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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Coaching Fastpitch Ball
Posted By: Robert N Pruden In Response To: Re: Gulf Information... (FrankP)
Date: Monday, 7 March 2005, at 5:45 p.m.
I had similar issues during the six years I coached fastpitch ball. The kids listened to what I had to say regarding safe play, skilled play and just plain having fun. BUT, what I saw after my talks sometimes had me wondering just where some of those kids were while I was talking. I would ask them how they felt regarding my talks. Some kids took what I said to heart, some couldn't remember what I said and others challenged me on differences of opinion. I appreciated the challenges because it taught me who was listening versus who was obeying or just standing there being quiet. The challengers were on top of their game, the ones who heard and obeyed did their best and the quiet ones simply their own thing iof they could figure out what that was. I cannot imagine what it would be like to have those who just obey on big water. I'd have 'em roped so close they'd be bitching about having to play bumper kayaks.
My greatest job as coach was to anticipate potential danger and move to prevent or minimize the risks associated with swinging bats, flying balls and challenging rebels. I lucked out and didn't have to deal with rebels. But the swinging bat thing and how it ws tossed after a hit, man, there were a couple of close calls that caused my heart to leap into my throat. Playing on land is easy; playing on water - there are many risks but dayum! you just have to trust the adult, huh!
I remember when my wife paddled for the first time. I was paranoid she'd roll and I'd have to rescue her. I waited for perfectly still weather before I took her out. Her only risk of rolling turned out to be a beaver that surfaced right in front of her then slam dunked its big tail before diving, splashing her. She had a pretty strong startle reaction but stayed afloat.
I can't imagine doing that for 10 or 5 or even 2 children. That's a huge responsibility. Water is not our natural element so the question of how to prep for such a trek becomes: how can we emphasize that the guide must have enough experience and preparation for trips including equipment? The answer should be that NO ONE should be allowed to lead unless he is trained, or has the equivalent in experience AND is required to prove that the appropriate emergency equipment will be at hand in case of emergency. These two suggestions should be bare minimum requirements that all schools boards should inquire about before getting approval for treks. If the guide doesn't have a VHF radio, then one should either be supplied or a new guide should be found. If he doesn't know how to manage a group and keep them together, then a new guide should be found. If there isn't more than one experienced paddler in the group who is capable of doing rescues, then one should be found. If just one of these requirements can't be fullfilled, then the trip shouldn't happen.
Robert N Pruden
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