Ric Charlesworth has been a central player on the global stage of hockey for decades, as a player and then coach, and no-one epitomises Australian sporting aspirations better than the feisty coach. But, following the Kookaburra’s victory at the Hockey World Cup, Ric swiftly announced his retirement.
It was only right that the man who led both Australia’s men’s and women’s teams to Olympic and World Cup glory should go out on the highest possible note, and winning FIH’s Coach of the Year Award provided a fitting finale to Ric’s last season.
What were your feelings on receiving the FIH Coach of the Year Award?
RC: I am very proud to be recognised and for the team to be recognised. It is important that all my assistants and support people who played a role are also recognised. This is not only about the head coach.
Since your retirement from international hockey coaching what have you been doing?
RC: I plan to write another book (Ric is already a published author of a number of highly acclaimed books on coaching) and I have been able to spend more time at one and with my family. So far I haven’t relaxed enough, but I think it is slowly happening.
Will you remain part of the hockey coaching set up in the future, in an advisory/consultancy role?
RC: I only really see that happening at the junior level where I can help out and assist other coaches
When you look back, what has been the standout moment for you in your coaching career?
RC: Every day something new came along but I was very fortunate to be able to work with gifted players and we won a lot. Four World Cups, eight Champions Trophies, two Olympics and two Commonwealth Games, plus numerous other events. All in their time were special and I cannot differentiate.
And what has been the time of greatest disappointment?
RC: That’s easier. London 2012 in the semifinal, we led with about 10 minutes to play and let ourselves down. In 25 major games as a coach – and by that I mean World Cups, Champions Trophies, Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games – that was my only loss.
When you started out, you obviously had your own ideas and philosophies - did you find these ideas changed radically over time - if so, in what ways?
RC: There is, and was, continuous change and one’s philosophy and ideas are continuously being renovated, but I always wanted us to try and make the game and create goals. Interestingly, that made us very good defensively as we had the ball a lot and were good at getting it back when we lost it!
Do you have die hard rules that you live by as a hockey coach and that you would pass on to young, aspiring coaches?
RC: Be yourself and always insist on quality, don’t accept second best and always keep learning because there is constant change
What words would you use to sum up your time spent on the international hockey scene?
RC: It has been immensely satisfying to work with gifted and ambitious players and to face the challenges of competition at that level.
