The Ultimate Ground Rules: Recent Episodes
Dave Prichard
A podcast built specifically to encourage, empower, and strengthen the faith of coaches as they live out their God-given purpose to develop the next generation of leaders.
Today we continue our study through the book of Colossians as Paul talks about struggling with a purpose.
Today we continue our study through the book of Colossians with an emphasis on keeping the main thing the main thing.
As we begin 2022, we start a study in the book of Colossians and a challenge to pray for those in the coaching fraternity.
As we wrap up the fall and approach Christmas, I pray that you know real hope - the hope that is available in Christ. A little off the script today, but hope is here!
Today we wrap up our fall study of 2nd Timothy by looking at what it means to fulfill your ministry as a coach.
We continue our study through 2 Timothy looking at the realities of struggles and persecution. While they do exist, God has a plan for his people to persevere through them. A plan every athlete and coach should know.
As we continue our study in 2 Timothy, today we look at the importance of the application of knowledge. What are we doing with what God has given us?
As we continue our fall study of 2 Timothy, today we look at what it means to be an approved worker. How does our approach as coaches point to a bigger purpose?
In athletics, loyalty is key and something we expect from our players. Today, we continue our fall study of 2nd Timothy by looking at the believer's responsibility to be loyal to the gospel.
Today we begin our fall study of 2 Timothy by looking at the relationship between Paul and Timothy and the idea of legacy.
The end of an athletic season or a season of life can be difficult but Solomon reminds us in Ecclesiastes that investing in others is where the real value of life exists.
Encouragement is so powerful and as believers we are called upon to edify and build up the body of Christ. That may seem like a tall order but you can take part through a simple text.
You will encounter frustrating and difficult days that may lead you to question the purpose of your efforts. The words of Paul in 2 Timothy 4:6 should serve as a reminder to us in those difficult times that we are to be poured out.
In the book of 2 Samuel we read of three distinct types of individuals that every man needs by his side if he desires to be successful.
As coaches, we like to try and control a lot but we must never forget that God is the one in complete control - even when it doesn't seem like it.
Balancing the coaching life with home life can be very difficult. Today we look to the advice of King Solomon as our guide in winning this challenge.
In all of athletics, focus is imperative. In the book of Matthew, Peter's experience walking on water teaches us that keeping our focus on Jesus is key.
Today I sit down with Rob Stacy, head baseball coach at Clinton High School in Tennessee. Rob is an exciting young coach who shares his passion for his kids and community as well as strategies to reach his players well beyond the field.
We all make mistakes, but how we respond to them is what matters. In Psalm 51, King David sets the standard.
Much of a coach's job revolves around dealing with people and inevitable conflict. In those situations, King Solomon reminds us that a soft answer is much more productive.
While the temptation to question your level of effectiveness is real, Scripture calls us to recognize that everything we do matters. Paul speaks of this in 1 Corinthians 10:31 and today we apply that to our role as a coach.
Today on The Ultimate Ground Rules Podcast, I sit down with Lance Rorex, the head baseball coach at Silverdale Academy in Chattanooga, TN. Lance is a up and coming young coach who does things the right way and he shares his insight into developing and making disciples of young men.
Today the show celebrates 100 episodes and stops to reflect on the opportunity coaches have for eternal impact every day. An opportunity that we should give thanks for.
Good coaches want to be on the right side of any decision but how do we know what the right side is? A unique story in Joshua 5 seems to imply that we shouldn't be concerned about being on the right side but instead we should be concerned about being on God's side.
At times in our coaching journey we will be placed in a situation where we must stand firm against the culture at large or popular thought. We must do what is right. In the Old Testament, a man named Phinehas sets the example for us.
A new year provides new opportunity. In Proverbs 4, King Solomon provides wise words that will serve coaches well as they look to make a great impact in 2021.
The words of Paul in Colossians 3:1-17 remind us coaches that in a world of uncertainty, we can be certain.
