The Man In the Arena by Theodore Roosevelt (From a speech delivered in Paris in 1910) It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.

This speech was delivered by a president, not a coach, but when reading it, all I personally can imagine is a sports arena.

1. What is the first thing that comes to YOUR mind when you read this speech?

2. Who do you imagine giving this speech?

3. Do you agree or disagree with this speech?

4. Are critics necessary in sports? At all levels?