youth sports atheltes

The purpose of this article is to discuss the importance of an athlete’s positive self image and to consider various ways for an athlete to portray a positive image.

Whether an athlete is competing in an individual sport or a team sport, his/her image is an essential component of how he/she is perceived by others which may determine whether an opportunity to compete at the next level is offered or not.

Aspiring elite-level athletes all across the world are presently training hard and dedicating themselves to reaching mastery skill levels. Although these athletes are most often intrinsically motivated, there is some room for them to be fortified even more through valuable tactics from successful coaches!

In every sport, there are skills that must be mastered in order for athletes to rise to the highest level of competition.

Skills such as: shooting a puck from the off-wing; throwing a football to a receiver under pressure; kicking a soccer ball across the pitch to a teammate while on the move; controlled breathing while running in a competition; etc. are commonly developed and improved upon during team practices and/or individual workouts.

However, there are ‘hidden skills’ that can play a major part in an athletes’ succeeding or failing to reach the highest levels of competition. One critical skill is how an athlete carries him/herself outside the arena of competition: an athlete’s positive self image.

Their image will define them and can become an asset or detriment to reaching their goal or potential.

For example, in the game of hockey, scouts pay close attention to players’ ‘intangibles’ in addition to their on-ice skills. Intangibles include how a player carries him/herself outside the arena.

Although, this may not seem to be important, it is in fact a crucial element that can either enhance or decrease their level of success. Therefore, it is important for aspiring elite-level athletes to develop the skills required to portray a positive image.

In order to send a clear message to the sports world, there are three extremely important image aspects that athletes must be aware of:

  • The Visual Athlete
  • The Skill of Interviewing
  • The Image away from Competition

The Visual Athlete

As a member of an athletic team and/or sport, athletes are an important representative of both the team and the overall sports community.

ATTENTION ATHLETES: The image that you present, both in and around the sports environment, reflects greatly in the eyes of every potential scout and coach you meet.

For example, arriving at a competition in a shirt and tie prior to a competition will definitely send the correct message to scouts and coaches.

Several research studies have concluded that what you choose to wear conveys a strong personal message about your image and will play an important role in earning respect from others. Looking professional prior to a competition will also assist in a strong, confident performance!

Looking Great = Strong Perceptions from Others = Feeling Great = Performing Great!

Although many coaches fail to request that athletes should dress up for competitions, it must be understood that every scout will take first notice of an athlete dressed in proper attire, especially if all other players look like they just walked out of an alley!

Do not let other players influence what you wear to competitions (unless it is a shirt and tie or team suits)! The scouts’ opinions of you are vastly more important to your athletic future than any player’s opinion.

Expensive suits are not required! A clean dress shirt and a simple tie will most certainly be a good step forward in your athletic career … and your image will be greatly enhanced when you stroll out into the sports lobby after a strong performance!

A REAL LIFE EXAMPLE (In the Words of Vic LeMire):

In 2010, Global Sports Scouting Services Inc. filled its spring showcase in Burnaby, BC with over 500 of the most elite-level hockey players in North America.

One of the most anticipated features of this excellent showcase was the ‘lecture series’ conducted by some of the most respected NCAA, CIS, and Junior ‘A’ coaches and scouts in hockey.

With a fully-packed lecture hall, Mr. Mike Butters (former professional hockey player, hockey scout, junior hockey team owner/coach and noted authority on becoming an elite-level athlete) began his presentation by stating, “Thank you all for attending!”

He then stated loudly with a commanding voice “YOU” (while pointing firmly into the crowd of parents/guardians and athletes) “STAND UP!”

As the audience became quite silent, a young teen-aged athlete rose nervously to his feet. His legs were shaking. He stood straight up waiting to hear what he did to receive the special attention!

Mr. Butters announced,“Everyone, take a good look at this young athlete. This is an athlete who really has success flowing all over his body. Here he is in a room filled with aspiring high-level hockey players … and hockey scouts and coaches … and he and his buddy next to him are the only ones to produce a sharp looking shirt and tie whereas the rest of you look like you just came here from a back alley card game.”

“Ball hats worn backwards, loose pants hanging off your butts, and worn torn running shoes … what is your name, son? The two of you, come sit up front here where we can immediately get together once this lecture is complete! I want to get to know the both of you … as I’m sure all the other influential individuals up here want to as well!”

On Day 2 of the lectures, how many shirts and ties do you figure there were in the auditorium? Everyone was well-dressed and prepared to portray a strong image … except three young teen-aged athletes who were absent from the Day 1 lectures!

IMPORTANT QUESTION: What image do you send to scouts and potential coaches?

AUTHOR BIOS:

youth sports atheltesBrent Bradford

Academy Dean & Founder of Bradford’s Goal Academy ™, is a Professional Goaltender Coach. After teaching Elementary and Junior High School for 10 years, Brent returned recently to the University of Alberta to become a Teacher Educator and to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy Degree.

In 2011, he was recognized as an award-winning Teacher Educator at the University. In 2010, Brent, who is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, authored a Hockey Resource Book (i.e., Goaltenders are not Targets: www.GoaliesAreNotTargets.com)

Vic LeMire

President & Founder of Vic’s Hockey Schoolsyouth sports atheltes & Equipment Ltd.™ (1973 – 2004) is a true pioneer in the Game of Hockey. He developed ground-breaking methods of goaltender instruction through countless specialized classes worldwide.

Vic is recognized as a best-selling author of 4 Hockey Resource Books (e.g., Goaltenders are not Targets, Off the Post: www.GoaliesAreNotTargets.com). Vic has coached numerous Professional, University, College and Junior hockey players and goaltenders worldwide.