Quite often we can fall into the trap of trying to be someone else but God has called us to be who He has created us to be. In order to be an effective coach, we must be ourselves.
All throughout his New Testament letters, Paul demonstrates his thankfulness and challenges us to be thankful, but are we?
Today we take a look at Psalm 23 and four principles it teaches that can help you become a wise and good shepherd to those under your care.
Today we wrap up our fall study of James by looking at the virtue of patience. While everything doesn't always go our way or as smoothly as we would like, James calls on us to recognize the compassion and purpose of the Lord and remain steadfast. This is a lesson our players desperately need as well.
This week I sit down with Dakota Weatherley as he shares his story of God's miraculous work in his life along with the powerful impact of the coaching community.
As we continue our study in James, we are called to recognize the value of the day that God has given us. Don't miss out on today's opportunity for impact while waiting for tomorrow.
Today we continue our fall study of James by looking at the concept of selfish gain. This can be a real temptation in the coaching profession but James calls us to be where our feet are in order to maximize our impact.
Today our falls study of James brings us to chapter three and the power of the tongue. As coaches, James calls us to recognize the power that our words wield to either build up or tear down those around us.
Today we continue our fall study in the book of James by looking at the sin of partiality. How does it apply to our team and our role as a coach? How does the example of Christ drive our expectations?
Today we sit down with the Athletic Director of Tusculum University Doug Jones as he shares his thoughts on the power of athletics to impact student-athletes.
We continue our walk through the book of James with instruction on patience and action. Am I listening for God's voice and when I hear it am I acting upon it? James calls us to that very thing in order that we might display Christ and impact those around us.
Today we begin our fall journey through the book of James with his perspective on trials and testing. As coaches, we will encounter them but how will we respond? What do our athletes see?
Today I sit down with Brad Burns, head baseball coach at Pleasure Ridge Park High School in Kentucky, as he shares his valuable insight into the art of reaching young men through baseball.
The Ultimate Ground Rules returns this fall with a call to action. Coaches are needed now more than ever. How can we best meet the needs of our student-athletes and those around us. This week we focus on Philippians 4:8 as an answer to that question.
Today we speak to the power of words and the impact you can have as your players begin to return to sports activities.
Today's climate is producing a great amount of fear. How as coaches are we supposed to deal with it? Today we look at the examples of Joshua, Joseph, and Jesus for some guidance.
Today we look at the important of finding an identity in Christ and not in our ability as coaches or players. Paul points us to our real value and worth in Ephesians 4:1-3
Today we look at the importance of wisdom as an aspect of true leadership that a coach must possess. James 1:5-8 provides with the method to acquiring such valuable wisdom.
Today we look at Psalm 20 and the recognition that it is God alone that warrants our trust. As we abide in Him we can be a trusting voice for our players.
Today we look at the importance of reflection in our own personal lives as we seek to grow closer to God and have a greater impact on our players.
Today we look at Psalm 46 and it directs us to our knowledge of God to find peace in troubled times.
In light of recent developments, today we look at Psalm 13 as a guide for dealing with tough times.
This week I sit down with Jeremy Sheetinger, head baseball coach at Georgia Gwinnett College as he shares his thoughts on faith and the development of young men within his program.
Today I sit down with Eddie Stephenson, the head baseball coach at Baptist Prep in Arkansas, as he shares his personal faith journey as well as his journey as a coach. Eddie is beyond transparent and offers a ton of insight and value that no baseball coach will want to miss.
One of the keys to effective leadership is first understanding what effective leadership is not. Today we look at an example of poor leadership in Ezekiel 34
On today's episode we step outside the box a little with an interview of Josh Liner and Mark Arbogast of Premier Athletics. While working with various teams across the state of Tennessee these men provide a unique perspective of what makes programs work and coaches effective. They share those thoughts as well as others along they way and coaches are sure to be blessed and encouraged by the information they provide.
