Last week two Little League coaches in Florida got into an on-field brawl in plain view for everyone, leaving behind video is disturbing to watch. Sadly, fights at youth sporting events these days are nothing new, but it does prompt me to put out a few reminders to adults thinking about going into youth coaching that maybe shouldn’t.
Below are some of the reasons why adults should not go into coaching kids:
- Forget that the #1 reason kids play sports is to have fun
- Coach kids as though they are preparing them to eventually become pro athletes
- Place no value in being a role model to kids, but are instead only committing to trying to win
- Think sportsmanship is over-rated, and as a result do not value teaching it to kids
- Are not afraid to mouth off to officials, other coaches, fans, kids, and anyone else who gets in the way
- Believe that physical punishment, threats, insults, and belittling comments are the way to “break kids down” so that they will play their best
Sports can be a very emotional experience for people, and this is especially true for some coaches and sport parents. For this reason it is vitally important for adults to prepare for the ups and downs of a game, and to hold sportsmanship and respect for the game as priority #1 at all times. In addition to the risk for personal injury and arrest, there are countless more negative outcomes that occur when adults let their emotions get in the way at youth games, perhaps none more troubling than modeling irresponsible problem-solving and behaviors for vulnerable kids to witness firsthand.
There are no “do-overs” when it comes to violence at youth sports, and when you factor in things like crowd dynamics and small police presence at games (if any at all) you can see how what starts as a small argument between two adults can result in terrible consequences, including even death.
For more help with sports parenting and helping kids develop in healthy ways through sports check out The Parents Playbook or the Coach Tool Kit.
www.drstankovich.com
