On the TunneySide of Sports June 6, 2022 #903 Up next… OTA -What does it mean?
After further review… OTA’s (Offseason Team Activities) are now in session in the National Football League. They have been agreed upon by the NFLPA (National Football League Players’ Association) and league management. Years past, the football clubs just held “camps” as they called them, which started about mid-July to get ready for the upcoming season. Many players took the time after their prior season ended in December or January to relax and go fishing. Then in late spring, some would gather at the team’s headquarters to get ready for those July “two-a-days”.
Now with hefty contracts in hand players, are year-round employees, although some think they are only employed from game to game. The word that jumps out at me in that OTA is the word T-E-A-M. For some 40 years I have used that word in my writings and my speeches as – Together Everyone Accomplishes More! The troublesome part of the OTAs is that they are voluntary, and many players treat these “Offseason Team Activities” as meaning “I don’t have to show up.” Some veterans don’t. Certainly, the rookies and most of the team do.
Most importantly those on the team who are in the role of leadership need to be present. It’s not vital to OTAs that, for example, Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers attend to learn more about throwing passes. But their leadership role is to be present! Even if they just show up and observe the workouts, their presence demonstrates their interest and will enhance their words of encouragement.
The offensive linemen and the defensive backs who work together as a unit in their games have a leader, usually a veteran, and he must demonstrate his role by attending OTAs. Rookies often look to teammates like that for guidance. Unfortunately, some veterans don’t see the value in their presence. Often, they feel they have other “things” to do.
These voluntary OTAs are followed by mandatory training sessions as the season approaches. If the rookie has had a chance to interact with most of the veterans during their OTA, he will feel more comfortable during their mandatory camp. BTW, some 100 eligible players will be at the mandatory camps, yet the team can suit up only 53. That feeling of comfort is a necessary element in performing one’s job at the professional level.
Will you help make new employees feel they are part of your team?
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Jim’s Bobblehead and books examining the philosophy and value of sports can be found in the many books he has written.
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