So Cal Rush Welcome Back Night
Technical Director and Coach, Ramo Badohoun, officially opened up the 2017-18 So Cal Rush soccer season on August 7. He offered excellent advice, gave out many important reminders, and entertained players and parents with his unique “Ramoisms.” ;) After the initial warm welcome, Coach Ramo reminded everyone that life is not just about soccer. Why would the leader of a club soccer organization start off the evening with such a statement? The answer comes in the fact that Rush not only provides a high quality soccer program, it also works diligently on character development and exceptional citizenship. Rush takes on the responsibility of teaching life lessons to all players so they can grow on the field, as well as off the field.
Rush has 11 Core Values-- the number 11 being symbolic of the number of players on the field during a game. Three core values are highlighted each season. Coach Ramo introduced SAT as the focus values for this year.
The S represents the core value of SAFETY: Our environment is safe. That includes the office, our travels, the fields and our bodies. Safety is not only physical safety from harm, but safety from ridicule and attack. We are comforted and encouraged in the club. We portray self-control and kindness to our staff, colleagues and players.
The A represents the core value of ADVICE: Seek out advice and aspire to be the best. In order to learn, we must be open to learning and consider the advice of others. Are you coachable?
The T represents the core value of TENACITY: To be successful, persevere.... persevere but do not be anxious. Fear no one. Be strong and courageous. Work when no one else is looking, even when the circumstances are not right and everyone else quits. Diligence never loses because it never quits. Work harder than your opponent, and most importantly, work smart. Don't wait for external inspiration. The people who go far do so because they motivate themselves and give their best, regardless of how they feel.
Coach Ramo then directed his attention to the parents. He shared that research shows the most difficult part of coaching any youth sports are… the parents! He repeatedly challenged the parents to take an honest look at the game and their players. Focus on the positive, realistically pinpoint areas of improvement, and find the enjoyment of watching their players play the game they love. Coach Ramo stated, “I am a plumber. You are paying me to fix your sink.” :D He asked parents if they ever question the pilot of a plane when the plane hits turbulence. He then, quite literally, got down on his hands and knees and pleaded the parents to let the coaches do their job. His message was a bit dramatic, but purposely so! Constant complaints and questioning from parents are exhausting for a coach and it takes away from the positive work they are trying to accomplish. If a parent truly feels they must have a conversation with the coach, have the player discuss the issue with the coach FIRST. If the issue is not resolved, then please make an appointment. Coach Ramo ended with, “The sooner we have trust, the faster we will get to where we are going.” And, oh, the places we will go with an excellent Rush coaching staff, core values, hard work, and positive attitudes. It’s going to be a great season! :)
Written By Melanie Premo