No Cell Phones Please

I have a pretty strict cell phone policy. No phones at practice. No phones at tournaments. Basically when you walk in the gym your phone goes in your bag and is not to be seen until you are out of the gym. I think some girls just stop bringing their phones altogether. I typically don't allow phones at team meals either. (I've been a little lax this club season, but I haven't worried about it because the girls are doing well.)

I think most of us can agree that there are many pros and cons to cell phones and the practically unlimited connectivity we have with other people. While I do enjoy some aspects of my smart phone, there are times I wish I only had a land line. In fact, I set some limits for myself on my phone. But I digress...

I went to a great seminar is December of 2000 with Kathy DeBoer and Mary Jo Peppler about the competitveness of female athletes. One thing I will never forget from that is the statement that to women life is one extended family reunion. Women and girls want to be relational. They want to connect with other girls. Unfortunately, most think that the connection happens through an electronic device instead of in person. I believe one of my jobs as a coach is to help (force) them to connect with each other. Otherwise, they could miss out on a new best friend. I also believe that when girls are connected on a team they will play together better.

So last weekend, we were at the Cross Court Classic in Houston in a convention center. We weren't going to leave the building to go to a food table like we usually do. The food table is one of our connection points during a tournament. Instead, they all brought snacks.

Depending on the tournament, I might allow the girls to watch other matches that are close by. This time, I told them I wanted them to spend a little bit of time together before we did that. We went off in a corner and sat down.

They ate.

And they talked.

And they played catch phrase.

And they had some sort of dance party.

And one girl set up her camera on a tripod and they had a photo shoot.

Not one time did any of them ask about going to watch another match. They were enjoying each other's company and just being girls.

Honestly, it makes me sad when I walk around tournaments and see girls not talking to their teammates but staring at an electronic screen.

#coachforhisglory