We’ve all likely heard the saying “stay in your lane.” The statement while applicable to all areas of life can definitely be applied to sports. For a game to be played or a season to be successfully completed, there are many people who must play different roles.
It is imperative that each of those people play the role that they are assigned.
In other words, each participant must stay in their lane. Everyone has a job to do.There is the athlete, parent, coach, assistant coach, referees, fans and many others that will participate in sports in some manner.
Let’s explore the lanes that each have and must stay in so there is not a major collision.
The athlete’s job is to play. They are the reason why sports exist. Without the athlete there is no sport.Everyone would be best to remember that fact. The athlete must stay in their lane of playing. Play the game and let others take care of their assigned lanes.
For the athlete that means following the coaches game plan and strategies as well as not attempting to officiate the game. Avoiding gestures and comments toward fans is critical too. Just play the game.
Coaches have the job of preparing and coaching their team. That includes strategy, motivation, game management and many other things. They must stay in that lane. Too often coaches have a tendency to jump into the lane of the referees That often times can and rightfully does lead to a collision.
Coaches, too, sometimes veer into the players lane by forgetting that the show is not about them but rather the players. That is just not fair. Again, coaches it’s best if you just coach your team.
Parents, the boundaries of your lane requires as well as permits a few things from and of you. It requires you to help make sure that your athlete arrives to practices and games on time. Your lane requires that you ensure your athlete has the equipment needed to play. That doesn’t mean they need an $800 bat or $250 pair of sneakers, cleats or whatever other expensive piece of equipment that they think they need to keep up with everyone else.
Your should cheer for your athlete, applaud them for good plays and effort. It permits you to enjoy their great days and to help educate and support them on their not so good days. But, it also requires that you likewise applaud their teammates for good plays and games as well. Your lane does not permit you to coach your athlete or any other from the sidelines. Your lane does not permit you to criticize either players or coaches from the sidelines.
Similarly, your lane does not permit you to criticize referees or officials. Yep, you might have bought a ticket to the game, but that does not give you free reign over all other participants in the contest. You would be leaving your lane if you do or did those things and once again a collision would be expected. If you know the rules of the sportreally well and could do a good job of officiating, please take a certification test and get to officiating some events.
Afterall there is a major shortage of officials in most every sport and your time and efforts would be most welcome.
Finally you will most assuredly stay in your lane by remembering that the game or sport is for your athlete and every other player. It’s not about you. Nobody cares how many trophies you did or didn’t get years ago. Let it go and let the focus be on this generation of athletes.
Referees, the vast majority of you do a great job. Your efforts are appreciated by this writer and many others. Your job requires effort and consistency. You will stay in your lane simply by remembering that the reason for the event is the athlete.
Officiate the event to the best of your ability according to the rules of the sport and do so with passion and professionalism. Don’t attempt to interact with fans. Be professionally friendly with coaches and players and remember that if either of them steps too far out of their lane, you can and should take care of it quickly.
Quite honestly, some of you sometimes take too much before putting people back in their lanes. Yep, this writer suggests some of you not put up with others getting out of their lanes as you sometimes might do.
Fans, enjoy the game. Cheer for your team and coaches. Avoid cheering against the other team. Remember that each of those participants are doing their best to perform well and ensure that a fair contest takes place and the best team wins.
Respect that. No, your paid admission doesn’t give you permission to berate or boo anyone. It does give you permission to cheer all you want. It gives you permission to applaud the efforts of all participants. Remember, participating in the event are young athletes that are sons or daughters, brothers or sisters, grandchildren, etc. Coaching and refereeing are fathers or mothers, husbands or wives, children as well.
Respect that their families might be in attendance and don’t deserve to hear your criticisms. Quality athletic events and activities can occur if all involved stay in their respective lanes. Similar to cars on a racetrack, if all stay in their lanes, there is likely to be an exciting and enjoyable race for all.
When those cars leave their lanes, there’s bound to be a collision that results in a less-than-desirable outcome for many. If all participants in sports stay in their lanes, valuable and enjoyable experiences can be realized by all. Stay in your lane and help to make sports all that they were intended to be for all involved.
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