Creating a Culture of Excellence: SVSEF Benefits from Workshop with Dr. Wade Gilbert
Continuing education is a widely-applied concept; doctors jet off to conferences to learn about new processes, new findings, new techniques. Graphic designers, business owners and chefs alike take advantage of similar opportunities to stay on top of the latest and greatest in their respective industries. For athletic coaches, it’s no different. Educational development in the field of coaching allows for a larger knowledgebase, and the potential for greater impact on athletes.
With this in mind, SVSEF hosted a two-day workshop on October 13 and 14, geared towards coaches and staff, athletes and parents. SVSEF Athletic Director Phil McNichol spoke to why the organization orchestrated the event. “Great coaches are those who view themselves as teachers and are on a constant quest for continued learning and improvement. We are just doing our best to provide quality opportunities for coaches to advance their craft.”
The aim of the workshop was to provide accessible opportunities for learning, and to open up discussion about how we, both as an organization and as individuals, can improve. “Our goal for the organization and staff was to explore our purpose, and why we provide programs and coach sport,” said McNichol. “This is the first step in gaining a deeper understanding of team values and how we can better apply a framework of coaching principles.”
The workshop was conducted by Dr. Wade Gilbert, an award-winning professor and internationally renowned coaching scientist in the Department of Kinesiology at California State University, Fresno. With 25 years of experience conducting applied research and workshops and being involved with coaches and organizations all over the world and at a large variety of competitive levels, Gilbert brought a wealth of knowledge in physical education, human kinetics and education to his workshops in Sun Valley.
McNichol expounded on the level of professionalism Gilbert brought to the talks. “Dr. Gilbert is a leading expert in the science of coaching, talent development and sport organization principles. His work is grounded in applied knowledge through scientific research. It provides the framework to build organizations around a culture of excellence and quality coaching. This workshop was all about what SVSEF strives to be.”
Two sessions were geared towards coaches and staff, and addressed the ideas of building a culture of competitive excellence and becoming a better coach. Gilbert opened up discussion by sharing his intention for the workshop: he wanted participants to leave with a good view of the patterns and principles of the organization and to engage in critical reflection, in order to better identify where and how improvements can be made. He explained ways in which, on both a personal and organizational level, we can shape behavior and mold a culture that is supportive, evolving and moving towards success. Gilbert drove home his argument that in order to instill behavioral changes, it’s the environment that needs to be cultivated and shaped, by bringing to light insightful testimony to this effect. Setting up a learning community, implementing detailed action plans and focusing on the quality of coaching are all key to making this happen. The workshop encouraged discussion and sharing, with individual and group exercises interspersed between lecture segments.
A separate session invited older SVSEF athletes to delve into their personal and team process and journey. It was intended to expose them to concepts and methods that, if applied, will help them improve as they continue involvement in sport. The series closed on Saturday night with a parent-focused talk, which provided access to research and information on sound athlete development. Gilbert started by asking parents why they put their children in sport – the answers varied from wanting kids to have a sense of sportsmanship and friendship, to hoping they learned about how the body works and moves, to simply wanting them to have fun.
Gilbert pointed out, in support of these answers, that involving kids in sports shouldn’t be thought of as an investment – that the return on investment is in the here and now. Statistics show a surprising drop in numbers of youths in sport; whereas 45% of U.S. kids ages six through 12 played team sports 2008, it has since dropped to 37%. In an industry that is unique from international counterparts (other countries have federal resources that govern sports, and along with that, governing bodies and restrictions), Gilbert encouraged an open mind and a focus on the top reason why kids start athletics in the first place: to have fun.
McNichol, who has worked at a national, elite level as head coach of the U.S. Ski Team, has been to many clinics, conferences and presentations on coaching and sport development. His takeaway from Gilbert’s workshop was that it was by far the most impactful he has attended. “This was not unexpected,” said McNichol, “as I knew something of Dr. Gilbert and his material. However, I had not anticipated so much verification of what works in coaching and team management. Nor did I expect to learn so much about the science that is now confirming and supporting these principles.”
SVSEF is continuously looking to improve the quality of coaching, learning, and experience for its athletes; workshops like this one help the organization to continue moving in that direction.
Sun Valley Co. Season Passes
For the 2017-2018 season, SVSEF athletes will purchase Sun Valley season passes directly from Sun Valley Company.
For the 2017-2018 season, SVSEF athletes will purchase Sun Valley season passes directly from Sun Valley Company.- For Blaine County students, season passes are $415.
- Passes will be available at the River Run ticketing office beginning October 27, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Athletes will not be able to pick up passes during the weekend of Thanksgiving – please pick up by Wednesday, November 22.
- Payment must be made before (you can call ahead) or at the time of pass pickup.
- The waiver (downloadable version below) must be completed and turned in at the time of pass pickup. Parents with athletes under 18 years old must sign the form.
- When picking up their passes, athletes must tell the ticket office that they are a SVSEF athlete.
- PG and out-of-county athletes can purchase passes at the college pass rate of $469. These athletes must notify SVSEF prior to purchasing, in order to have their name on the list.
