Having been a contributor to pelinks since its inception, I've read a lot, learned a great deal, and--hopefully--helped some coaches along the way. However, as always should happen, it's time to move on and give someone else the opportunity I've enjoyed. (Although I'd love to return to these pages at some later time.)

So in this, my final effort, I'd like to do something different. I want to share with my readers some of the hard lessons learned in 33+ years of coaching, officiating and administering sports programs. I'll leave to you to learn about the athletes. My reflections will focus on parents, officials, winning and losing, and what the job of coaching really is all about.

These result from coaching both boys and girls at every level from junior high through varsity. (And more recently while working at a university, getting to know a number of collegiate athletes.) I also have officiated basketball, softball and track and served as an athletic director. Finally, I’ve been active in coaching education for more than 10 years.

Along the way, there have been hundreds of contests won and lost. But more importantly, there have been high school and college graduations, players returning as teachers and coaches, friends made, weddings and funerals, a second generation of athletes. And most enjoyably, working as an assistant for one of my ex-players.

Learning occurred every step of the way. The results are the thoughts that make up the bulk of this final column. Thanks to everyone for joining me in these reflections. Thanks to the editors for asking me to become part of pelinks4u. But most importantly, thank you for reading.

Mike Clark
Coaching & Sports Section Editor

The safety of your athletes is your primary responsibility.

Check equipment regularly and look for safety hazards every day. Things can change overnight.

Practices can never be too organized.

Athletes would rather play than sit. Get everyone into the game--no matter what level you coach.

Skills and execution are more important than strategy.

Athletes need discipline. But the best kind is self-discipline--doing the right thing because it is right, not because some adult said so.

There will be times when you have to draw a line in the sand and take a stand. Know where that line is--and why you drew it.

The more rules you make, the more discipline problems you have.

Most coaches talk too much and teach too little.

Coaches don’t win contests. Athletes do.

Coaching is essentially teaching. But the higher you go on the ladder, the less you get to teach.

More coaches have been fired for being poor communicators than for losing games.

Good public relations may not save your job. But bad public relations will end up losing it for you.

Regularly evaluate the progress made by your athletes.