Life as a coach is undoubtedly hectic. By spring, at the start of track and field season, it can feel as if they’re being pulled in ten different directions. Between demanding parents, difficult student athletes, and a jam-packed schedule of practices and meets, it befits the coach to practice a few time-management techniques.
Prioritize To-Dos:
It’s widely believed that writing out important tasks makes them more likely to be accomplished; but it’s even more effective to prioritize based on urgency. A busy coach with workouts to draft, nutrition plans to write, and 101 other school duties would benefit by asking themselves, “What is the most important thing I can do in this moment? What’s the second most important thing?”
Be present:
A widely-practiced principle, the concept of being in the moment can prove invaluable to a coach’s schedule during track and field season. Distractions are inevitable; but just as they would advise an athlete to focus on 200 meters at a time, they too need a laser sharp focus. The matter at hand is likely to take longer once its attention is compromised by other things.
Adhere to the calendar:
Coaches and directors, like any school official, live and die by a daily calendar. However, while bell schedules and after-school agendas rarely change, they are by no means the only programs on a coach’s calendar. Penciling in blocks of time—more importantly, sticking to them—will go a long way for extra duties such as reviewing the budget or spending additional time with an athlete one-on-one.
Among the many approaches to time management during track and field season, prioritization and focus should be respected most by any athletic director or coach. It also doesn’t hurt to remember to say “no” every once in a while when the demands get too great. Same goes with knowing when to delegate responsibilities to assistant coaches or the captain of the team. Difficult parents can also become a burden if the coach doesn’t adhere to his or her own office hours. Most importantly, maintaining a healthy work/life balance is essential to a well-rounded, efficient coach. Always easier said than done, leaving work at work and making time for family and personal R&R is a must. Track and field season is a busy time of year for everyone, but a coach who fails to manage their time can put the whole team in jeopardy.