In this interview of the duo by PCA’s Casey Miller, Doc offers this wisdom on how he and Austin handle any issues that may arise due to the dual nature of their relationship as father-son and as coach-player: “If you communicate, you have a better chance than if you don’t communicate.”
Austin says mutual respect is the key. His dad understands that he is a hard-working player who wants to improve and Austin understands that his father has a deeper knowledge of the sport.
Austin also describes a potential pitfall that a father-son/coach-player relationship may entail. He explains that he “waved off” Doc while being corrected, feeling comfortable at the time in that communication patter with his dad, but realizing later that he may have sent a wrong message to teammates about the appropriateness of waving off advice from their coach.
Positive Coaching Alliance develops BETTER ATHLETES, BETTER PEOPLE through resources for youth and high school sports coaches, parents, administrators and student-athletes. In addition to 1,000+ free audio-video and printable tips and tools atPCADevZone.org, PCA has partnered with roughly 3,000 schools and youth sports organizations nationwide to deliver live group workshops, online courses and books that help those involved in youth and high school sports create a positive, character-building youth sports culture.