Coach’s Corner: Building a Sports Program

Building a sports program can be a daunting task. You could be taking over a faltering program or starting one from the ground up. It can be overwhelming at times to get everyone connected to the same goal. Here are five strategies to help you get your program where you want it go.

1. A Burning Passion

As Credibility author Jim Kouzes said, “You can’t lead others to a place you don’t want to go yourself.” Taking over a program in disarray can be tough as there will be a lot of negativity to fight through to get your program to a higher level. Being passionate and positive about your vision for the program must become a contagious enthusiasm for everyone involved in your program.

2. A Strategic Plan

You must create a plan for all aspects of your program including recruiting, staff, facilities, academics, marketing, etc. You must involve all stakeholders including any administration and understand the history and politics of the program.

3. Program Core Values

You also need to establish a clear set of core values for your program. You must determine what your program will be about and what it will stand for both on and off the playing field. These core values will serve as your guiding principles in developing your team. Establishing a strong but realistic level of discipline, responsibility and accountability is a critical part of building a successful program. Details and discipline do matter. The little things are often the big things. You must get your players to understand, accept, live and embrace your team’s core values.

4. Maintain Persistence

As part of the process, you will run into numerous obstacles and adversities in building your program. You must have the persistence to see yourself and your team through the tough times. You must stick with your plan, adjust when necessary and believe in the long-term viability of your vision.

5. Patience and Perspective

Understand the big picture and realize that like Rome, your program will not be built in a day. Envision each step you are taking as an investment and another brick in the foundation of your program’s long-term success. With time and the right people, processes, and culture in place, you too will eventually take your program to a higher level.

Building a program is grueling work. However, the payoff and pride in successfully building a program is also extremely gratifying. Use the five strategies outlined above and you too will power through the dip and soon position your program to breakthrough to the elite level.