Chris Dossett Blog Five May 2025
Continuing to reflect on my weekly school visits I am sharing specific examples of what the best Directors of Sport are doing in their schools. This for blog focusses on A Philosophy Beyond Competition: Leading with the Long Win in Mind
In an era where Independent Schools navigate a fast-changing educational landscape, the most impactful Directors of Sport (DoS) are those who lead with purpose, not just tactics. They go beyond the binary of wins and losses, choosing instead to cultivate a philosophy centred on people, potential, and the long-term value of sport.
1. Embedding a Long Win Philosophy
As Cath Bishop champions in The Long Win, sport should be a vehicle for lifelong learning—not a destination with a final scoreboard. Forward-thinking DoS champion this mindset by:
Reframing language: Instead of asking, “Did you win?”, they ask questions like “What did you learn?”, “How did you show resilience?”, “Did you enjoy your game?” or “Who was your best team mate?”. Can you challenge your staff and parents to use this language?
Revising success metrics: Departments track personal bests, team cohesion, leadership growth and retention in sport, rather than just team victories.
Real-life example: One Prep School DoS introduced a ‘Beyond the Score’ awards system, recognising pupils for effort, sportsmanship, and coaching support to peers - resulting in improved confidence and a rise in pupils volunteering to lead warm-ups or referee junior matches.
2. Prioritising Holistic Development
Sport is uniquely placed to shape young people beyond the classroom. DoS leaders with a ‘Long Win’ mindset ensure that sport contributes to:
Character formation: Integrity, empathy, discipline and courage are explicitly taught and celebrated.
Emotional literacy: Coaches are trained to help pupils navigate setbacks with reflection and perspective.
Example in action: A girls' school recently developed a “Sport & Self” journal for all Year 9 pupils, encouraging weekly reflections on mindset, team dynamics and physical literacy. Staff noticed improved communication within teams and a decline in anxiety around fixtures.
3. Viewing Feedback as Growth, Not Judgement. Feedback is a Gift!
The best sporting environments embrace feedback as a culture, not just a mechanism. Effective DoS:
Normalise debriefs: Post-session and post-fixture reviews become routine and pupil-led where possible.
Train staff in coaching conversations: Emphasising praise, curiosity and clarity.
Create safe spaces for dialogue: Mistakes are opportunities, not failings.
Example: One co-ed school’s sports department introduced peer coaching pods—triads of students offering structured, constructive feedback during training. Engagement and retention among less confident athletes increased markedly.
4. Departments as Communities of Good Practice
Top-performing sports departments feel like more than just places to work—they’re communities that inspire:
Belonging: Pupils and staff feel they are part of something bigger.
Inclusion: Programmes cater to all, not just the top 10%.
Purpose: Every staff member sees their contribution as integral.
Example: At our recent PADSIS conference, one DoS shared how they co-designed a Student Sport Charter with Sixth Formers and staff. It became a visible pledge on values, behaviour, and mutual respect - strengthening relationships and accountability across the department.
5. Forging Strategic Partnerships
No DoS is an island – we do not possess the God Particle! Forward-thinking leaders look outwards to widen access and create new possibilities:
Clubs: Collaborations with local clubs help pupils access performance pathways and high-quality coaching.
Universities: Shared facilities, mentorships and guest lectures give students and staff exposure to current thinking and extended networks. Postgraduate students also offer fantastic staffing opportunities for Independent Schools.
Alumni: Past pupils return to share their sporting journey—normalising success and struggle.
Example: A boarding school recently partnered with a local rugby club to run a “Coach the Coach” initiative: Sixth Formers assist at U9 training while earning a coaching badge—supporting grassroots sport and developing leadership.
Final Thought: From Contenders to Contributors
The role of DoS has evolved far beyond fixture lists and termly reports. Today, it is about fostering contributors, not just contenders. Those who lead with vision, compassion and curiosity are creating legacies that reach well beyond school gates and into the future.
Because when sport becomes more than just competition, it becomes transformation.
