No one should coach unless he or she is familiar with and can implement "The Bill of Rights for Young Athletes." It serves as an excellent guideline for youth program coaches. Many of these rights should also be observed by coaches of high school and older players.
The Bill of Rights for Young Athletes
- Right of the opportunity to participate in sports regardless of ability level.
- Right to participate at a level that is commensurate with each child's development level.
- Right to have qualified adult leadership.
- Right to participate in safe, healthy environments.
- Right of each child to share in the leadership and decision making of their sport participation.
- Right to play as a child and not as an adult.
- Right to proper preparation for participation in the sport.
- Right to equal opportunity to strive for success.
- Right to be treated with dignity by all involved.
- Right to have fun through sport.
Most neighborhood, church, and community teams rely heavily upon volunteers to coach teams of young people. Little League Baseball, PAL, Pop Warner Football, YMCA, YMHA, YWCA, CYO, Optimist Youth Athletic programs, American
Legion Baseball, youth soccer leagues, and many similar groups could not serve the millions of players they do without the free services of many coaches. While some receive a salary, usually it is very little when the amount of time is considered. Yet, while the income may be none or little, the responsibility remains great-most often it is here that children receive their first experience with organized sports.
In recent years, it has become fashionable to criticize the abuses and mistakes of volunteer coaches. While some of this is clearly justified-a few coaches have overemphasized winning and underemphasized development of players and have poor practice organization-the vast majority of volunteer coaches make a substantial contribution.
Acting as a volunteer coach can serve as an enjoyable outlet while you benefit others. Unfortunately, many people take on the job with little information about the role and only superficial knowledge of the sport. In some cases, awkward situations and legal problems have occurred because of improper handling of behavior problems or an injury.
It is extremely important for any coach working with youngsters to prepare for the assignment. Experienced coaches realize that youngsters notice how a coach dresses and talks, handles emotion, uses fair standards, and knows the rules of the sport. They also understand that coaches can be held liable for any physical harm incurred by players in their charge.
Coaching is basically teaching, and good coaches build not only good athletes, but also good citizens.
Preparing to Coach
If you're planning a career as a coach, the time to begin is now. The following abilities have been listed by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance as necessary for the prospective coach. In preparing for your career, try to develop the following qualities:
- An understanding of the relationship of the interscholastic program and the particular sport you are coaching to the total education program
- A knowledge of first aid and the safety practices and techniques pertinent to the sport you are coaching
- An understanding of the possibilities of legal liability as well as sound practices and preventive measures
- A thorough knowledge and understanding of the biological, social, moral, emotional, and spiritual values that may accrue from the activity and the best methods of bringing about these desirable outcomes
- A knowledge of the most acceptable principles of growth and development and their implications for the sport
- An understanding of the basic principles in the care and prevention of injuries, together with an understanding of the proper relationship of the coach to the school or team physician
- An understanding of the best methods of developing and conditioning members of athletic squads
- The ability to speak in public to bring credit to the profession and the school and to more effectively inform the public of the educational possibilities of the sport
- An understanding of the basic psychological principles of motivation, stress, play, and group interaction
- A thorough knowledge of the fundamentals, offenses, defenses, strategies, and teaching methods involved in a particular sport (including squad organization, coaching techniques, and sound motivational procedures)
- A knowledge and sense of responsibility for local, state, and national rules