Coaching Coaches - Deeper Engagement with the Track and Field Community

With the outbreak of COVID-19, subsequent pandemic, and resulting worldwide shut down of athletics, things are a bit uncertain for many athletes, coaches, strength and conditioning professionals, athletic trainers, and a host of others who work in the industries that make sports possible. Thanks to some forward-thinking track and field and cross country coaches, a group of professionals has come together on social media to provide one another with collaborative opportunities to learn from and support one another over the last two months. This group has grown to include thousands who are involved in the sports of track and field and cross country, at every level, from all over the world. It was an honor to be invited to be part of this group, but it has truly been my pleasure to attend almost every lecture for the past four weeks. I have also found myself in a position to partner with a fellow strength and conditioning coach to lead weekly Zoom conference calls regarding sports performance and strength and conditioning. This group has developed a remarkable amount of connection and engagement among a specific community of professionals that I care deeply about and an opportunity to apply my expertise and experience not only in athletic training and strength and conditioning but also as a coach, to help support them through what is an unprecedented and difficult time.

As my engagement with and participation in this group expands I am reminded how important it is, especially when things go sideways, to stay involved. At any given moment one might find themselves to be the most resilient person in a group, or struggling beyond belief and in need. Just remember that these roles can switch at a moment’s notice and support, in whatever form possible, can be massively helpful. Find your community, even if it is through a computer screen, and help someone out.