We all know how important self-discipline is in the life of an athlete but how important is it in our lives as coaches? Is it all we need? Today we answer that question by looking at Galatians chapter 5.
As we enter a new season, today we offer up a challenge to lift up our players in prayer consistently.
Recently the sports world was rocked by the loss of Kobe Bryant and while events of this nature are heartbreaking and tragic, they also serve to remind us of the value of the life God has gifted us. Today we look at the gift of life through James 4:13-16, Hebrews 9:27, and Jeremiah 29:11.
Today we look at the importance of Loving God and Loving Others, even in our role as coaches.
Today we importance of a coach building and planting the young men in under their care through the lens of Jeremiah 1.
Bonus Episode - Enjoy the Christmas Story of Luke two as narrated by my three sons and two nieces. Special thanks to my Dad for producing.
Today we take a brief look at Luke Chapter 2 and how the sense of duty felt by the shepherd should be shared by us as coaches.
Today on the show we look at the issues of doubt and trust through the lens of Luke 1. Are you a coach that models doubt or one that models trust for your athletes?
Today we sit down with Steve Roof, head baseball coach at Madison Central HS in Kentucky. Coach Roof brings several years of experience to the table and offers up much wisdom on effectively reaching players as well as strong advice for young coaches.
Today we discuss the importance of true thanksgiving and gratitude being modeled for our players.
Today we take a brief look at Isaiah 40 and the greatness of God. By resting in His greatness, we can provide stability that our players desperately need.
Today we sit down with Michael Johnstone, a high school baseball coach in California who also serves as the Balkan region director for Go Send Me Global. Michael shares with us some of the amazing ways God can use a coach and specifically how he is working to spread the gospel through the use of baseball.
Today we take a brief look at James 1:22 and what it means to be a doer of the Word as well as how it relates to the role of a coach.
The week we take a look at Jeremiah 18 and the ability of God to transform lives through our role as a coach.
Today we take a brief look at Proverbs chapter two and the importance of providing wisdom to your players.
Today we look at Proverbs 1 and the importance of seeking wisdom while it can still be found.
Today we look at Psalm 18 and four key concepts to help us as we face difficulty, trials, and spiritual battles.
Today we look at appropriate discipline on a sports team through the lens of Matthew 18.
Today we take a look at Acts 20:24 as Paul describes what determines his life's real value. His answer has direct implications on our job as a coach.
Today we take a brief look at the influence of Moses' mother in Exodus 2 that provides encouragement to coaches as we seek to have a positive influence on our athletes.
Today we take a look at 2 Kings 6:1-4 which reveals to us a pattern a service: how we should go about our job as a coach in order to have the greatest impact.
Today we look at the importance of examples in light of Hebrews 12:1-2 and how as coaches we can be encouraged by others.
Today we look at Jesus' command to love one another in light of how we use the time we have been given.
Today we look at the importance of intentionality in our personal walk with Christ and how it can affect our role as a coach.
This week we go all the way back to Genesis 1:1 to discover the point of the biblical story and the point/purpose of our role as coaches.
Today we sit down with Steve Smith, pitching coach at Auburn University, as he discussed his journey in faith, how it has impacted his coaching, and what today's player needs most from a coach.
Phill Shallenberger, head baseball coach at Cairn University, talks about his personal growth this past season and his approach to pursuing growth with his players.
Today we take a brief look at the idea of preparation in the context of the big picture.
A look at the importance of reflection after the completion of a season all while recognizing the complete sovereignty of God.
Today we take a brief look disappointment and the big picture. As believers how should we respond? John 11 and the story of Lazarus provide some insight.
Today's episode examines how Scripture directs us to respond to situations that are not quite what we expected them to be.
Dealing With Anger - a look at three guiding principles that Scripture presents in order to deal with anger.
