Coaching and Care of Athletes

COACHING EDUCATION new goals and think out JieW techniques, which will probably be requ_ired to bring his charges up to the higher standards which are constantly being set by the world's best athletes. From what I have said in this chapter it will appear that the would-be coach has a tremendous task before him, but if he is going to make coaching a whole-time job as a professional he should not shirk the task of increasing his knowledge and ability. To the enthusiastic amateur coach such work will surely represent a labour of love. In this respect the coach should observe the motto of "Little and often," which he will so frequently be quoting to his pupils. Much reading of the nature I have indicated may well induce a kind of athletic mental indigestion, but steady reading for periods of moderate length. will build up a knowledge of track and field athletics and the kindred subjects which will stand the coach in very good stead. Finally, the coach should have a comprehensive or at least a working knowledge of the building and maintenance of tracks and stadia, the promotion and management of sports meetings, the duties of officials, the selection of equipment and impedimenta, and the immediate first-aid treatment of athletic injuries. E 6s