[maxbutton id="61" ]
Questions? Call the SVSEF office at 208.726.4129.
SVSEF Workshop Schedule: Conversations with Dr. Wade Gilbert
SVSEF coaches and staff are invited to attend workshops with Dr. Wade Gilbert on Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14. SVSEF will also be hosting a presentation geared towards parents of athletes on Saturday, October 14; the public is welcome to attend.
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
"Building a Culture of Competitive Excellence"
A workshop for SVSEF leadership and head coaches
Community School Theater, Community School Main Campus
(Lunch provided on location)
4-6 p.m.
"The Athlete Journey, in Pursuit of Excellence"
A workshop for SVSEF Gold Team, Cross Country PG Team, Alpine FIS Team, Mogul and Park & Pipe Travel Teams and all SVSEF staff
Community School Theater, Community School Main Campus
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14
8 a.m.-12 p.m.
"Becoming a Better Coach"
A workshop for all SVSEF staff
Community School Theater, Community School Main Campus
(Lunch provided on location)
2-4:30 p.m.
Follow-up: "Building a Culture of Competitive Excellence"
A workshop and wrap-up with key takeaways for all SVSEF staff
Community School Theater, Community School Main Campus
5:45-7 p.m.
"Parenting Athletes"
This presentation will explore methods and concepts to effectively support, encourage and maintain a rewarding relationship with your child athlete during their sports journey. The presentation is open to the public.
Distance Learning Lab, Wood River High School, 1250 Fox Acres Road, Hailey, Idaho
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr. Wade Gilbert is an award-winning professor and internationally renowned coaching scientist in the Department of Kinesiology at California State University, Fresno. The professor holds degrees in human kinetics, physical education and education; he has previously taught and studied coaching at the University of Ottawa (Canada), UCLA and Fresno State. Dr. Gilbert has 25 years of experience conducting applied research and workshops with coaches and sport organizations around the world, spanning numerous sports and competitive levels.
Dr. Gilbert has worked with organizations including the United States Olympic Committee, the Coaching Association of Canada, NHL/NHLPA, Cricket Australia, and New Zealand Rugby. He is Editor-in-Chief of the International Sport Coaching Journal and is widely published; Dr. Gilbert recently released Coaching Better Every Season (Human Kinetics) and was lead author of the USOC Quality Coaching Framework. On top of these accolades, he was selected to give the Kristen Marie Gould Endowed Lecture on Sport for Children and Youth at Michigan State University and the Cal Botterill Legacy Lecture at the University of Winnipeg in recognition of his significant contributions to coach and athlete development.
Strong Minds: SVPN Feature
The SVPN Oct/Nov/Dec issue explores an aspect of SVSEF's driving philosophy; building "strong minds." Read the full article HERE.
OEC Training and Certification Course to be Offered in October
SVSEF is offering an Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) training and certification course to the public during the month of October. OEC is considered the standard of training for emergency care in the outdoor environment. It is recognized by resorts and recreational facilities in all 50 states, and is the National Ski Patrol’s training program for patrollers.
The course will take place October 3-20, with classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The course combines online and classroom work, with classes held at the SVSEF Engl training facility at Warm Springs. A practical and multiple choice test will be administered the week following the course (dates TBD).
This course is free for SVSEF alpine staff (upon successful program completion) and $600 for all others.
If you have questions or would like to register, please contact Alpine Program Director Scott McGrew (208.726.4129, scott@svsef.org).
SVSEF Featured Event: "Parenting Athletes," a Presentation by Dr. Wade Gilbert on October 14
SVSEF is excited to present “Parenting Athletes,” an informational presentation by Dr. Wade Gilbert that will be open to the public. This presentation will explore methods and concepts to effectively support, encourage and maintain a rewarding relationship with your child athlete during their sports journey.
Saturday, October 14, 5:45-7 p.m.
Distance Learning Lab in Wood River High School (1250 Fox Acres Road, Hailey, ID)
Dr. Wade Gilbert is an award-winning professor and internationally renowned coaching scientist in the Department of Kinesiology at California State University, Fresno. The professor holds degrees in human kinetics, physical education and education; he has previously taught and studied coaching at the University of Ottawa (Canada), UCLA and Fresno State. Dr. Gilbert has 25 years of experience conducting applied research and workshops with coaches and sport organizations around the world, spanning numerous sports and competitive levels.
Dr. Gilbert has worked with organizations including the United States Olympic Committee, the Coaching Association of Canada, NHL/NHLPA, Cricket Australia, and New Zealand Rugby. He is Editor-in-Chief of the International Sport Coaching Journal and is widely published; Dr. Gilbert recently released Coaching Better Every Season (Human Kinetics) and was lead author of the USOC Quality Coaching Framework. On top of these accolades, he was selected to give the Kristen Marie Gould Endowed Lecture on Sport for Children and Youth at Michigan State University and the Cal Botterill Legacy Lecture at the University of Winnipeg in recognition of his significant contributions to coach and athlete development.
We’re looking forward to a great presentation and hope you can join us. Regardless of age, this is an important conversation for all athletes and parents.