There are plenty of great coaches out there. They love the game, they respect their athletes, and they are strong role models.

But what happens when those qualities turn sour?

What happens when a coach is merely collecting a paycheck or doing it out of habit?

What happens when a team is demoralized because of lack of leadership?

Here are three signs that it might be time to give the coach a timeout.

• Passive at best, indifferent at worst.A winning team doesn’t necessarily mean that the coach is a great one. He may just be riding the coattails of the previous coach, or he may simply be benefiting from great talent. When a coach is “not in the game,” there is a problem. The coach should be the most involved and the No. 1 supporter of his team. If he’s passive and indifferent, not putting forth any real effort, then it might be time to bid farewell.
• No respect for athletes. Some coaches win their positions by default. Maybe there’s just no one else available, or he’s got some experience, is coerced into the position and takes on the “project” out of pressure and duty. Now he’s the head coach and inwardly detests it. He looks at it simply as a job. He ridicules athletes. He pushes them beyond reason. He is oblivious to their needs. His expectations are so unreasonable that no player can live up to them. When you observe this kind of behavior from a coach, it might be time to say adios.
• Fails fails to understand the lasting impact of sports.A good coach teaches character, cares for his players and exhibits strong but fair leadership. A not-so-good coach demonstrates compromise, blows off his players’ concerns and shows feeble leadership on a shaky foundation. Athletes and their parents can usually spot a destructive coach a mile away. He demoralizes his team time after time. He only plays his best players while the rest sit on the sideline not just during games but practices as well. His off-the-field demeanor leaves players lifeless, without motivation and wanting to quit sport. When you witness this type of coach, it’s time for you or him to go.

If you see any of these signs above, voice your concern to a higher authority. There’s a huge difference between a passionate coach and a piranha-style coach.

Passion for the game doesn’t mean that frustration won’t set in once in a while. Piranha-style coaching moves beyond passion and into razor-sharp verbal jabs and relentless bites out of athletes’ self-confidence.

As a parent, educate yourself about your child’s coaches and don’t be afraid to interview them about their philosophies and coaching styles before signing up. Your ultimate goal is to provide an environment where your child is safe, happy and learning.

Michelle Hill, the Strong Copy Quarterback at Winning Proof, is a sports and fitness content writer. She writes championship content for pro athletes, coaches, sports agents, sports psychologists, fitness professionals and transformation/success coaches. Her writing includes websites, e-newsletters, e-workbooks, brochures, press releases, blog articles and book development. Let’s call an audible for your next writing project that moves you from the red zone into the end zone.