From the Headmaster - Sport and our school values

I have read a number of books about successful athletes and coaches who invariably provide their insights into sporting success. A common theme expressed by a number of coaches is that success does not simply mean “winning”. Success, even at a professional sporting level, is a peace of mind, attained only through self-satisfaction in knowing an individual made the effort to do the best of which they are capable.

In other words, it’s not the result ... that will look after itself. The common opinion is to focus on the things you can control - EFFORT!

A highly successful and respected coach who focussed on effort admitted he knew very little about the game he was coaching when compared to other coaches, but the one advantage he had over them was how to get the best out of his players. He enforced some very simple rules and as a result, his athletes were far more successful under his leadership than under a coach who knew far more about the tactical aspect of the game.

His simple rules for his players included:

1. Never be late. This included for training and game day.
2. Be neat and clean. The way you present sends a strong message to the opposition. It shows you are focussed, proud and committed to the team.
3. Do not use one word of profanity. Swearing is a sign of weakness. It’s very easy to resort to the lowest common denominator in regards social skills when you are tired, behind on the scoreboard, or weak of mind. The opposition have mentally won when they see and hear their opposition player resort to swearing. It shows weaknesses, that you are rattled.
4. Never criticise a teammate.
5. Be humble.
   

The fifth point is extremely important.

To expand on this point… the team that really wins is the team that, at the end of the game, if someone didn’t know the final result, they couldn’t tell by your actions. That is what being humble is all about.

If this is your son or his team, then this is a victory in regards the character test. The final result is just a number, a score. Remember, humility cannot be scored, but it can be judged.

Sport in school is about so much more than the winning. It is about developing a set of life skills to be mastered both on and off the field. We play to develop the understanding of team; we play to develop grit and perseverance; we play to learn the joy of practise and execution; we play to express our talents and to develop them; we play to enjoy the camaraderie of teammates; and yes, we play to win but we may not play to win at all costs.

This summer sports season is an opportunity for boys to play to learn, to grow, to thrive, to celebrate our being young, to build our lifelong friendships. Playing well is our aim; winning is a bonus. Let’s ensure Knox remains a school of strength, humility, and above all else, one built on character.