"Cultural" Query........

[OBe]

I have an “odd” question to pose to the forum.

I have noticed the American side of the house here is big on the term “Coach”, referring to all who have attained the title/qualification by their rank, especially Scott and the senior staff.

Is this an American “thing” or more generally a CST protocol…??

The main reason I ask is that it’s definitely not an Australian “thing” to do. I really noticed this last October when Scott and Joe presented the one-day seminar in Brisbane.

Joe often referred to Scott as ‘Coach’, whereas I and most of the others found this strange, and were more comfortable addressing them by their given names. Talking to some of my recruits at work (Police Academy) who have been involved in professional sports, it seemed likewise odd to them; they addressed their coaches by name rather than by position.

I would find it really difficult over here to take someone seriously if they (local Australian coach, that is…….having been twisted up by Scott, I take him VERY seriously…:-) insisted on me calling them “coach”. I would assume this would also apply to many of my friends/colleagues. From another Australian, it would appear pompous and big-headed.

We tend to expect strange habits from our cousins across the Pacific, so we just found it "quirky" when Joe said it......

BTW, I’m not challenging the achievements or status of the coaches. It’s more of a “cultural research” question.

Ideas/opinions…???

Cheers

Wayne
Brisbane, Oz

Ps, are there any SCT coaches in the Brisbane area?? I could use some help……

[Coach Jones]

Interesting question...

I'm not sure if it's a cultural thing.

The difference may be more contextual than cultural...

You can go into a gym and get a session with "Bob" who happens to be a personal trainer OR you can be an athlete. Maybe a soccer player, let's say.

On that team is a coach, usually more than one. These guys take training to a level that "Bob" doesn't even concieve of, it took them longer to develop the skills necessary to ply their trade, and what benefit they can give to the athletes and the team as a whole is something vastly different.

Within RMAX it's the same kind of thing. Whether we are working with a professional athlete or an everyday Joe, we strive to bring with us that same quality and depth of training.

To many of us on the faculty, we refer to Coach Sonnon as "Coach" also as a way of showing respect. Every coach on the faculty has an extensive martial arts background and in the same way we use the terms for teacher in our various arts - we use the term "coach" for Coach Sonnon.

Now, if athletes in Australia don't refer to the coaches of their teams or martial arts instructors as anything other than their given first names, then I would say it's cultural.

Hope that helps

[Coach Flanagan]

Interesting question - and I mean that sincerely. I am curious as to how much of it is a cultural thing. Not being all that familiar with Aussie culture (sadly) I cannot really compare and contrast.

In general it is a sign of respect, but as you mention when you're comfortable with someone the first name seems more appropriate. I think its all about context. If Scott were to put me through a brutal conditioning session and guiding me through the abyss so-to-speak, I would more than likely call him "Coach" (though in a MetCon session it might come out as something a bit more profane. lol) whereas in other scenarios a first-name basis is more appropriate.

[OBe]

Cheers for the replies fellas.

As stated, no disrespect is intended and I fully appreciate the skill and dedication which is required in order to achieve “Coach-Rank”. It’s something I’ve thought about working towards, but that would be quite a while away. Big commitment in terms of effort, time & $$, so I definitely rate anyone who has achieved the goal.

The Martial Arts example over here seems to be a different kettle of fish, as the “culture” essentially comes along as part of the package. ie the instructors are usually referred to as Sensei (or equivalent).

Sports OTOH, don’t seem to have the “imported” culture. The respect and authority is there, but not the need for the title. As I said about Scott and Joe, we respected them enormously, but it seemed “odd” to refer to them as Coach……..over here it’s a job description rather than a title.

Language and idiom are a very country-specific phenomenon. For instance, as police officers we had a lot in common with Joe, and it was great to see that “common ground” translate to much of our conversation and general attitude. However…….we had to explain a few things which were close, but not “quite” the same…..for instance, American Police describe themselves as “ON the Job” as opposed to we who are “IN the Job”. Over here, “on the Job” has an altogether different meaning concerning 2 consenting people……. ;-)

And “rooting for the team” is not as socially accepted in Oz……..:-)

Many laughs were had by all, and it was a good ice-breaker.

[hammer_2020]

It took me a while to understand what got aussies giggling whenever I mentioned 'rooting' in a martial arts context.

After I found out, I was ruined, since I could never mention it without giggling myself :D

[Scott Sonnon]

Yeah, yeah, Wayne... Brizzie copper bastard. No, it's just a cultural thing. Like you don't call someone by Professor and last name there like we do at Uni. Just don't call me "Figjam Sonnon."
(But Joe likes it when you call him a Seppo.)

Flat out in seminar over here (with a lot of our Aussie fam)... Best to all down there, mate!

James, I couldn't figure out why everyone kept laughing when I was telling them to root to the Earth more.

[Ben Waddell]

I would say its also a contextual thing in Australia. My family GP I refer to by name, not Dr. or Doc, but then I grew up seeing this person and my parents have always referred to them by their name.

My swimming coaches were always referred to by name as well.

But here in the Chiropractic Faculty at university, we are encouraged to refer to people by their titles, such as Doctor or Professor, followed by their name eg Dr Simpson - its a way of getting us used to the Professional mindset (capital P intended).

I'm thinking it comes down to the difference between Professionals and professionals maybe. Professionals such as Doctors and Professors being awarded and using their title within the context of their profession, whereas professionals (eg sports coaches, elite athletes, real estate professionals) are people with a respectable skill or ability but they are not part of a profession (the original meaning of the term).

The corollary is of course that in Australia if someone constantly asked you to refer to them as a Doctor (because of their Professional status) outside of their Profession (eg in a restaurant, booking kayaking equipment) you would probably give them a bit more than a raised eyebrow and a look as if to say "Wake up to yourself."

[Ben Waddell]

Having said that, I found it more natural to refer to Scott and Joe by their names when they were here in Oz, whilst still respecting them enormously. On the forums however I usually refer to Coach Sonnon or Coach Wilson, as its part of the specific language of the group

[Jayelle]

It’s never too late to change; we Aussies are just very lazy when it comes to titles. I use first names for everyone, GP’s, teachers, aunty & uncles half the time I couldn’t even tell you someone’s surname. It’s a bit embarrassing really. I’m in my 40’s, you younger ones are ever worse than us, you have learnt from us. I’m sure my grandmother would turn in her grave at the thought. She was an English diction teacher.:embarassed:

We are very privileged to have had CST introduced to us here down under. It’s a complete new structure for us all, why don’t we embrace it in its entirety and start using the CST lingo completely. I think using the word “Coach” for recognition is very respectful to our superiors. It differentiates it from anything else here in OZ.
Makes it sound & feel more exciting to others when talking to them.

How good will it feel when you are recognized for your efforts by becoming one of our very own Aussie Coaches? How proud do you think Coach Eddy felt being recognized as Australia’s very first CST Coach? Would it have had such an impact if the word Coach wasn’t used? Will you take that title away from her and all the others that have qualified to become coaches since? I personally can’t wait for the recognition. I’m sure I won’t use it in addressing myself though It would be nice to hear every now and then.

I’m not sure how many times I used the word Coach at CST Sydney? I did try though, and you know what, so did most there, this made it feel easier. The more often we use something new, the more ‘normal’ it becomes. Try using “Coach” when telling others about CST & it will soon gel.

I hope all the Aussie coaches are using the title when they are on the forum. We need to know who you are as well.:confused: