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!

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