As a parent when your child decides that she or he wants to join a
sports team, you are naturally delighted that they want to engage in
sport and appreciate all the benefits that being part of a team can
bring them. But, as with any organization that takes responsibility for
your child and their welfare, you want to be sure that individuals who
lead it will be good role models for your child. So, what are some of
the signs of a good youth coach? Wayne Preno, a youth coach and child
care provider through his Bright and Early Daycare and Preschool
businesses in Pennsylvania shares some of the characteristics of a good
youth coach.
1. A good coach is patient under pressure, and doesn’t lose his or her cool
2. They command respect and lead by example, teaching fairness and good sportsman-like behavior
3. They take health and safety responsibilities seriously but sensibly
4. They set clear but realistic and age appropriate expectations
5. They support children developing to be the best that they can in a fun environment.
Underlying all of those is the ability of the coach to communicate clearly and effectively to the children and the parents. There will inevitable be drama, injury, disagreements and upsets along the sporting journey. The highs of winning, and the lows of losing.
A good youth coach can handle all of these different challenges and more motivating, encouraging and supporting through it all, enabling your child to grow and learn some amazing life skills along the way.
Wayne Preno played basketball, baseball and soccer from Junior High and through University, and then moved to coach in his spare time around family and business commitments.
1. A good coach is patient under pressure, and doesn’t lose his or her cool
2. They command respect and lead by example, teaching fairness and good sportsman-like behavior
3. They take health and safety responsibilities seriously but sensibly
4. They set clear but realistic and age appropriate expectations
5. They support children developing to be the best that they can in a fun environment.
Underlying all of those is the ability of the coach to communicate clearly and effectively to the children and the parents. There will inevitable be drama, injury, disagreements and upsets along the sporting journey. The highs of winning, and the lows of losing.
A good youth coach can handle all of these different challenges and more motivating, encouraging and supporting through it all, enabling your child to grow and learn some amazing life skills along the way.
Wayne Preno played basketball, baseball and soccer from Junior High and through University, and then moved to coach in his spare time around family and business commitments.
