A coach is someone that cares for their team AND their opponents.
Is a role model in action and words. A true leader that all players are willing to respect. (not feared, or intimidating)
Needs to be a communicator to Players and their Parents.
* Set up Expectations - Team Meetings
* 'Lives' by the rules (not to their advantage)
* While Developing ALL players - provides an understanding of 'team'
* PLANS Practices and game rotations (don't show up without a plan)
- Incorporates FUN
- Gives chances to LEARN
- Understands how to get players to COMPETE

** The best coaches are those that can tell the difference between Reacting and Responding and are prepared to accept the efforts of their players.
Coaching Types:

Reacting - Little to No Emotional Control - living in the moment - Blurts out, hollars usually negative
Responding - Gathers thoughts - See it from Big Picture, Teaches and explains through positive examples.

(Example) - 3rd base coach gives bunt signal - batter doesn't bunt -

DO YOU REACT - by hollaring at batter, to know the signs, and ridicule or embarrass the player -
-OR
Do YOU RESPOND - call him over and remind him of the signs, and while you are teaching, explain why you wanted a bunt in that situation !! (it is best to do this after the fact, they have enough to think about for the next pitch or play)

In situations like this is good to reflect on your job of coaching -
* Did I have ALL players prepared on how to Bunt
* Was I clear about signals to EVERYONE
* Was it an important enough situation to call him over and explain prior to the next pitch.
* What could I have done to prepare the player for that situation.

ANY FAN IN THE STANDS CAN REACT - ONLY THOSE ABLE TO REALLY COACH CAN RESPOND PROPERLY.

Should you be a fan or a coach?
Fans and Parents need to ask themselves these same questions.