Dear Coach
The following are two letters to coaches. They are not actual letters rather they are composites of letters. The first letter is from 1990 to me in my first year “really” coaching, the second letter is from 2013. Compare and contrast the content and tone of the letters.
1990 – (Letter)
Dear Tony
Enclosed in the insurance form for Meagan’s participation in track. Also enclosed is a check for $9.95 for the grips you were able to get at a discount for the team. Thank you for your help with Meagan she is looking forward to the season. Please contact us if there is anything we can help with.
Sincerely
Mr & Mrs. Smith
2013 – (E mail)
Dear Tony
I just wanted to inform you that we cannot sign the insurance form until it is approved by our attorney. Because Jillian can’t practice without the insurance form we will continue to have her work with her personal trainer and personal coach. When our attorney approves the insurance Jillian will only be able to practice with the team one or two days per week. In addition after reviewing the meet schedule and consulting with her doctor, massage therapist, psychologist, astrologist, and personal coach Jillian will only compete in three meets. She is only allowed to compete in one event in those meets. Our advisory team feels this is best for her long term development. We do not want to compromise her DI scholarship opportunities or herOlympic berth in 2020.
If you need any coaching advice please feel free to consult with Jillians’s personal coach. He is available by appointment at 11:00 am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Athletes like my daughter are very special you are very fortunate to have Jillian on your team.
Mrs. Jones
You might say this is is an exaggeration, unfortunately it is not. It is becoming the norm. Coaching today presents some unique challenges that did not exist in 1990. There are no quick and easy answers to the problems presented by the second letter. But I hope I made you laugh.
