Real-Life Decision Making
"We use decision-making skills in at least a couple of different avenues,"
explains coach Mike Van Diest.
"Number one, obviously, is the decisions we make regarding the players
and what positions they play. When we recruit them, they each have different
skills and levels. It's our job to put them into our program and our system."
Decision-making skills are also pressed into play when it comes to discipline.
"We have to decide whether or not the players are doing what's necessary.
Then we have to make the tough decisions when we have to remove a player from
the program or suspend a player."
Often there's little time when making some of the most crucial decisions.
"We have lots of split-second, game-day decisions that have to be made. Often,
they have to be made in a very public setting -- in front of thousands of
fans!" says coach Brian Towriss.
It's recruiting season. You've "discovered" a place kicker with all the
talents, personality traits and academic requirements your team needs - desperately
-- for next season. You've already seen him in action. You've also interviewed
him on the phone and he sounds VERY eager to come to your school.
Everything looks promising until you meet his family in their home. The
player's mother is recently widowed and can't bear the thought of now also
losing her eldest son. She'd hoped he would stay in town and attend the local
community college, although it does not have a football program. She pleads
with you to not tempt her son into moving away.
What do you do?