Team Captains and Their Role in Shared Leadership in Sports

Cortlyn Buck

February 6^th, 2016

Topic: Team Captains and Their Role in Shared Leadership in Sports

In the realm of athletics, just as any team and/or organization outside the parameters of sports, there must be an established form of leadership that governs and directs their own members. Team captains serve this function, and they are either elected into position by their fellow team members, or in other cases, appointed into leadership by the coach. I believe that a joint leadership role involving two individuals, i.e. team captains, is one of the most effective methods athletic teams can employ. This role releases tension and jealousy that may arise through conflict with other team members or through certain conflicting circumstances. Shared leadership among athletics generates accountability and gives an additional varying perception for the team to utilize. One person can only possess so much power over every team member, however two individuals can harness more power when their leadership roles are mutually combined for the greater good. Having two individuals that govern a team in a collaborative manner reinforces actions and ideas that result in the most effective strategy. By combining the brainpower of two minds, there is a much better chance of solving a problem or making consensus on the best decision for the teams' interest. Through my own personal experience growing up and playing soccer for thirteen years, I have come appreciate the role of joint leaders who are able to work effectively and humbly in unison. Though teams have captains or leaders, it is important they must always act in the best interest of the team as a whole, and avoid pompous, individualistic attitudes.  Just as the cliché states, “There’s no I in team”.