With extreme competitive youth sports today we are finding more unqualified youth coaches. As I sit at my sons 6 year old basketball game and watch the opponent’s coach scream and use foul language on the court, I could think of nothing more than wanting to get up and escort this man out the building myself. Then we move on to my 5th and 6th grade boys playing tackle football for school. These are not hired coaches they are volunteer dad coaches. Some who are only volunteering just to guarantee their kid a spot on the starter team. These coaches are coaching these boys like they are in high school and not like they are 9-11 year old boys. They use language and scream at the kids but these coaches (dads) cannot comprehend that these boys are too young to take this type of coaching as anything useful or positive. These coaches truly believe they are coaching an NFL team (and their child is the next star). Maybe it is these coaches who need to be coached first before stepping on a field in front of a group of young men.
So I would like to review what makes a good athletic coach:
Sincere Feedback: Sincere positive feedback and rewarding statements
Safety: Safe environment
Experience: Experience coaching the AGE GROUP they are coaching
Motivation: Knows how to motivate players and WHEN to give a pep talk
Communication: Can communicate clearly with players AND model good behavior
Patience: Is Patient and understands that some my take longer to grasp
Knowledge of the Sport: Understands rules and tactics – to help players improve
Discipline: Is a role model AND keeps players motivated
Fairness: Treats all players fairly and with respect
Positive Attitude: Enthusiastic and genuine
So with that said, before you sign up to volunteer to coach a youth sport take a good look at yourself and if you do not have these qualifications then you would be better off sitting on the sidelines. Kids have a hard enough time in this world growing up today. They do not need a “role model” that is putting them down and crushing their hopes and motivation.
To all the parents out there, if your child is on a sports team that is coached by an unprofessional coach or a coach that should not be called a coach please speak up. We have too many adults out there taking the fun and experience away from our kids. Stick together and fight for our kids!