The typical youth coach is an average everyday member of the community with a passion for the sport they’re coaching. Although these people are volunteers, there are still obligations and expectations for those who assume a leadership role among our youth. Parents also need to be reasonable with their expectations and do their part to create a healthy team culture.
As fall sports are starting to come to a close and we look forward to the winter season, I think it’s important to discuss the role of the youth coach. Whether it’s Tuesday football practice or Saturday Soccer tournaments, if you sit back and listen you can hear parents expressing frustration with coaches. Some of it may be justified, and some of it may be completely unreasonable.
Youth coaches should be mindful of the safety of all their athletes (This is especially important in contact and collision sports). They’re responsible for teaching the game to all players. Coaches should lead by example demonstrating good sportsmanship every practice, and every game. On the other hand, coaches are NOT obligated to play any child at any particular position or give them any particular role. They aren’t babysitters or disciplinarians, and they can’t force children to WANT to play!
Being Qualified to Coach
I can’t stress this enough: The playing ability and the personal sports' history of the individual who is coaching is irrelevant! Knowing how to play and knowing how to coach are two different skills. Anyone who takes on the responsibility of coaching children should be willing to learn the game and explore the best ways to teach it. This means going to coaching clinics, reading books, finding mentors, and whatever it takes to make sure that you are giving the kids who pay for your instruction, useful coaching. No one is above this. I’ve seen former pros make awful coaches, and I’ve seen parents who’ve never played before step in and win championships!
Coach Durell Burns Addressing his team after a tough playoff game
Yes, it's Cliche...Safety First!
First and foremost the coaches are responsible for the safety of their players. Some injuries are not preventable. Players are going to roll their ankles, pull their muscles, and even break bones. With all the risks being in play, it is important to make sure every activity a coach plans, is done so with safety in mind. Be aware of hazards on the playing field (rocks, potholes, sprinklers, etc). Only perform contact drills that actually translate to the sport. No player should be hurt practicing things they will never use in a game (Talking to you football coaches). Make sure players are paying attention when in harm's way, as kids are often injured from balls, equipment, and of course other kids.
Everybody Pays… Everybody Plays
Every player no matter size, speed, or strength has the reasonable expectation of being taught how to play. The coach is obligated to teach EVERYONE. Those of us who grew up in youth sports know how competitive they can be. Unfortunately, in the pursuit of championships and other accolades, some kids get left behind. Every player on the roster should have a role they practice at. With this setup, every player has something to strive for and a path to more playing time. Not one player should leave practice without receiving instruction. Every practice. A coach should know the strength and weaknesses of their players. Parents should have their athletes request evaluations early on, preferably within the first week of practice. This lets the coach know right away that you want to be better. Simply ask “Coach what do I need to get better at?” If they don’t have an answer for you right then, they'll probably have it after the next practice.
Check Yourself Coach
I don’t know how else to put it, but between games that I’ve attended in person, and things I've seen on the internet, I’ve witnessed some wild $h!T this football season. Coaches dancing with players after touchdowns, coaches yelling at kids from the other team, coaches attacking referees, and yes the most unfortunate situation in Dallas where a coach pulled out a gun and shot another coach. We have to do better! Coaches should be an example of sportsmanship at all times. It's up to us to show children what it is to respect the game and our opponents. None of us are perfect, but between those lines, we’re in charge and we need to lead by example. You can be passionate without disrespecting the other team. You can celebrate with your team without being insulting to the other coaches. You can dispute calls without being confrontational to referees. Move with respect and your players will respect you as well.
Parents, be Reasonable
In order to do this article responsibly, I have to also taper the expectations of parents. At the end of the day, when we discuss these coaches we are mostly talking about unpaid volunteers who mean well. Yes, they have responsibilities, but they are also human. And should be treated as such.
Everybody Plays, Everybody Doesn’t Get the Ball.
No Coach is obligated to play your child in the role or position YOU want them to play. The coach is empowered to fill the roster in the way they see fit. Most leagues have some sort of participation policy to keep coaches accountable for playing time. Nothing guarantees your daughter to be the point guard. Your coach should be able to explain exactly why you aren’t a good fit for that position, and it’s up to you to train to get better at it…in the off-season. As stated above every player should be given a role, make sure you work with your child on being the best they can be at their assigned role.
Your Child’s Behavior is YOUR Responsibility!
Coaches need to do their due diligence to make sure they are well-versed in the sports they coach. This does NOT include being a behavioral therapist. Poor Behavior and unwillingness to follow directions are not a reflection of poor coaching. Coaches usually get 5-10 hours a week with their team and rosters can hold anywhere from 10-30 kids. This doesn't give a coach much of a chance to retrain one kid with disciplinary issues at home and school. Please make sure that your child has the temperament for team sports and will not be a distraction to other children.
Coaches Can Make it Fun, But They Can’t Create Desire.
Youth coaches should be willing to work with kids of all skill levels, no doubt about it. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to coach a kid that doesn't want to play. Part of coaching is keeping your team motivated, but that’s different from creating interest in a kid that doesn’t want to play at all. Try your hardest to sign your children up in sports that they are willing to engage in and put the effort in. This is beneficial to their enjoyment, their safety, and the overall production of the team.
Good or Bad, Your Impact Will Last Forever!
I had some of the most fun times of my life playing youth sports. I made friends back then that I still communicate with presently. Coaches have not only set the foundation for my understanding and love for sports, but many of them still mentor me as I try to become a better coach, trainer, and father. Coaching is a privilege, a responsibility, and a whole lot of fun. Let’s make sure we’re giving the kids everything they signed up for. Just remember once you’re Coach, you’re always Coach!
Comments