This year’s Super Bowl has been dubbed the “Super Snooze”. It will be remembered for its notable lows...the lowest scoring game in Super Bowl history with the lowest viewership in the past ten years. While many people have been busy speculating whether Brady and "Gronk" will return for another year and debating which was the best commercial, I cannot stop thinking about the SIDELINES SUPPORT. The sidelines section is the area just beyond the playing field or court which is occupied by spectators, inactive players and coaches. If you are playing in the game, you are undoubtedly hoping that your sidelines section is filled with support.
One of this year’s Super Bowl’s two head coaches was Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams.Coach McVay has received a lot of media attention, not just for getting his team to the Super Bowl, but also for being the youngest modern day coach in the NFL and the youngest to ever coach a Super Bowl. McVay may be young, but he has the most uniquely supportive sidelines section that I have ever seen. Apparently Coach McVay maintains such a laser-like focus on the field during games, that he often accidentally runs into the referees and inadvertently wanders onto the field. The Rams team has a staff member whose job during the games is to serve at McVay’s “get-back” coach to make sure that he stays out of the way of the referees. This dedicated sideline spotter stands right behind Coach McVay (he is often dressed just like him) and literally whisks him out of the way so the Rams will not incur a penalty if a game official runs into him. Ted Rath, who also serves as the team’s Strength and Conditioning Coach, describes what he does for McVay as “a type of dance, perhaps a tango”. He has received so much attention for the role that he serves because he does his job so well. See for yourself in this video clip.
Whether you realize it or not, you have probably been serving as a “get-back coach” yourself. Have you ever pulled a toddler away from a hot stovetop or oncoming traffic? Bingo! You’re a get back coach! Ever taken an ill family member or friend to the hospital? How lucky they were to have you as their sidelines supporter! Has anyone ever held you back to prevent you from doing something that could have harmed you? If the answer is YES, then you and your sidelines supporter have been doing a tango dance of your very own.
What do you suppose the classified ad would look like for the job of Sidelines Supporter?
HELP WANTED! Immediate availability! Looking for experienced and dependable full-time help. Must have a great attitude, the ability to work well with others, quick reflexes, and be able to anticipate the employer’s every need and concern. Ideal job for qualified candidate! Instead of the boss watching your every move, you will be tasked with watching hers or his!
When you read this job description, it sounds quite absurd, yet isn’t this what we are all seeking?...24/7 support and protection from a dependable and reliable source.
I hear the word “tribe” used a lot lately to describe a group of friends that become your family...people who will be there for you, no matter what. Generally, your “tribe” consists of people with whom you share common interests. The members of your tribe are “your people” who “get” you, accept you for who you are, will cheer you on when you succeed and catch you when you fall. Have you found your tribe yet? You don’t need to place a help wanted ad to make this happen.
I have personally witnessed a tribe forming over the past 6 months. I teach a Saturday morning Qi Gong class and the several dozen people who attend each week have become a cohesive and engaging group. They catch up over herbal tea before class, share recipes and health advice, and cheer each other on during class. Our time together does not feel like a typical exercise class. We leave the outside world at the doorstep and spend our time together practicing flowing movements that have been designed to help us live our healthiest lives. I now teach the class while standing on a riser that was built for me by my father before he passed away. The riser allows the students in the back of the class to get a better view of me while I am teaching the class. The first day that I stepped on that platform, I jokingly asked the students in the front of the class to be my “spotters”. I was not surprised when two of my lovely students, who are regularly in the front row, immediately told me they would watch out for me. What do you know? I have my very own get back coaches!
I bet that like me, your sideline supporters are probably right there in the front row...spotting you, encouraging you, and ready to catch you if you slip off your riser. If you are in need of a tribe, there is no better time than now to build one. If you post a help wanted ad, I promise to submit my application for the job.