Supporting a coach
Keep support close.
The coach may be living through the same loss as the people they are leading.
Draft starter guidance.
Protocol of Presence
An empowered administrator is accountable for ensuring sustained support. A trusted colleague can help maintain the connection.
Stay close enough to notice.
Ask how the coach would prefer you to stay connected. Listen for changing needs and respect privacy, silence, or a choice to decline. Presence is not monitoring grief or requiring a check-in.
Offer to carry something specific.
Offer a defined task: “I can handle practice setup tomorrow. Would that help?” Be clear about what you can take on and confirm the arrangement, rather than leaving the coach to coordinate every offer.
Keep showing up.
Do what you offered and follow through. Keep support available after the immediate response, while allowing the coach to change what is useful or how they want to be contacted.