Feynman (2008) states “If a person is not experienced, there must be some acceptance that key concepts are indeed true, though they may not be understood”. Our mission emphasizes the truly worthy values of LOVE and RESPECT. All stakeholders, regardless of experience or understanding of these concepts must have faith that these values are indeed worthy truths. In doing so they are required to respect all people in their lives, and show their love by acting upon that respect.

Don’t Lose Sight of Our Goals!

Izzo (2007) argues that in order for anyone to truly buy in they need to first feel that their individual needs will be met. The trick is aligning personal goals in a way that supports the team. In supporting establishment of both team and personal goals that are not in conflict we essentially establish a contract that allows us all to hold others accountable. As all goals are made known to the group we are all able to recognize when focus on the achievement of our goals is lacking, and we are able to hold each other accountable to themselves. With this approach, it is imperative for coaches to assist players in setting clearly defined, realistic goals that serve both the individual and the team. They must also support athletes in managing these goals throughout the year.

If you lack Discipline be prepared to receive Discipline!

When a member of our team lacks the self-discipline to have faith in the true worth of respect and love, there will be consequences. Each person or situation has different wants and needs. In practicing respect and demonstrating love through action, no specific violations or consequences will be detailed here. Instead, the Describe, Explain, Solution and Consequence (DESC) approach to conflict resolution will be utilized in assisting members to recognize their lack of self-discipline, explain why this is inconsistent with our values, come together to determine solutions, and agree on appropriate consequences for violation of the standards expressed here. In carrying out this process all parties work together in a way that both demonstrates respect and love, and supports the needs of the individual and the team in gaining faith in the mission and the development greater self-discipline.

“If you don’t want to deal with problems, don’t take the job” (Summitt, as cited in Kunau, 2017). Supporting young people as they make mistakes and solve problems in a safe environment is the whole purpose of education. In considering this, we should see conflict within the team not as an inconvenience, but as an opportunity to re-establish and strengthen faith in our mission.