Assumptions in Coaching

Recently, I saw an advertisement online that talked about assumptions about people with Down Syndrome. The ad is a girl with Down syndrome on TV destroying all the assumptions by going to act, having sex, and swearing. “You assume that I cannot drink a Margarita. So you don’t serve me a Margarita. So I don’t drink a Margarita. Your assumption becomes reality,” she said.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HpLhxMFJR8&ab_channel=CoorDown)

It reminded me of a psychological concept—A negative self-fulfilling prophecy, It also reminded me of the relationship between coaches’ Expectations and Athletes’ Performance. The coach has expectations based on personal cues (e.g., gender, race, body size). Those expectations are not always true. Errors will stack up along the way. Ultimately, it changes sports performance in both ways, enhancing and hindering. 

As a 5’6” long jumper, sometimes I was underestimated because of my height, despite having a good work ethic, good body coordination, explosive muscles, a good brain, and mental toughness. Coaches assumed I could not jump far, so I didn’t get much attention and coaching, and I did not jump far. I was smart enough to know I have more than they think. But not everyone is that lucky to have confidence in their abilities. People's words can be devastating when your self-perception is not fully developed. Which eventually leads to burnout (when an athlete loses interest in their sport due to physical and emotional exhaustion).

However, sports is cruel. Coaches are not doing charity. They have the right to select the genes or personalities they feel comfortable working with. Who on earth will teach you to jump far, if you do not showcase your athletic potential and eagerness to learn? It is athletes’ responsibility to prove themselves. Everyone in this world is entitled to have assumptions about everyone. If you think those assumptions are wrong, break it and construct a right one, not blame it.