DragonBoatPaddlers.net

The Team Captain
Compiled by Laura Watson

With young children this is a great opportunity to experience this leadership role, sharing the position by alternating through the players each practice or game. Specific responsibilities can be given such as leading the warm-up or a team cheer, or bringing the juice and snack (in this case the parents should get to wear the temporary “C”). It’s an opportunity for these future athletes to learn valuable skills while assigning very little commitment. When it comes to children who are old enough to know that wearing a “C” or “A’ on their jerseys means something more, the responsibility and role of the captain takes on a whole new meaning.

 WHAT IS A TEAM CAPTAIN?

Each sport has a different definition of what a captain is and what responsibilities they have. The title is usually honorary, bestowed upon by the coaches and influenced by the athletes, but in some cases the captain has a significant role to play while the game is in progress. Regardless of what the role of the captain looks like, it is a position of leadership.

A team captain must not only have the skill, but also the unique combination of work ethic, dedication, determination and desire. Character is just as important as ability. The position of team captain carries a higher level of expectation and responsibility but also brings with it a higher level of reward and personal satisfaction. Successful teams are so because they have good “natural” leaders. As coaches our job is to work with the team captains, giving direction and support to help them become successful team leaders.

 ROLE OF THE TEAM IN SELECTION

 The coaching staff should communicate what they are looking for in a captain, and have a meeting with the athletes to ask for their opinions on captain criteria. Selecting a team captain does not come down to the opinion of just the coaching staff. Without buy-in and support from their teammates, the captain can not be successful.

The following are some qualities that a good team captain should possess, as identified by the athletes and coaches of a provincial team. This was used as part of the team discussion as well as a contract that the captains signed for their teammates.

 A TEAM CAPTAIN SHOULD…

L  lead by example by working harder than anyone else so that the team will follow, and set high standards and high expectations for themselves and the team.

E  ensure they are on time for team meetings, training and competitions; they “arrive early, stay late”.

A  abide by and have a thorough understanding of the rules of the game, and possess the ability to talk calmly with officials.

D  display good character by playing unselfishly and with passion, and by having a positive attitude and passing it on to teammates.

E  encourage and support their teammates.

R  reinforce and uphold the team’s behavior goals to put positive pressure on teammates to act and play a certain way.

S  support the coaches and be willing to participate in decision making with the coaching staff about team problems and team rules.

H  help create an environment of caring, trust and belief in each other on the team.

I  instill confidence and be dependable; they will be there when they are needed.

P  put the team first and themselves second.

 HOW TO SELECT A TEAM CAPTAIN

 The following are recommended steps to selection of the team captains. It is important to note this is not to take place at the very beginning of the season, as it is important to get to know the athletes first to ensure a positive and transparent selection process.

1. Have a team meeting to discuss the role of the captain, ensuring everyone (coaches and athletes) has the opportunity to share their views. Have everyone go home and think about the qualities of a good leader, and who they think would make an ideal captain.

Ask the athletes to let you know privately if they are not comfortable or interested in being a captain or assistant captain. They are not taken off the ballot, but you can avoid assigning them to this role.

2. Next time you see your athletes, hand out ballot papers. Each person should get a sheet that has a list of the athletes on it. Instruct each athlete to put a “C” beside the person they want as captain, and an “A” beside the person(s) they want as an assistant(s). Collect the ballot sheets.

3. Meet with the rest of your coaching staff and tally the ballots. If needed you can use a system like giving 2 points for a “C” vote and 1 point for an “A” vote. Determine who your captains are, finding a balance between the athlete votes and the coaches preferences.

4. Before announcing the results to the team, ask the selected athletes if they accept the position they have been chosen for. This gives them a final opportunity to decline, and puts ownership on their decision.

The selection of team captains should be taken seriously and treated with respect. This starts with the coaching staff and comes from the athletes. Selecting strong captains can be a huge asset to the coaches, providing a link between the coaching team and the athletes. Work hard to develop your captains and ensure they have the skills and support needed to succeed. Just like Spider-Man, the role of the captain takes on this great power with great responsibility.

Work Cited

Watson, L. J. (2011). The Team Captain. Coaches Association of BC, BC Coaches Perspective, Fall 2011, 6-7.