What are some of the basics in coaching philosophy?

Thousands of professionals and volunteers across the world find coaching to be a fulfilling way to teach the youth many important lessons about life. Coaches have a strong influence on athletes and have an opportunity to teach them teamwork, respect for authority, dealing with failure and good citizenship. As such, coaching youth is a major responsibility. Players often see coaches as role models, and as such you as a coach must conduct yourself along the highest ethical standards.

Whether consciously or subconsciously, players can sense a coach who only cares about winning. They will either fail to respect that man or woman, leading to a loss of enjoyment for a sport and possible withdrawal from the activity, or they will emulate the behavior of the coach.

You must do what you can to conduct yourself in such a manner that the players see that winning is not the only goal associated with sports. There are some coaches who would cheat to win a championship. Others would risk the safety of a player to be victorious. You cannot be that coach who must “win at all costs.”

Players need to know that you have expectations for them beyond the playing field, such as academics, citizenship and sportsmanship. Do not allow a player who is skipping school, breaking rules or being disrespectful to be rewarded with playing time. Instead, do what you can to help them through their struggles. You can have great influence on them in teaching that sports are merely a pastime and an outlet. The majority of athletes will not have the opportunity to play sports at a level above high school. Sports are simply a way to allow them to focus their energy, while learning to work together. Through sports they can learn to be productive in school and life.

They must know what behavior is acceptable, and it starts with you. Begin by setting standards for yourself. Remember that coaching is not about you and it is not solely about winning. Athletics at this stage of life is about keeping them in peak physical shape and teaching them how to translate lessons learned on the field into success in life. Resolve to always be honest with the children, officials and opponents. Treat the children and their parents with the respect they deserve.

Keep in mind that all the players have invested time, energy and money into playing this sport. That includes the players who may not be as talented as others. Do not force a child to languish on the bench, especially at the younger ages. Avoid confronting the children about failures, especially in public. Remember that one of the most important things they can learn from sports is how to overcome setbacks.

Always ensure that you do not engage in unacceptable activities with your players. Do not drink alcohol or use drugs around them. Do not engage in inappropriate physical contact. Do not encourage them to harm themselves in order to gain a physical edge, such as the use of performance-enhancing drugs. If a player is injured, make sure he gets the proper rest and care that he needs.

As a youth coach, you can have great impact on the lives of your players. Always be a positive example for them by acting responsibly. You will find ethical behavior to be far more rewarding than superficial success. Should you still manage to claim victory on the field, it will mean far more to you if you have done it the right way.