Written by Success – a seven-letter word that drives organizations, individuals, and indeed, our societies. Yet, this concept varies widely based on individual beliefs, cultural nuances, and organizational goals. Especially in the context of sports organizations, success can be a multifaceted and complex construct to define.
Traditionally, success in sports has been associated with victory – winning matches, achieving records, and bringing home trophies (Coakley, 2021). However, the 21st-century sports landscape requires a more comprehensive and inclusive understanding of success.
“Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing,” was once the popular mantra (often attributed to American football coach Vince Lombardi). While winning indeed has its place, this perspective may no longer be sufficient. The concept of success in sports has significantly evolved and in today’s sports world: winning; it encompasses social, emotional, and moral dimensions that contribute to the holistic development of an athlete (Sullivan & Feltz, 2003).
This broader view of success aligns with the modern perspective of sports coaching. Coaches today are seen not just as strategists, but also as educators and mentors who contribute significantly to the all-round development of their athletes (Côté and Gilbert, 2009). As such, a coach’s role isn’t just about leading the team to victory but also involves nurturing character, promoting teamwork, and instilling a love for sport.
Defining success should also align with the organization’s values and vision. There must be a convergence of organizational values, vision, and the identified definition of success in order to achieve success.
Defining success is a crucial task for sports organizations. It goes beyond winning and includes various factors contributing to the holistic development of athletes. Coaches play a significant role in this process, being the primary link between the organization’s vision of success and its realization.
References:
Coakley, J. (2021). Sports in Society: Issues and Controversies. McGraw-Hill Education.
Sullivan, P. J., & Feltz, D. L. (2003). The Preliminary Development of the Scale for Effective Communication in Team Sports (SECTS). Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 30(1), 122-132.
Côté, J., & Gilbert, W. (2009). An Integrative Definition of Coaching Effectiveness and Expertise. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 4(3), 307-323.