Coaches Stressing.

[PalmTree]

Do any of you coaches ever feel worn out, too stressed, like your kids are never going to get those kips or back tucks and you just want to quit? I'm the head coach, gym director, marketing manager, front desk staff, and cleaning crew all in one. I give free private lessons but some of the parents still aren't happy. And I'm just afraid my kids won't be good enough come meet season!!

 

[coachmolly]

Yikes! You have a lot on your plate. I'm not sure how the parents could possibly expect more from you. Perhaps you could enlist their help with cleaning and office stuff if their child really needs those extra private lessons. If I remember correctly, you haven't been at this club very long and it takes time for changes to be made, especially when an entire program is being reworked. Just look at college teams (gymnastics, football, any sport) when a coaching change takes place, even if the change is for the better, it takes time for that person to get the program up and running to the level that is expected of them. There are bad habits to be unlearned, new skills to be worked, trust to be gained, attitudes to be changed, the list goes on and on. I'm sure you are doing a much better job than you realize, and making much more progress than you or the parents can see right now, but will be apparent in the months to comes as they see scores go up, new skills learned, and get some kind of tangible evidence that progress is being made.
I also seem to recall you're a young coach, and unfortunately age can have an impact on parents perception, especially in a HC position. I'm in my 20s and I think most of the parents of the kids I coach just think I'm some know nothing kid wandering around with the team at meets. It's even taken time to get my HS kids to come around to me as their coach because I lack that "authority figure" sense about myself.
It's clear you care about your gymnasts and are doing everything in your power to help them improve their gymnastics and prepare them for meet season, WAY more than many coaches in your situation would do. Keep at it, the kids and parents will see it eventually! But I understand your feelings, it really can seem like a thankless job at times, just keep looking for those little moments and successes that make everything worthwhile. And don't be afraid to delegate tasks or send a note to parents asking for help with specific tasks, you can't do it all.
Keep us updated on how your kiddos are doing, I hope they start their season off well and provide you with some reassurance that you're doing a great job!

 

[Jabba]

I'm with you cz, hang in there! Like you, I juggle a crazy amount of things, but it can be done! There are days I feel like we aren't getting things (see my posts on FHSP vaults!), or arent making enough progress. I get frustrated, and spend as much time as possible on here, trying to find drills and things to help my girls make more progress. My best advice (which I, myself, should probably listen to at times):

1. Stay positive! If you're frustrated, the kids get frustrated. Even if you're just a little less perky than normal, they know it and it affects their practice. I find attitude and energy to be the biggest determiners of how practices go.
2. Look at what is working and do more of it. Look at what's not working and do less or get rid of it.
3. Kids tend to improve a lot more when it gets closer to competition time. I know mine did. Have faith!
4. Parents will be parents. Feel strongly enough about what you are doing to stand by it, even when questioned. There is a reason you are the coach, not them.

But remember, you aren't alone. The fact that you're stressed means you are a good, caring coach. We need more of those!

 

[Aussie_coach]

Oh my gosh! stop giving freer private lessons! That is a mistake, parents will start to take you for granted and expect you to constantly give they your time for nothing. You are worth more than that.

if you don't put a value on your time. People will burn you out and you will really want to quit.

 

[PalmTree]

Thank you guys so much. It really helps to feel some support! Yes, I just took over a program and changed it to USAG and I am in my early twenties, so it seems like some of the parents doubt my ability. But this week has had a little breakthrough...some of the kids I was most worried about learned how to have straight legs! Such a simple thing. Their routines are looking a lot better. And my pre-team kids, the ones I've been afraid won't be ready for meets, did really well today. There are several who actually almost have kips, cast handstands and press handstands. That makes me feel a lot better.

 

[JBS]

Do any of you coaches ever feel worn out, too stressed, like your kids are never going to get those kips or back tucks and you just want to quit? I'm the head coach, gym director, marketing manager, front desk staff, and cleaning crew all in one. I give free private lessons but some of the parents still aren't happy. And I'm just afraid my kids won't be good enough come meet season!!

Yes...

...just relax and slow down. Compete your kids at about 75-80% of their actual skill level...that should solve most of your issues.