SMUS - ATHLETICS

In everything that we do in SMUS Athletics, there is an emphasis on character, and an environment is created in which the student-athlete can grow. The SMUS Athletics Programme believes sport teaches young athletes to learn many values, including life-long fitness, the value of competition, winning with humility, losing with grace. The most important experience of sport is developing the character of the athlete. Coaches are expected to set and maintain strong professional boundaries between them and students so that the relationship provides the safest opportunities for the athletes. Touching (high-fives, fist bumps, hugging and pats on the back and other areas, etc.) between coaches and athletes can provide an environment of misunderstandings or boundary crossing, so coaches should be sensitive to what is appropriate. Coaches should note that physical interaction that the public sees in a professional sporting environment may not be appropriate at the school level. SMUS coaches are role models who play a critical part in the development of the whole student. Coaches should create an environment where the student-athlete can compete, and discover her or his potential in sport, while learning lessons of courage, respect and honesty in the process. The SMUS coach is a supportive, caring, respectful leader, and above all else, represents all of the qualities we try to instil in our athletes. Students may learn these lessons regardless of their level of participation, whether it is recreational or at the highest competitive level. Cornerstones of SMUS Coaching RESPECT—SMUS Coaches operate in an environment of mutual respect, and treat their athletes in a manner that fosters this climate. Coaches’ language, in-game demeanour, and overall decorum should reflect the types of behaviours we aspire to see in our athletes. This behaviour extends to the appropriate use of technology and social media in a respectful manner. CHARACTER—SMUS Coaches promote a team culture where the character grows, and athletes learn how to be tough competitors, while respecting their opponents, officials, teammates and coaches. Coaches should model such behaviour consistently. COMMITMENT—SMUS Coaches should be well-prepared for games and practices, and through a collaborate process of goal-setting, set high standards for their team. With an emphasis on commitment and hard work, coaches should motivate and inspire their athletes to work towards their team and individual goals, learning the value of courage in the process. COMPASSION—Consistent with the School’s Vision and Mission, SMUS athletes compete with passion and compassion. We strive to develop athletic leaders who hold themselves and their teammates accountable to the SMUS beliefs, while leading with a compassionate ethic. SMUS Coaches have the opportunity to shape the lives of our student-athletes, and should follow all of the tenets of our Coaching Philosophy. VIVAT!