What is a Coaches Huddle?
A Coaches Huddle is a group of coaches from a school or community who desire to get together regularly to discuss real life and be the coach God designed them to be.  How big should a Coaches Huddle be?  This is hard to say, but generally people feel most comfortable talking and learning in a group of 10 or fewer.  The ideal size is probably between 6-8.

What am I committing to by being a part of a Coaches Huddle?
The best way to get something out of the Coaches Huddle is to make a commitment to it.  To help you do that, we have developed a FCA Coaches Huddle Commitment.  It isn't complicated, but it is important that you take the time to read them and then sign the committments.

FCA's Coach's Huddle Commitments
Priority: As long as you are a part of the Coaches Huddle, you must make the meetings a priority.
Participation: Everyone participates, no one dominates.
Respect: Everyone is given the right to their own opinion, and all questions are encourgaed and respected.
Confidentiality: Anything that is said in the group stays in the group and is never repeated outside of the meeting.
Empty Chair: The group remains open to new people.
Support: Permission is given to call upon each other in times of need - even in the middle of the night.
Giving Advice: Unsolicated advice is not allowed.
Multiplication: We agree to do everything in our power to expand and to start a new group.

How can I get the most out of this?
You will get out of this exactly what you put into it.  How honest you are with yourself and the others in the Huddle will determine how much you will get out of this.  It might be a stretch for some of you to risk being vulnerable and honest for the first time.

What is the Game Plan for Coaches Huddles?
Coaches Huddles should go through three different phases.  The first phase in the "Life" of a Coaches Huddle is "Growing".  As a group of coaches get to know each other, they will gradually start to feel comfortbale being a part of the conversation.  During this phase, it is important to make sure that no one dominiates the conversation and that no one tries to be an expert. 

The second phase is the "Buildling" phase.  In this phase, the coaches are able to ask each other the question, "How are you doing, really?"  The "really" in this question is important because it asks for honesty, which is the only way you will be able to grow as a group. 

The last phase is "Multiplying".  As you learn and grow as a coach, you will want to share with other coaches how they can be their best.  It is important to say from the beginning that you may add more coaches or even start a new Coach's Huddle.

Who can lead a Coaches Huddle?
Coaches Huddles are best led by coaches!  It is not difficult to lead a Coaches Huddle.  You don't have to be an expert in any particular area.  You simply need to want to help coaches be the best they can be.


Do you want to start a Coaches Huddle?
To start a coaches huddle, please contact your Iowa Area Representative.