Jan 21, 2016
What is it?
Competing With Character is a youth sports enhancement program
It revolves around a series of “skills” for players, coaches and parents
Sports should not only be competitive and fun but stress sportsmanship, character development and life skills
You tell me
Benefits of Youth Sports
You tell me Have Fun Learn to work as a team Learn to win/lose Learn skills for life
What’s Wrong with Youth Sports?
You tell me Out of Control Behavior Too Many Games/Not enough
Practice Not fun for kids
You tell me
Survey Says…
41 million boys and girls participate in organized youth sports (Source: National Council of
Youth Sports)
More than 70% of the boys and girls who begin playing organized sports in elementary school will have quit by high school (Source: The Institute for the Study of Youth
Sports at Michigan State University)
Survey Says
Only 3% of athletes make the jump from high school basketball to the collegiate level (Source: NCAA)
1.8% of the 7 million boys and girls who play high school sports will receive any type of financial aid to play sports in college (Source: The Citizenship Through Sport
Alliance)
We Should Try To…
Create an environment where character is a priority
Help coaches and parents make the game enjoyable for kids
Increase outward displays of sportsmanship by coaches, parents, and athletes
Teach important skills for adults and kids
We Should Try To…
Reduce the frustration of coaches Improve communication between
coaches, athletes, and parents Decrease bad sportsmanship and
bad behavior Do everything in our power to help
our organization be identified as one that is “Competing With Character”
The Question Is…
How?
The Answer Is…
Teach Skills
What are Skills?
A specific set of positive behaviors that become part of an individual’s routine
• Skills for Players• Skills for Coaches• Skills for Parents• Rules for Spectator
Conduct
Skills For Players
• Will be effective IF:
•Deemed important by the organization
•Taught by coaches
•Supported by parents
Skills For Players•Listen to your coaches•Follow coaches instructions•Accept coaching•Get along with your teammates•Have high energy•Respect your opponents•Be prepared for practice and games•Win with class and lose with dignity•Handle disappointment and adversity
appropriately•Respect facilities and equipment
Skills for Coaches
Will be effective IF:
•Deemed important by the organization
•Adhered to by coaches
“When adults behave like children, children do not learn how to
become adults.” Bruce Brown
Teach Kids Skills
Tips for success:
•Blend teaching skills into your practice plan
•Look for opportunities to teach and reinforce skills
•Teach, don’t preach
Praise And Compliment
Tips for success:
•Catch them being good
•Praise three times for every correction or criticism (3-to-1 rule)
•Make connections between appropriate behavior and desired outcomes
Correct Misbehavior
Tips for success:
•Set and stick to your tolerance levels
•Address misbehavior right away, teach to it
•Give consequences when necessary
Be Organized
Tips for success:
•Have a practice plan
•Keep players busy and reduce idle time
•Set and work toward goals
Have High Energy
Tips for success:
•Motivate yourself
• Interact with players
•Be physically active
Model
Tips for success:
•Dress like a coach
•Never use foul language
•Use proper conduct with players, opponents, and officials
Communicate With Parents
Tips for success:
•Let parents know your rules and expectations ahead of time
•Notify parents of changes or concerns
•Be empathetic
Understand The Big Picture
Tips for success:
•Teach life skills through sport
•Emphasize competing, not defeating
•Have fun
Skills For Parents
• Have your child be on time with proper equipment
• Support the coaches• Voice concerns appropriately• Praise and compliment your child rather than
criticize• Model appropriate behavior at athletic contests• Emphasize effort and enjoyment over winning• Problem-solve issues your child has with
coaches
Rules for Spectator Conduct
• Welcome the opposing team’s fans, coaches and players
• Cheer FOR your team, not against your opponent
• Respect all officials, players and coaches
• Applaud all good plays
• Never use foul language or ridicule participants
• Respect the facilities and pick up your trash
• Keep games fun and enjoyable
Food For Thought
• Limit conditioning• Stress fundamentals• Utilize all kids• Gain knowledge of the game• Do whatever you have to in order for the
kids to have fun
Never underestimate the impact you have on kids!
Books by Kevin Kush available on www.boystownpress.org
For more information visit:www.boystown.orgwww.boystownpress.orgOr Call: 1.800.545.5771
A resource for children and adults: