Discipline and Punishment

How different are they?

Anyone can punish.  It takes no sensitivity, no judgment, no understanding, and no talent. 

Depending on punishment to control people is a critical error - the assumption that discipline equals punishment. 

Discipline is training that develops self-control, character, order, and efficiency.  Punishment is a method of maintaining discipline by imposing a penalty or retribution rather than correcting for a perceived or actual wrongdoing.

Discipline requires a balance between fairness and respect.  It is a process that decides on rules for the mutual benefit of coach and players.  It is a process that teaches about rules, cooperation, responsibility, and respect for authority. 

The coach does not direct, but guides the player's misbehavior through a problem-solving process.  The coach must provide clearly defined limits, acceptable choices, and clearly stated consequences that hold the players accountable for their behavior and actions. 

Expect your athletes to test their limits. Following are some ways to provide structure:

1. Establish clear expectations in your initial team meeting and reinforce your expectations as often as you can.

2. Try to balance structure with freedom, remember players like to have fun as well.

3. Hold a team meeting to involve players in deciding reasonable team rules and consequences for breaking the rules.

4. Reinforce and encourage desirable behaviors like teamwork, sportsmanship, cooperation, respect, and support for teammates. 

If an athlete does test the limits of the team rules, the coach must understand that his reaction to the misbehavior will speak volumes to them and the integrity of the team.

The coach must remain calm, cool, and collected. He must stay under control and appear in control.  Give the player a warning and then give the player a chance to explain his actions.

Try to avoid lecturing or embarrassing the player because this will just cause resentment and continued problems down the road.  And, finally, stress that the player has broken a team rule and then keep the responsibility on the athlete.

Avoid penalizing the players by having them run laps, do push-ups, or do any other physical exercise.  As a coach, you probably want your athletes to embrace conditioning exercises, which they won't be able to do as punishment.  Instead, use an effective penalty, such as loss of playing time, or losing a starting position. 

Discipline is guidance. When we guide athletes toward positive behavior and learning, we are promoting a healthy attitude.

Positive guidance encourages the athlete to think before he/she acts.

Positive guidance promotes self-control.

Different styles of discipline produce results that are different.

Discipline requires thought, planning, and patience. With discipline, you help athletes to know what is expected of them and become responsible for their own behavior. 

Discipline can create feelings of self-worth and self-confidence. 

On the other hand, punishment emphasizes the athlete's failures and can destroy self-esteem and self-confidence.