We all know of potentially good athletes who got burned out too early because coaches forgot that sports should be enjoyable. We need to show that we care about our athletes as people and not just as gymnasts. It's good to acknowledge our human qualities, to show that we can make mistakes, but we learn to bounce back and overcome them. Athletes need to believe they can also overcome a fall or bad day and they will, if the coach is willing to demonstrate the same quality. The last and most important trait for a coach to possess is integrity, which is comprised of several components.
Loyalty is critically important.
As coaches we are part of a big fraternity, and we must stick together, especially in public. Problems and concerns that exist among a coaching staff should remain behind closed doors. We owe our athletes this same loyalty if we want their respect. Being honest and fair are also components of integrity. Coaches should be up-front and honest with their athletes.