While baseball is in full swing, we branch out today as we talk with Jason Klatt, head football coach at Mead HS in Colorado. Jason discusses his strategy for developing young men and the importance of preparing them to be sent out into the community to make a difference.
Today we conclude our look at Biblical Manhood by looking at the command of Paul to be alert, stand firm, act like a man and be strong, and above all do everything out of love.
This week we sit down Head Coach Eric Borba from Orange Lutheran HS in California as he discusses his strategies for impact with his players and the importance of a high school coach.
Today we continue our look at the importance of Biblical Manhood through the lens of King David.
Today we continue our look at the importance of Biblical Manhood through the lens of Job.
Today we talk baseball with Rob Hoover, head baseball coach at Daniel Boone HS in Gray, Tennessee. Coach Hoover shares his thoughts on the importance of a coach as a model, accountability within a program, and his own personal definition of winning.
Many young men today are looking for the answer to the question, "What does a real man look like?" Today, we attempt to answer that question through the lens of Adam.
Light is a theme all throughout Scripture and in Philippians 2:12-18 Paul shows us as coaches the importance of being a light to those we have an opportunity to influence.
Training is important because the skills we seek rarely come by chance. Paul teaches this very principle to Timothy and urges him to train for godliness.
With the new year comes new opportunities. However, new opportunities can lead to pressure, struggle, and doubt. In the book of Joshua, God promises that we don't have to take on new opportunities alone.
A special early release of our Christmas and New Year's message. Often we think about the gift of Jesus Christ in terms of Luke 2 but that isn't where the story begins.
Today we dive into discussion with Steve Merriman, AA pitching coach in the Colorado Rockies organization. Steve shares his journey through coaching as well as his passion for building strong relationships that have the power to change lives.
Suffering and Failure are no fun. However, they are a necessity for growth. As Paul reminds us, during these difficult times we have a gospel that provides a future hope.
Effective leadership is essential for any athletic program, but what does it look like? Today we discover its blueprint within 2 Timothy 2:2
A coach's vision is vital to the success of a program, but what is the right vision? The week we take a look at Jesus' vision and how it can apply to the vision of a coach.
An interview with Ryan McGinnis - Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach at Kimberly High School in Wisconsin discussing the purpose of coaching, what players need the most, and practical advice for young coaches.
God desires to use you as a useful vessel in your role as a coach. But how can one become a useful vessel? Today on The Ultimate Ground Rules.
Persistence and Detail - A look at The Parable the Lost Sheep and The Parable of the Lost Coin in Luke 15
A look at the importance of humility through the examples of Jesus and John the Baptist.
What is Your Foundations? What is the Foundation of Your Program? A brief look at Matthew 7:24-27
What do you think of when you hear the word authority? Better yet, what are your players being taught by your exercise of authority? A look at Ephesians 6:1-4 today on The Ultimate Ground Rules.
Are your actions worthy of imitation? A look at 1 Corinthians 11:1 and Paul's command to "imitate me as I imitate Christ"
What is your ultimate goal as a coach? Today we sit down with Ryan Presnell as he provides an inside look at Elizabethton baseball, his motivation for coaching, as well as solid advice for young coaches.
Do as I say... Not as I do... We have all heard the saying but how often does it apply to us? Today we look at 1 John 1:5-7 and its impact on the believer, the coach, and the athlete.
Have you ever found yourself chasing that big win or even thinking I can't wait for… you fill in the blank… only to come to the realization that it is never enough?
Today on the Ultimate Ground Rules
Have you ever stopped to consider the power of your words? What about the generational impact that they can have? Today on The Ultimate Ground Rules.
Life is full of ups and downs. When in the valley, where do you go? How do you encourage others? Do you ever question, where is God? Today on episode two we look at Exodus 6 and the faithfulness of God.
Have you ever felt inadequate or not quite up to the task at hand. In Exodus 3 & 4, Scripture shows us that Moses felt the same way. What was God's response? Find out in this episode of The Ultimate Ground Rules.