Coaches Resources
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Understanding How Your League Operates
Youth sports programs vary from community to community all around the country – from the operations rules to the type of league itself. The basics of most games are the same for the most part but each league tweaks or modifies the rules to fit the needs of the community. Some programs stick to official rules of sports as closely as gum sticks to a shoe, but the majority of youth programs make alterations to tailor to the age and experience level of the kids. A big part of your job as coach is to understand the league you work in and to be able to communicate the rules of the league to players and parents. Some factors to consider are league rules, rainout policies, rescheduling issues, practice time, and the competitiveness of the league
- National Alliance for Youth Sports |
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Coaching Responsibilities*
- Provide a safe physical environment: This means check your equipment on a regularly scheduled basis! You as a coach will need to make your player's safety a priority. Check out the program tools under equipment checklists. In addition, you will need to explain to players and their parents the inherent risks involved with contact sports such as bumps, bruises and fatigue. Communicate in a positive way: Remember to keep it positive. There are many groups that will need your clear and concise communication. Always show that the players interest are number one in your plans.
- Teach the fundamental skills: Fun is the key! Strive to make each practice just as fun as it is productive in a learning environment for everyone.
- Teach the rules of the game/sport: Rules can be introduced as soon as the first practice. Be sure to incorporate these rules in each practice and build on what has been learned.
- Direct players in competition: Focus should be fun, not winning. Competition should teach sportsmanship, improving skills, and the importance of playing within the rules.
- Help your players become fit and value fitness for a lifetime: This is an opportunity to build character and values that your players will carry with them throughout their life. Teach them the value of fitness and make it fun to get fit.
- Help young people develop character: Character development will last a lifetime long after keeping score and throwing a football. You are in the forefront for developing intangible qualities.
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National Youth Sports Coaches Association
Coaches may choose to participate in the National Youth Sports Coaches Association training clinics using the NYSCA online instruction. This program allows coaches to access the same training as on-site participants from their home or office PC. |
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Prevention
- Concussion in Youth Sports
- Protecting Children from Dehydration and Heat Illness
- Tips for Preventing Dehydration in Children
- Keep Germs Away
- Encourage coaches and parents to remind young athletes about healthy habits like frequently washing their hands and covering sneezes and coughs by using their arms rather than their hands
- Do not share drinks, including water bottles, etc.
- Keep hand sanitizer and wipes readily available at practices and games for team use.
- At the end of a game, encourage every player to use hand sanitizer/wipes before they engage in the post-game handshakes.
- Wash uniforms, equipment, and any other gear that is shared after practices and games
- Encourage parents to keep players home when they are not feeling well or have flu-like symptoms.
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Volunteer Coaches Wanted!
Hollywood, McClellanville, and Johns Island need volunteer coaches so that the youth of our community can be provided the opportunity to play youth sports in a safe, healthy, and positive environment. Experience is a plus, but not required! If you are interested, please click on the volunteer application link below to apply. Call the location of your interest below to drop off or mail in your Volunteer Application. |
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| * From Coaching Youth Football/American Sport Education Program, 4th Edition (p.2-4), 2005. Copyright Human Kinetics, Inc. |
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