Below are several traits of successful youth sports coaches:
- Impartial: Participating in youth sports is hugely beneficial to children, but many adults become overbearing in youth organizations and may swear during meetings or cheat so their child is favored. Great youth coaches are capable of managing sideline behavior by adults and keeping parents in check so kids can enjoy their experience.
- Supportive: Youth coaches aren’t meant to parent children. Rather, they should support the values and rules that parents have determined as important foundations for their kids. Further, they are supportive of each child’s goals and dedicated to helping kids meet these goals.
- Good communicators: Although youth coaches must give certain instructions and information to their team, they must also be capable of listening to each individual. An essential part of communicating, listening helps coaches guide players as they improve their sports and general skills.
- Committed to safety: Many sports have an inherent risk of injury, but that doesn’t mean kids should avoid playing. Instead, parents must be sure that the coach is committed to keeping their team safe by being trained in basic safety concepts, such as first aid, and child development.