Symposium presentation for AASP 2009 Conference

1. Navigating Mid-Season Coaching Changes Adam H. Naylor www.bu.edu/aec AASP Conference 2009

2. To My “Boss” In the Middle of the Season Assumption: I’m on my way out with him. Reality: Stay around…

3. A Season to Remember Canadian Hockey League (CHL) – major junior team 16-20 year olds Pros in training Professional schedule and small stipends Over half of each team will “graduate” to pro hockey Record: 22-46 (made the playoffs) 2 years off of a division championship victory At least 2 prominent draft picks every recent team

4. My Role with the Team Sport psychology educator Contracted for 1 workshop a month for duration of season Leadership educator for team captains Sounding board for players and coaches

5. The Mid-Season Change Coach A Coach B “Young” American Intimidating High expectations Character Passionate Believes in sport psychology Record: 14-32 “Experienced” Maritime Canadian Welcoming High expectations Character Passionate Believes in sport psychology Record: 8-14

6. An Unusual Challenge A Business in Chaos The sport psych guy is an afterthought Breakdown of communication systems The Best Laid Plans… Need Re-Planning Norms are no longer norms Basic Tenets of Psych Practice Challenged Transition Care for the client (athlete) Closure/termination

7. Defining “Successful” Navigation Professionalism, ethics, and respect of the business of sport Appropriate concern for “primary clients” Continuation or closure as possible Maintenance of quality educational initiatives * It is nice to keep your job, but accomplishing this feat does not necessarily mean “successful” navigation

8. Considerations for Navigating a Coaching Change Self-Management and Monitoring Professionalism Re-Rapport Building

9. Personal FactorsSelf-Management and Monitoring Ego/Pride No one likes the potential of losing one’s job Dedication Liking to finish the job you started Loyalty To previous coach, to players, to team How do you remain objective and professional Impatience With a mental/emotional development plan in place… will you see it to fruition?

10. Our “Humanness” Can Get In Our Way During Such Stressful SituationsCheck Your Internal Compass Regularly

11. Professional FactorsProfessionalism Maintaining Contact Proceed cautiously – gatekeeper is coaching staff, do not contact players directly unless they have contacted you first A Stiff Upper Lip Do not add to coaches and athletes ill wills “I’m not here to talk about the past…” Be Flexible To new norms and new expectations Strive for educational objectives while being flexible how information will be delivered

12. Situational/Leadership FactorsRe-Relationship Building Group Process – Storming Trust and interest of new coach must be established Listen Be team and player focused New coach is the boss… treat as such Nothing is certain Workshop, game time, and practice protocol may/will be changed Be open minded The change was “business not personal”

13. Concluding Thoughts Be professional and be patient Righteousness is rarely either System is in transition, smooth sailing takes time Remain client-centered remembering that you are part of a dynamic system Help manage the emotions of players and coaches Guide towards future focus Be prepared for new ways of working with and relating to team

14. Thank You Adam H. Naylor, Ed.D., AASP-CC www.bu.edu/aec