What I love about watching international teams and serious

college programs is their level of professionalism.

While it is getting better all the time, our sport is not

always considered like a "real" sport. It is often

seen by

many people more like a fun activity that you practice

with out-of-shape friends at a camping while drinking beer!

So, when i watch top college programs or international teams

prepare seriously for a game and act with class and

professionalism - I love it.

I think that every organization, every coach, and every

player should act with class and professionalism.

What do I mean by that?

Many many things.

Show class on the field.

Prepare seriously for each game like elite athlete do.

Play the game hard. Take it seriously.

See yourself as a professional when you coach or compete.

Have the dugout neat and organized.

Stay focused and compete with all your hear (don't spend

the game talking to people in the bleachers).

No jeans on the field for coaches - wear team colors.

Say Please and Thank You.

Recognize contributions or efforts of others.

etc.

Here is an interesting article about how elite players are

taking pride in being role-models. I think you will

like it.

==> http://tinyurl.com/3c8kxg

Honor the sport - Be classy. Be professional. Be a

role-model.

Marc Dagenais

"Your Softball Performance Coach"

For more tips, go to my website:

http://www.softballperformance.com