PP, my take on this is just about the same as RG's.
For a HS Junior with an 11-6 PR, you have studied the art and science of pole vaulting exceptionally well. No one would expect someone with your lack of experience at your age to understand the technical aspects of PV as well as you do.
Therein lies part of your problem. You suffer from a lack of credibility, and also (I suspect) from a lack of "tact". The credibility problem comes from your age and your PR.
Your lack of tact has been observed on PVP on numerous occassions, so this is why I suspect that you talk the same way to people in person. In fact, you've said so. You say that you take pride in being a "straight-shooter". That comes with a price tag.
With some maturity and forethought, you'll find better ways to get your points across. As much as you study PV technique and training methods, your weakest link at the moment is knowing when and how to get your points across without offending people.
There's actually books written on this topic, and courses given. Dale Carnegie wrote a book long ago called "How to Win Friends and Influence People". There's many, many more. Even newspaper columns written (Ann Landers started this trend). In fact, I'm feeling a bit like Ann Landers at the moment, doling out this advice to you. I'll see if I can find some good books (or links) for you to read on this topic.
powerplant42 wrote: I am often confronted by various local coaches during competition about my awful misconceptions about how to pole vault. When I make suggestions to them, they will typically either shrug it off, dismiss my knowledge, or proceed to tell me that their way is really the 'right' way.
Ask yourself if your approach is tactful in these situations. A smart-ass kid is a threat to a PV coach. If you can't understand why, start reading about "how to win friends and influence people".
Are you being over-aggressive in asserting your opinions to him or his athletes? Of all these confrontations, how many do you initiate, and how many are the result of someone approaching YOU and seeking YOUR advice? If you're usually the initiator, you have to realize that the person on the receiving end isn't really open to your advice AT THAT PARTICULAR TIME. Their focus at the moment is probably on them (or their athlete) clearing the next bar.
There's a HUGE difference in speaking to someone privately - one-on-one - rather than in front of their peers and athletes. TACT and SENSITIVITY are the key words here. Having said this, don't expect that this one hint will immediately turn things around for you. It's just one of many factors.
powerplant42 wrote: Refute my statements ... with a logical argument using analogies and examples ... if you dare! (OR, if you AGREE with one of these arguments, please explain why.)
If you really think that settling these 6 technical issues here - on this thread - will solve all your problems, then you just don't get it.
powerplant42 wrote: I have argued against almost all of these in person before!
The key word here is "argued". With a more friendly, tactful approach, you will find yourself getting into DISCUSSIONS instead of ARGUMENTS. If you're not "friends" with the person FIRST, then they won't be as approachable. Carnegie's advice: Win their FRIENDSHIP first, and THEN try to influence them (not the other way around). It's been quite a few years since I read his book, but I THINK he might have said something like that!
Remember, YOU started this thread, and YOU asked for our advice, so WE'RE giving it to YOU. Take it to heart. Tough
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I have another suggestion for you, but I'll leave it for a follow-up post. Stay tuned.
Kirk
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