From: Marie Dion [Gevisser] - mdg42203@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2004 9:29 AM
To: Mark Holmes – Manager of the A Baseball Team

Cc: rest; John Ben Stewart - Coach
Subject: "My sun JoNathan" [sic].

 

Attention: Mr. Mark Holmes - Manager of A Team

 

Dear Mr. Holmes,

 

In my view coaching is all about empowering the kids to think on their own two feet, giving them enough knowledge to make the right decisions.

 

A successful team needs to be united and kept united all the way through the weakest link. It should be the coaching staff’s job to help build that solid base.

 

Dismissing the mistakes of the stronger members of the team while pointing a finger at weaker members only serves to break that unity and the team’s fighting spirit.

 

Additionally, we shouldn’t sit idly by as someone so trusted puts down a youngster going through “growing pains” learning the skills of life.

 

I will not watch quietly as my son who you keep calling John makes a detour to avoid your reprimand clearly intimidated by your remark, “I have nothing to say to you!” and maybe dreading what was coming next JoNathan decided to continue wearing his baseball helmet through your post game speech so as to protect his head from your blows.

 

Teamwork should be fun and empowering and although this is recreational and neither you nor the assistant coaches are being paid for your services, good judgment should be exercised in words and actions.

 

This is not the first time I notice overreaction on your part or hear comments that I consider inappropriate for an eleven year old such as “Coming in second place is like kissing your sister and you don’t want to do that! 

 

Good communication skills are needed in order to get a positive response when pointing out the negatives. Even more emotional maturity required when dealing with a young audience.

 

Losing one’s temper only shows a lack of emotional control that interferes with the task of coaching.

 

Kids are impressionable, credibility is key to winning the hearts, minds and souls of our youth who are all our futures.

 

I will encourage JoNathan to see out the remainder of the season but my goal is to find him another team to play on next year.

 

Good coaches like good teachers like good parents will imprint you for life.

 

 

Marie Dion