require a lot of preparation and time to play. If I tried to devote the kind of time to a computer game or RPG that I'm going to be spending on coaching, I'd be a crappy husband and father.
It is not a stretch to view acting as a coach as role playing and game mastering. There are specialized playing pieces to buy. There's no simple player's handbook to reach for and master. This will require time preparing my character: mentally, physically, and spiritually. There is a certain amount of authority and responsibility and a perk or two. Like the fact that I get one of the biggest roles, but don't have to pay to play.
Posted to Family and Home at February 20, 2005 7:50 PMNow that's a fascinating perspective. Given the way you can focus and bring excellence to anything you put your mind to, I feel you will be a great coach.
I think Tim and I need to show up at one of your games with a cooler of beer and heckle you from the stands. Or just sit up there giggling.
g
Perspective is a marvelous thing, we can see things from the bottom of a well or from a lofty peak. You make me proud that you chose to take the hike to Horn Peak. If you can handle it, count me in for one of the beers.
Posted by: Mike McJilton at February 22, 2005 8:57 PM