It's not just on the field or in the locker room where coaches are called upon to take charge and make difficult decisions.

And if anyone needed a reminder that coaching is hard work, at Wednesday's All District Coaches Meeting held at Mexico High School, topics of study included prevention of bullying, state requirements, as well as the dos and don'ts related to concussion.

The rules around suspected concussion are both lengthy and sobering. So MHS activities director Brandon Shafer started the session with a motivational program.

Yes, coaches took in the kind of locker room pep talk they are accustomed to giving.

It was Shafer's way to introduce his expectations, as well as those of the schools and district -- and more importantly the student-athletes and parents.

"You need to connect first, coach second," Shafer told the assembly, which included every head and assistant coach of sports and activities for the high school and middle school. Their purpose, he added, is a collective one: to motivate students to be successful in the world.

"We all need to be together," he said. "They are counting on you to show up as your best self."

Coaches are versed in motivational shorthand. Phrases such as "show up as your best self" need no further explanation. For those who don't blow a whistle, it involves "filling your bucket."

In other words, Shafer urged them to take care of themselves. Don't allow coaching to detract from your personal objectives, family, teaching or other job. Unless a coach is personally fulfilled, he or she can't bring their best to their craft.

"We are coaches, but on top of that we are teachers first," said Haley Shafer, Mexico's girls varsity soccer coach, who pointed out that they need such a rally moment. "This is an exciting time of year."

Another message, applied in the same meaningful jargon, is to "be where your feet are."

Essentially this means to focus on the moment. Giving full attention not just to the situation in the game or speech or Quiz Bowl, but also to the people involved -- on and off the field of play.

Coaches, Brandon Shafer observed, are called to serve, to care about others. Paying attention makes the other person understand they are important.

Mexico offers eight sports in the fall, including the eSports team. In addition there is a cheer team, musical programs, speech and theater and academic competitions. The coaches involved in each have a lot to focus on.

"If you're a highly motivated person you motivate yourself," said varsity wrestling coach Gayle Adams. "But you have to make sure you bring your A game."

Following the pep talk, the meeting turned to the details that make coaching both difficult and important to the community. While contact sports have endorsed concussion protocols, for example, it became clear that knowing the signs and symptoms of the injury were important, even for someone coaching extemporaneous speaking.

After all, a large percentage of concussions are caused by falls or accidents outside of school.

Not surprisingly, there was a slogan to help coaches know what to do if they spotted possible concussed behavior. "When in doubt, sit them out."

"We're all serving the kids," Shafer said.