Defining a successful coach

As a children's rugby coach - how do you define success?

Ask yourself the following questions and reflect on your answers.

• Why do the players come to me and this club / school / team for their coaching?
• What are my motivations for coaching these players?
• How do I define success as a coach - what does it mean to me, what does it mean to these children?
• Am I an autocratic (tell-focused) or a player-centred (questioning) coach?
• How important is the result of a match in terms of being a successful coach?
• How important is it that every player in my squad reaches their potential?
• Where do I see my players next year, in five years’ time and in ten years’ time?
• How do I structure my coaching sessions at present - what is the focus, individual development or team development - does one far outweigh the other?
• Do I educate my players in the values of the game and uphold the spirit and traditions that make Rugby Union unique?
• On reflection, are there any changes I could make to my coaching to aid my players’ development?

On answering these questions, you should be able to formulate your coaching philosophy - clarify your role and how you intend to deliver your coaching to your players.