I am not saying coaches are not allowed to have real lives, a second job, or even a primary job, hobbies or families. That goes without saying. I did not want to be too specific for obvious reasons. The drawback in not providing specifics is the post is often misinterpreted, as it was in this case. Without going into specifics, the bottom line is I wondered if there are head coaches who prefer to be doing something else? And if a coach has his/her passion elsewhere can that make them a less affective coach. I will say, without exception, all the coaches in this website (at least those that I've had the pleasure of reading their posts) have a level of dedication that is above scrutiny. If you are spending your leisure time reading chalkbucket, providing insight and sharing your expertise to us ignorant , needy and crazy parents, I can't help but believe you love what you do and are 100% vested in your job.
A head coach with a full time professional job and then coaches in the evening because this is what brings them joy and fulfillment is oftentimes a great coach. You don't need to live, breath gymnastics. But I wonder about a head coach who maybe coaching just to pay their bills but their passion lies elsewhere. The necessity and preferential aspects in the two scenarios are opposites. I know when I was younger and had a full time professional job, I tried to quickly perform all my duties, so I may have time to work on my true passion. Needless to say, I did not give my day job 100%. I taught dance at night and was the director of a successful dance company. And although I did a good job at my day job, I know I could have done better. I was rushing through my work and often times had my mind elsewhere, thinking of a new choreography, how a show was going to come out, costumes, venue, lighting, problems that kept arising and everything I had to do after work. My night job had my heart. It fed my soul. I could not wait to get to it. Luckily, my day job is such that if my mind momentarily wonders, (or not so momentarily), it will not be catastrophic. I can't say it is the same with a gymnastics coach. With the mobile technology, iPhones, iPads, these days, business can be conducted while at the gymnastics floor. And because they are head coaches, they are beyond reproach, especially if gym owners are rarely present.
Maloney, as JBS points out, is able to mix both passions successfully. But is he the rule, or an exception? I am curious to find out at what point in his gymnastics career did he start his band. It is without a doubt Maloney has a proven gymnastics track record. But he may also have a great support staff that can support his physical and mental absence. How about a younger, newer coach without as good a track record yet and whose coaching abilities is the heart of the team? Forgive me, but I believe I would expect and want the coaches that coach my daughter to give their full undivided attention and dedication while coaching on the floor. What they do outside of the gym is their business and wish them the best on that. But how can a coach whose heart maybe elsewhere be a successful coach? I am hoping this can be done.
