The dictionary
definition of a hobby is 'an activity or
interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation'. Many
coaches in Ireland describe themselves as hobby coaches. In fact, probably all
of the best coaches in Ireland are 'hobby' coaches.
James Hillier recently
emmersed with the Club TLG coaches for a weekend in Dublin. In introductions,
he heard the hobby coach reference more than once and wasn't happy. The hobby
coaches were doing themselves a disservice, a massive disservice. A massive
disservice to the athletes they work with too.
A hobby is flying
model aircraft or constructing model trains in your attic. It's not
facilitating and managing and coaching elite and aspirational elite athletes to
be the best they can be in one of the most cut throat sports in the world. In
June and July, in competition season, coaching athletics is far from an
activity 'pursued for pleasure and relaxation'.
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