Diving Into a New Season: Three Things I’m Doing Differently

Raine Paul
Sep 12
4 min read

Updated: Sep 12

Like many coaches, I'm gearing up for another exciting season. Whether you're returning to the court, field, pitch, gym, or — in my case — the pool deck, the start of a new season always brings a sense of possibility. It’s a chance to apply fresh insights, refine our approach, and connect with a new group of athletes.

This season marks my return to high-performance coaching after four years focused on grassroots sport. With only a few weeks until my team quite literally dives into the season, I’ve been reflecting on the knowledge and experiences that are shaping how I want to approach coaching this year.

Over the past 12 months, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in powerful conversations, read some eye-opening books, and tune into thought-provoking podcasts — all of which have influenced my mindset as I prepare for the year ahead.

Here are three new approaches I’ll be bringing to the pool deck this season. I invite you to take a quick read and share what changes or insights you’re bringing into your new season, too.

1. Reframing Discipline

Earlier this spring, I had an engaging conversation with a few colleagues at Dare to Care about discipline and consequences — topics that often surface in sport circles. During the discussion, my colleague Lisa Dixon-Wells shared a quote that reframed the way I think about discipline:

“Discipline is something children should possess, not something that we do to them.” — Maria Montessori, Educator

This simple idea — that discipline should be a noun, not a verb — struck a chord with me as a coach. Too often, "discipline" and "consequences" are used interchangeably, yet they are fundamentally different.

This season, I want to focus on helping the athletes I coach develop internal discipline. To show up because they feel motivated to work toward their goals and support their teammates—not just to meet an attendance requirement. To dig deep in conditioning sets not to impress coaches, but for the personal satisfaction of giving their all.

And hopefully, this extends beyond the pool: putting their phone away to study, prioritizing sleep, committing to goals with consistency and intent. Like many coaches, I want the lessons my athletes learn in sport to translate into life skills they’ll carry forward.

2. Device-Free Pool Deck

Over the past year, I’ve become much more mindful of my personal screen time. With books such as The Anxious Generation and Smartphone Nation topping bestseller lists, many Canadians are reflecting on how technology shapes us. (I highly recommend both these books)

Naturally, this curiosity extended to my coaching lens and sparked me to ask: How are phones impacting today’s athletes — not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and socially?

Yes, we know blue light affects sleep — and sleep is essential for recovery and performance. But what about attention spans? Communication? The ability to retain and apply feedback?

At a keynote I attended this past January, Larissa Mills from the Mental Game Academy shared research showing that excessive screen time is linked to reduced decision-making speed in competition, decreased focus, and weakened social connection — all of which directly impact performance and team dynamics.

So this season, I’m implementing a new rule: Device-Free Pool Deck. When athletes arrive on deck, their phones will stay in their bags. The only exception? Whoever is DJ that day — because pre-practice music is a non-negotiable.

The goal isn’t to criticize device use, but to create a space where athletes are more present, connected, and prepared. A moment to unplug from the outside world and plug into their team, their warm-up routine, and their goals. And yes — I’ll be following this rule too! Leading by example matters. If I expect athletes to put their devices away, mine will stay tucked away as well.

Of course, as with any team guideline, there’s room for flexibility. Important family calls, emergencies, or, let’s be real, if the Oilers are in the playoffs and we need score updates. While this new approach may face some bumps and learning along the way, the focus is progress, not perfection.

3. Two-Way Expectations

This summer, while recording a podcast episode with Ryan Virtue from the Positive Coaching Alliance, together with my co-host Mathieu Constantin we explored many aspects of coaching — including one insight that really stuck with me.

Ryan emphasized the idea of two-way expectations. As coaches, we’re great at communicating our expectations for athletes and families at the start of the season. But how often do we ask them about their expectations for us?

So this year, I’m trying something new.

At our start-of-season meeting, I’ll be handing out two take-home activities — one for athletes and one for their caregivers. The questions are slightly different, but both are designed to spark reflection, alignment, and meaningful dialogue at home.

Athlete Form

Why do you play water polo? (3 reasons)
What are your water polo goals this season? (3 goals)
What is one non-water polo goal you have for this year?
What expectations do you have of your coaches this season? (3 expectations)
Based on your goals, what practice attendance do you commit to? ( ____ %)

Caregiver Form

Why do you register your child in sport? (3 reasons)
What goals do you have for your athlete this season? (3 goals)
What expectations do you have of the coaches this season? (3 expectations)

These forms are meant to do more than just collect information — they’re conversation starters. If an athlete’s “why” doesn’t match their parent’s, that’s a cue for a deeper conversation. If expectations between families and coaches don’t align, it’s better to identify and address that early than to have it escalate throughout the season.

For the athletes, that last question about practice attendance ties back to the above discussion about internal discipline. When athletes set their own commitment — based on their goals — they’re more likely to own it. It’s no longer about following the coach’s rule, it’s about staying true to their own standards.

Final Thoughts

As coaches, we’re always evolving — with every conversation, book, podcast, and season. I hope to be a better coach this year than I was in the past, and that requires openness, honest reflection, and a willingness to grow.

Thanks for taking the time to read these insights. I’d love to hear what new ideas, practices, or shifts you’re bringing into the season ahead. Let’s keep learning — and coaching — together.

Wishing you all the best this season. Let’s make it a great one.