Quick Tips - getting started as a new youth coach

A. Get the Rule Book
B. Get the league practice and game schedules
C. Have a Parent Meeting

 

Get the Rule Book:
Even if you’re a fan of basketball, baseball, and/or soccer, and believe you know and understand the game, get the rule book from the league when you accept a youth coaching position. Youth sports often have different rules than High School, College, or Pro leagues. The rules will change by age group and division.

Get the league practice and game schedules:
You may have some latitude in scheduling practices but there will be scheduled times when you are scheduled to practice on the playing field or court. You often have to ask for the practice schedule. It is up to you, your team, and the parents if you want to have practices over and above the practices scheduled by the league. If you do, you’re usually on your own to find an open facility or park.

Have a Parent Meeting before the season starts:
Parent meetings are important is establishing the rules and behavior expectations for the season. This is the time when you pass out practice and game schedules, solicit volunteers, and ask the parents if there is anything special you need to know about their kids – Attention Deficit Disorder; Asthma; Allergies; Needs Glasses; etc…

Volunteers Needed:
1. Team Mom or Dad - the person who coordinates collections on fundraisers, concession stand, team pictures, game day snack assignments, etc.
2. Score/Stats Keepers – people who may not want to help coach but who come to the games can keep score and maintain stats for you in the stands.
3. Coaching Assistants

Discuss you objectives for the season. For example:
1. Develop the skills required to play the game
2. To have fun
3. Teamwork and sportsmanship
4. Give positive reinforcement based on effort rather than results

Describe your expectations of the parents. For example:
1. Be on time for practices and games
2. Volunteer when your schedule allows
3. Get involved and help your child work on their skills at home.
4. Encourage good sportsmanship. Be an example by showing positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game and practice. Please cheer for your child during games, but try to keep from yelling instructions to them. Much of the fun is lost if their Mom or Dad is always yelling instructions.
5. Let me know if you, or your child, have a problem with me or something that is happening. Problems can be fixed very easily if I know about them.