Spring Break starts next week. Not only does it signal a change in seasons, it signals the end of minor hockey and soccer season as well.
For parents, that means no more early morning practices, standing in a cold field or driving hundreds of kilometres for an away game.
Some parents don't look forward to the end of the season. They are the coaches.
I got involved in coaching when my son asked if I could come out on the ice for practices. How could I say no? I played as a kid, loved being on the ice, but wasn't too sure about committing to run a team. I registered, spent a weekend in classes, wrote a bunch of reports, practice plans and other assignments, and received my certification.
I got myself all decked out in coaching gear - track suit (complete with the South Delta embroidered crest), new skates, helmet and gloves. I was all set to be on the ice as an assistant coach.
Then my son said he wanted to be a goalie. Oh boy. Those are words most parents don't want to hear. The expense! The pressure! I told him I'd work on being a goalie coach, since there isn't as much instruction for goalies. I volunteered as a helper at the SDMHA goalie clinic and started learning.
Halfway through that season, my son told me he didn't want to play hockey anymore. He wanted to skateboard instead.
What?!? I've done all this work! I've got all this stuff!
While he moved on from hockey, I wasn't ready to quit coaching, so I continued to volunteer with the goalie clinic. But yesterday was the last day. I get my Tuesday afternoons back, but I'd rather be on the ice. Once coaching gets in your blood, it's hard to give it up. Then again, I've had an easy assignment.
Most coaches spent hours each week with practice plans, game line-ups, coordinating with managers and responding to parents. If only it were limited to an hour of practice and a cold afternoon at a game! It's a time consuming proposition that every coach takes on for love of the game, and to see a smile on the faces of the kids on their team.
Before I took the training, I didn't realize how much work was involved. Both my sons had the same soccer coach when they were younger, as two of his kids were the same age as mine. For four years, he ran around the field in really nasty weather conditions trying to get my kids to kick the ball.
I always appreciated what he did, but after I finished the certification program, I realized the actual time and effort he dedicated to coaching. Not to mention he has four active boys. And he coached hockey, too. I'm not sure when he slept.
Coaches are just a few of the hundreds of volunteers that give their time to help others, work an event, sit on a board or improve someone's day. The hours they give often go unnoticed, and a simple "thanks" never seems like enough. But the volunteers aren't worried. Making a difference is the reward they're looking for.
To all the coaches, managers and volunteers, thanks for another great year. Enjoy the off-season.
