You might wonder what coaching cricket has to do with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, or even racism more broadly.
As I write, we are in the middle of BLM protests around the world against injustice. It amazes me the statement “Black Lives Matter” even needs to be said, let alone be controversial. Nevertheless, emotions are high and accusations are coming from different sides. On the more thoughtful side, one of the themes that is emerging is people finding out what they can do to help.
This is the context for us as coaches: Sport is part of society and we do not exist outside the social, cultural and psychological elements of the world because we are playing cricket. Players and coaches have a responsibility to understand the issue. Get it right and a deeper bond is formed that helps with cricket and makes the world a better place.
No matter how you look at BLM, it is certainly not an issue to be ignored by cricket coaches.
What action do we take?
Inequality is Real
The instinct to learn is useful. With knowledge we can reflect, act and reflect again. There are many resources. Digging deep has certainly helped me draw conclusions. I urge you to do your own work, but here is what I have come to understand.
First, inequality exists. Just glance at the stats. For example, black people are more likely to be arrested, found guilty and get longer jail terms. It happens in cricket too. It was recently reported there is just one black, state-educated professional cricketer in England. In the leagues I coach there is the unhelpful idea of the “Asian” team – made up of players mostly from Pakistani heritage – who are talked about in disparaging terms by mainly white teams. The franchise I coach has 12 coaches and nine are white.
This happens despite most people claiming no overt racism. Why?
One popular theory states are world is inherently unjust. White people have the power. The continuation of this power leads to conflict with black people who are kept under a tyrannical boot by the structure of the world (sometimes called “white supremacy”). Just by being in the system – the theory goes - you are either part of the solution or part of the problem. On an individual level you might not feel racist or do racist things, but the structure world you live in makes you racist.
This is a compelling argument but I have reflected and I am not sure I am convinced the world is so simple. What about cooperation between groups which is mutually beneficial? What about BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) people who are successful? What about other factors? A man with a high IQ, high trait conscientiousness and greater physical attractiveness is statistically more likely to be successful regardless of race. Some factors cross groups.
Also, while it is often harmful, inequality has helpful elements. We want competent people in society and that means ranking them in some way: If you perform you get selected for a better team. Teams play in leagues where a winner is declared at the end of the season. This is a helpful hierarchy. Both sides exist.
At my small level, I coach a team which is about half BAME players and half white. They cooperate based on cricketing ability. There is a cultural crossover and a spirit of support, not conflict. While many of the players in the team have experienced racism, that is not the only part of the story.
Being Human
Which brings me on to the individual level.
Part of the BLM movement has been to call out “dog whistling”; white people saying racist things by using a code. A code most are not even aware of using. The biggest example is “All Lives Matter”. This is supposed to mean “I have no sympathy for the unique suffering of black people, I do not understand my privilege as a white person so I am part of the inherently racist structure of society”. This reading of the phrase is so ingrained that it shuts off discussion of suffering at an individual level. People hear it and assume racism.
But I am going to try and discuss it anyway, in the hope that you, dear reader, understand my position is not the above. My aim is to help myself, and others, be better coaches and better people.
You see, everybody does suffer. It is possible to think this without being overtly or unintentionally racist.
A fundamental tenant of Buddhism to say, “life is suffering”. Buddhism is not a racist religion. They seem like decent people overall. We know nobody sails through life without a problem. Even white people.
This fact does not reduce the real suffering of black people or diminish the need to highlight it. It does not reduce the need to stop racism. It does remind us suffering happens regardless of colour, gender or bank balance. If you are a person, you suffer. And your struggle is valid.
When we accept struggle as valid we can all take individual responsibility without either guilt or calling out others (“virtue signalling” as some call it). Instead, we can focus on what to do to make things better without pointing fingers or feeling stuck in a system that cannot be changed. We have something we can do to make the world less racist. We have agency over three things:
Improving ourselves
Helping other improve
Building connection with others
And, finally, that gets us to coaching.
Because that is what coaching is about.
Know You Care
There is a cliche in coaching, “before they care you know, they must know you care”. Getting to know people is not just effective cricket coaching. Getting to know people is helpful in every way: It improves connection and reduces suffering of all kinds, including suffering caused by racism. It’s impossible to stereotype someone when you have a deep connection with them and empathise with their pain.
How does a good coach do this?
You could fill many books with advice on ways to connect with players, and a lot of people have. (Here’s a good one). But if you got this far you probably are open to some quick tips too:
Ask deeper questions. Questions like “what’s on your mind?”, “what do you want?” and “how can I help?”
Get better at listening than telling. Instead of presenting solution to players immediately, ask them what they can do themselves.
Share things about yourself, especially if it shows vulnerability. Somewhat counter-intuitively, players trust coaches who are honest about their own failings and what they have learned.
Be reflective. Take time to think about your thoughts, feeling and behaviours and work out how to accept who you are and get a little better.
These things are a start but building true connection is not a matter of applying a couple of tips, it has to be at the core of your coaching philosophy. The results are worth the effort, including really giving meaning to BLM in your corner of society.