This article was written by Mrs Cathy Parkes OAM (Australian Water Polo Player) and is a reminder to us all that in our chosen sport, we may not always participate in the game 100% of the time and that “Serving Time” on the bench is just as important as playing the game.
“Serving Time” on the Bench!
I decided to write this article for all parents and players to help them understand and deal with “Serving Time” on the bench. In most cases in club and representative games, players are given a fair share of the game regardless of ability. Sometimes players may be penalized due to inattendance at training, poor sportsmanship, injury or poor attitude and find themselves ‘serving time on the bench’.
Sometimes, in a ‘close’ game and/or the semis, finals, and grand finals a coach will play his/her best players often based upon previous performances. Bench players (or reserves) are an extremely important part of the game. They may be needed for short spells in an intense game, take the field if a player is injured & just as importantly, they are there to provide moral support needed by those playing. It is very reassuring for players to hear comments such as “come on you can do it”, “great work” and “you guys are playing well”. Coaches are often focused on the ‘tactical play’, which is why it is important for the bench players to provide the moral support, positive comments from the sideline can really help boost a teams performance. After the game the benchies will WIN with their team or LOSE with their team.
My motto of being GOOD winners and BETTER losers, helps teams keep their chins up and display good sportsmanship regardless of the result.
Tips for Parents
1. Encourage and support your daughter at all times. Help her understand and develop in difficult situations
2. Never criticize a coach, umpire or another player to other parents or in front of your daughter or other players. Negative comments do not foster team spirit and good sportsmanship. Help discourage negativity by not engaging in such conversations.
3. Encourage your daughter to speak to the coach if she has a problem. This is much more effective than parents speaking on behalf of their daughters. It also helps develop communication skills between the coach and the player and in particular the development of the player themselves.
4. Always be ready to assist coaches if required
5. Praise good play by both teams when spectating
6. Don’t ‘coach’ from the sideline – this only confuses players
Tips for Players
1. Attend all training sessions and give your full attention to your coach. Coaches also like to enjoy their job and you are the ones who can determine this.
2. Put in the extra work outside training sessions. You can’t expect to be better if you don‘t do extra.
3. Learn to be a good team member, benchy/reserve. One day you may be one of the top players and will need the support and encouragement from the bench.
4. If you need to discuss a problem with your coach, please choose your timing (not at the beginning of a session when they are busy, not in front of the team). Ask the coach if you can talk to then when the have time. Never approach a coach when you or he/she is in an emotional state. Ask yourself if you have done all of the necessary work before approaching your coach.
5. Be a good sport, regardless of the result.
TOGETHER
EVERYONE TEAM
ACHIEVES
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